Is there a "Magic Bullet" out there?

Another race, another round of boos. I enjoyed the Coke 600 this week but I had the luxury of watching from home. No long waits in the heat, no pay for parking, long lines to the restroom and no pushing and shoving. The coverage was OK once I tuned out the Waltrip Tag Team and just kindda heard the words and didnt listen to the egos doing the delivery. I have several co-workers and friends that were at the race and sent text messages during the race. The feeling was the same from all that contacted me, the race was boring, there was very little passing and less racing. It didnt seem to matter who their favorites were or where they sat, they all said it was a pitiful show. Several that sat in the Club Seats said they wouldnt go back to another race at Charlotte because the racing today stinks. Some are older; some are as young as their early 20s but said it was a terrible show.

One of my co-workers ask me this morning why the racing was so bad now, then he ask me what will it take to make the racing as good as it was in the past? This got me thinking as we continued to talk and he asks was there ONE thing that would make a difference and if so, what is it? We all know its not a ONE thing fix but I did consider the facts before I answered and this is my take.

If it was possible to make ONE change and I knew I had the support of all the suppliers, teams and manufactures I would go back to biasply tires. Sure Id like to get rid of the engineers and return the sport to the sharp crew chiefs, but I dont know how to get that genie back in the bottle at this point. The tires seem more of a possibility and would have a huge impact on the show in my opinion. I think it would allow driver talent to shine while tire degradation would ensure better racing and put more importance on race strategy and pit crew performance. I know its not a Magic Bullet but it seems to me to be the simplest way to see good racing again. Whats your thoughts?

Bumpertag in S. Carolina

Yes to bias ply tires.

BT, That is a well thought out piece and I have to agree that bias ply is a good move. As you said, there is no ONE answer tothe problem. I still watch all the film I can of the 50s, 60s and 70s. If you know where I can find a Super 8 bulb for a project and a regular 8 mm bulb for a projector, I have tons of home movies on those years.

You should consider transferring your film to DVD, a 7" reel which is about 7 to 9 small ones will cost you the same as a bulb and remember the breaking and chewing of the film??

Tim if you need the name of a person that transers 8mm to DVD in Lexington I can give it to you.

Its not cheap!

I think tossing the templates would be a good idea but only if every manufacture would have equally aero-numberedcars, that wont happen in this day and time. As much as I really hate the templates and the common template idea, I hated the crying in the past when one body was a little better than another and a 1/4" was taken from one and a 1/2" was given to another, all done under the premiss that it was good for the sport. Look what that has got us. I'm afraid the only true fix for the problems the sport finds itself in now would be to go back to the days of nearly stock and be more careful with the evolution of the sport. So much technology and advancement has occurred that NASCAR finds itself painted into the proverbial corner. Oh well, I still have great memories.

I understand and agree with you, thus the "Back to nearly stock" comment. Is it possible for NASCAR to back up from the ledge they are on? Can the so called thinkers in the main office willingly lighten their grip and release some control for the betterment of the sport? We all know the answer to these questions, but I truely wonder if these same people in Daytona really see the sport as I do? As you and many others do? At some point reality has to come into focus and big changes will have to be made.

Muti car teams dominate.

Aero has destroyed the racing.

Common templates remove brand recognition.

Engineers havecastrated the need for driver talent.

Money has cheapened the sport while making many rich.

Fans today are being deprived of honest to goodness NASCAR racing.

I'm a fan for life and I try hard to find enjoyment in every race. It has become a task at times.

I found a place to do it for 59.00 for a 7" reel