After all the texts, phone calls, and e-mails yesterday over the Number 33 and the 1/16th of an inch that has so upset the world, I lay awake last night thinking of how all of that actually impacts me. The bottom line conclusion is that it has absolutely no impact on me directly, it's just another nail in that coffin of sealing my long enduring love of NASCAR racing. I'm already to the point of watching it when it is convenient and NOT making it a necessity. I haven't spent any money on anything NASCAR in a few years now, although there are two things I want right now, both very "retro" and coming to a combined total of less than $100.00. I guess, in reality, those two things aren't really NASCAR related when it comes to today's racing.
I am very fortunuate, through this site and Facebook, to communicate with several young men from the age of about 14 up to 22 who are either currently racing in some form or hoping to start very soon, and who have the ambition of competing in the top series someday. I know that dream. I wish each of these young men well and I will always encourage them to pursue their dreams, for it is through dreams that reality is possible.
I have written Blogs and Forums here about the glorious history of Stock Car Racing and my good fortune to have been a part of it over the years in many capacities. I have seen it born on the dirt tracks, nutured on the short asphalt tracks, going through puberty at Darlington, and coming into adulthood at Daytona, Charlotte, Atlanta, and others. I have seen it reach old age now with a growing dementia that forgets the basics that got it through the best part of its life. There are somedays when the sport experiences true Alzheimers symptons and reaches out for the old days, such as the Hall of Fame in Charlotte including many artifacts from the beginning. Today, NASCAR sits as the old person in the nursing home, staring blankly out the window into the growing shadows of an evening approaching, without fear of the dark because the darkness will only hide the world outside of which it is no longer an active part. The family it raised and which has tried to support it in its growing infirmity is tired now. The family is tired of being ignored, abused, and having its collective intelligence insulted day after day, week after week. There are some in the family now who vow they will not even return for the funeral. Sad. It is a very sad thing to lose something that has raised you from childhood but it's even sadder when that thing lives now only to abuse you.
So, as for who will win the Cup, my information is that the conclusion is already bought a paid for. The remaining nine races in "The Chase" are for the purpose of maintaining at least an appearance of propriety in the sport. Knowing the outcome removes some of the anticpation factor, but in the end, I have reached the conclusion that I really don't care any more. Thankfully, I have grandsons who play soccer on the weekends and the 7 year old usually has Sunday afternoon games. I only hope that grandson doesn't miss the goal by 1/16th of an inch Sunday. That would be 1/16 of an inch that would make a difference.
Tim
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What a change! It's been awhile since I've checked in and I'm quite surprised. It may take me awhile to figure it our but first look it's really great.
updated by @tim-leeming: 12/05/16 04:02:07PM
