Before Brian France took over in 2003 ; Permanently ruining a once powerhouse motorsport. I knew something was up with that pot head. Glad he's out of the sport. Removing racing to the caution was the first strike Implementing the "chase" drew away the hardcore fans, basically opening the flood gates to diminishing ratings and attendance that we see today.
Tom Dalfonzo Agreed. Ratings began to decline (inconsistently but noticeably) around then. 2007 was when NASCAR fell off a cliff (of course a big factor was the abomination that was the COT that lead to the aero issues the current gen 6 car has) Stats don’t lie!
Lorenzo Bruno Bossio Totally agree. I also believe too much money came into the sport and over time this changed the culture. Much more common now for young drivers to be from a wealthy background with professional parents. You just don’t get the same characters and variety of personalities as back when it was more of a regional sport.
When I watch these old races I marvel at the driving talent it took to handle these cars. Kicking the left side tires off the apron on corner exit to help the rear turn >> good stuff #24ever
I was at this race. Had pit passes (still have the lanyard) and met Kevin Harvick his 1st year - asked him to sign my pit pass and he said sure, but neither of us had a pen (I told him all, good - have a great race). I actually was on TV for TNT just before the race and got to roll a bowling ball down the banking. Was supposed to meet Dale Earnhardt which I was a longtime fan. When everyone knew that Tony Stewart had the race they bailed out. (Tennessee fans didn't like him) I also saw Mike Skinner yell at a kid for asking to sign his autograph on the bumper that just got ripped of his car in the late accident. Kind of mean, but I can understand the frustration of crashing. VERY LOUD in pits for this one!
