Editor’s Note: You subscribers and regular readers may recall I wrote a piece asking the above question earlier this week. Today, John "Dawg" Chapman engages in an interesting discussion, but with an entirely different perspective, and an entirely different sidebar about one of the perceived advantages offered the three-time defending champ.
Check it out…
Let’s get this out of the way right now. The answer to the fix question is a resounding "NO."
One thing the "48" team does have going for them is an extremely friendly schedule. If they could pick their 10 best tracks, the Chase wouldn’t look too much different than it is now. Of Jimmie Johnson’s ten best, seven are Chase tracks. This is like having the home field advantage.
I used to be a runner. I kept a log of every training run and race that I ever ran. I could see myself building to a peak, being able to maintain it for a while, then falling back towards my average. The thing was, I never knew what brought on my performance peaks.
A world class runner, on the other hand, could peak for a big race. They might be beaten in their "tune-up" races by inferior runners. When the big race came, they would be exactly where they wanted to be. This is what the "48" team does so very well.To realize how important this is, just contrast the last two seasons between Johnson’s team, and that of Kyle Busch.
If you have read my other articles, you know that I’m no fan of the Chase. If we have to decide a champion based on 10 races, then it would seem to me that the mix of tracks should be a fair representation of all the tracks that make up the season.
As things stand now, five of the ten are of the so-called "Cookie Cutter" variety. The current line up is:
New Hampshire- a 1 1/2 mile flat track. Not a cookie cutter, but not known for great racing either. Dover- a 1 mile concrete high bank. Kansas- a 1 1/2 mile cookie cutter. Auto Club (California)- a 2 mile cookie cutter. Lowe’s (Charlotte)- a 1 1/2 mile cookie cutter. Martinsville- a 1/2 mile (.526) short track. Talladega- a 2.66 mile Super Speedway "plate track". Texas- a 1 1/2 mile cookie cutter. Phoenix- a 1 mile flat track. Homestead- a 1 1/2 mile cookie cutter.
With this line-up of tracks, Johnson’s average finish is 8.4. Come on, NASCAR, this is the line up that’s supposed to be able to go head-to-head with the NFL? Cookie cutter cars on cookie cutter tracks? About the only way this could be less interesting is if they threw in Indy and Chicago.
For the Chase format to have a chance to do what it was supposed to, it needs to be held on tracks that can provide good racing.
This would be my Chase line-up:
I’d open with the Bristol night race. Many fans are complaining that the CoT and the variable banking have ruined Bristol. It’s maybe changed the wreckfest that it used to be, but the actual racing is better than it’s ever been. Next up would be the Southern 500 from Darlington, back in it’s Labor Day weekend spot. After all, this is a Drivers Championship. Darlington is a "Driver’s track." The Chase needs it. Watkins Glen- as long as the championship is decided over ten races, road racing skills need to be a part of it.
Dover stays. The one mile high bank concrete deserves it’s spot.
Kansas, ditto. The Chase is going to have some "cookie cutter" tracks. At Kansas, the racing is decent, and with just one date, they can show T.V. shots of the stands without being embarrassed. Next up, Martinsville, or Richmond. You pick ‘em. I think I’d give the edge to Richmond, but either would work. Pocono- while the racing at Pocono is usually less than riveting, it’s so far removed from the cookie cutter tracks that I’d replace one with it. You just don’t see all that many three-legged gingerbread Men. On second thought, I’d probably bump it up a little earlier due to weather. Phoenix stays- the flat mile is tricky. Texas, like Kansas has the racing, and the fan support is good. Homestead-Miami- I suppose if you’re going to run until the middle of winter, then South Florida is as good as anyplace to end it. Not exactly a
ringing endorsement, but it’s about the best thing I can say about it. To me, this is a track that’s just never seemed to have found it’s footing.
I picked these tracks because I think they provide a better representation than is offered currently. If you are trying to go with the most interesting races, I suppose Talladega would be kept. The reason I didn’t, is that I feel it’s just too much of a wild card. It’s accepted to be the track with the least driver skill factor. As this is a Driver’s Championship, I just don’t feel it belongs.
One thing I did NOT do was try to pick tracks that didn’t favor Jimmie. With my line-up, his average finish is 10.4, vs. the 8.4 currently. I suspect if you let the eleven other Chasers pick the tracks, and they picked his ten worst, he’d still be about even money come September.
If you were to drop in at NASCAR headquarters, don’t expect to see the championship trophy. It’s already been sent out to be engraved.
Yes- they’re just that good.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Um….
NHMS is a ONE MILE track!
Miami-Homestead is NOT a cookie cutter mile and a half. It is a true oval that drives totally different than any other speedway in all of NASCAR.
Miami is nothing like Charlotte, Chicago, Kansas, Texas or the worst track in NASCAR, California.
Well..I guess I choose to wait and see..hopefully there will be a few twists and turns to at least make the rest of the races interesting. If not..there’s always next year! I must admit I have never been a JJ fan…before, during, or after any of his championships. As much as the media and NASCAR has tried to warm the fans up to him, tout his driving abilities, and just push him in our faces…I just am not there. Obviously he has fans..but..for an almost four time champion something is lacking..and I almost feel guilty..sad for him…and I just can’t put my finger on it.
Nice ! Engrave the trophy now, spare us all the “excitement”
Jimmy wins another one ! Such a surprise !
And they wonder why they race in front of tens of thousands of empty seats ? Try keeping it real, try keeping the same set of rules for ONE season, let alone one RACE !
Try bringing back the name, and brand “Winston”. Whether ya smoke or not, it hasn’t been the same since they took the name “Winston” off the cup. Too many changes, too many knee jerk reactions, too many price hikes, and way too much greed.
NASCAR has no-one to blame but ITSELF.
So now they scramble to create gimmicks to fill seats,……..how’s that one workin’ for ya ?
I keep seeing negative articles on NEW HAMPSHIRE, but in the WORST of weather, WHO is it that consistently SELLS OUT the joint, no questions asked ? NEW HAMPSHIRE, that’s who.
Take your C.O.T., and shove it. Bring REAL racing back, KEEP IT REAL, ( you think we don’t KNOW ? ) and fans will come back……
Rusty Wallace did the RIGHT thing, and got the Hell out, before it all went down hill. It ain’t been the same since.
Sometimes the truth hurts, fellas.
@ Perry
Um…..My Bad I confused Km, with feet when I looked at the stats. That pesky Metric system bites me again.
As for Homestead, my eyes are usually glazed over by then.
@josie
You have plenty of company. I blame the sponsors for turning most of the drivers into “one size fits all” spokesmen. The only real difference is the hat they wear.
If you look at pictures of many of the early stars. No amount of polishing could have made them acceptable to Madison Avenue. They were just “Good Ole’ Boys.” I understant that the sport needs the corporate $$, but today, the tail is wagging the dog.
There’s still Talladega, It usually provides the “twist” you’re looking for.
@ Tom
Don’t forget, At the British Open, a few years ago. The Frenchman had something like a 4 shot lead with 2 holes to play. They actually WERE engraving the trophy. When he hit into the creek, & elected to try to play it out. He lost his lead, lost the playoff, & the rest is history.
You are correct about the fan support for NH. I’m not advocating taking a race from them. I’m just not convinced, based on the racing. That it needs to be in the chase.
i LIKE YOUR LINE UP BUT LETS THROW IN A WILD CARD, MAYBE A TRACK THAT THE CUP CARS DON’T RUN ON(DIRT TRACK?) MAYBE MILWALKEE OR WOW WHAT ABOUT WINDCHESTER IN. OR SALAM IN. OK MAYBE THATS TOO FAR FETCHED BUT WOULDN’T ELDORA BE FUN……JUST THINKIN
Joe,
You’re preaching to the choir here. I’ve suggested, (tongue in cheek) that they dump dirt, maybe including a shovel full from Gilmore, & Ascot, On California. I’m not sure that a 2 mi. dirt track has been done, but they shouldn’t have trouble selling tickets. My Credit Card is waiting.
Seriously, I’d love to see NASCAR bring in some temp. stands, & run an exhibition on the Springfield mile. It’s a neat, & very historic dirt track.
I almost included my “Wild Card” in the article, but I was trying to keep it somewhat real.
But being as you opened the door……Mine would be Rockingham! With a Cup date Andy could make the improvements it needs. Now if Brian really meant what he said about getting back to the roots, what better way?
Yeah…you know, right after I sent the comment I thought…………Springfield, Syracuse Mile, or Terre Haute. But I guess Rockingham would be more likely. The Nashville Fairgrounds not the new track but the old Fairgrounds would be fun too.
I would like to see the schedule repaired to show some racing and not the same ole’ points racing bullcrap that we have had for the last month and a half because there is no racing and this is getting boring very quickly!!! How about this, after the 1st 7 races in the chase re-align the points one more time, eliminate the worst 6 drivers and make it a 3 race shootout like the nhra does instead of the same ole’ dog and pony show we’re getting shoved down our throats now!!! But, alas we have the wonderful Brian {I’m going to rule nascar or ruin it one} France and his cronies to decide what we want to see weather we really like it or not!!! And just a side note, the joke that was the anouncement of the inducties into the hall of fame, just who in the free world thought that both Frances wouldn’t get in?? I knew as soon as I saw who was spearheading the vote that they would both be in and France Jr. had nothing to do with Nascar’s sucess but once again the fans voice had no meaning as he was not in the top 5 fan vote nor should he have been!! He basically took a drivers spot as did his dad because and seeing how they just self annoint themselves for these positions why didn’t they just put them in there to start with as they did anyway and leave the voting spots open for the drivers who have “truly” driven the sport??? This isn’t going to change as there will only be 5 votes a year without taking into consideration the different areas that individuals should be voted in for there will be a multitude of drivers, crewchiefs and even great owners who will be overlooked to put people like Rick “the criminal” Hendrick, Jeff ” butt lover” Gordon and Jimmy “the love of Gordon’s life” Johnson in just as soon as possible!! If they were truly trying to simulate the baseball hall of fame people like Hendrick would never be inducted because of his criminal record nor would the the rest of his cheater teams either but like I said, its Brian’s ball and if you don’t like it he will take his ball and go home {and nobody makes a better bed to sleep in with than Hendrick}!!! The true greats of this sport are all rolling over in their graves with the crap he’s done and is going to do to nascar and it won’t be to much longer until they can officially change their name to “HENDRICK-CAR”!!! So sad to see the sport I’ve loved all my life emasculated this way!!!!!!
Get a grip Tim,
You’re going to be hard to live with next year. When Brian, & Lisa, are inducted.
Just kidding.
I hope!
“Tim”
SPOT ON, PERFECTLY SAID, in every way, ( well, just about every way )………….
The fans ? WHAT FANS ? ( again, very well put by yourself )
They THINK we’re stupid, un-educated dumbasses, who run corn liquor through the woods in the new MILLENIUM !
Well, maybe to a small extent, but they’re not fooling this cat one bit, and people like us who’ve been around this “sport” for thirty years or so aren’t being fooled, either.
There is so much WRONG with NASACAR at present, VITALIS couldn’t fix it. I would have sworn money, when Robin Pemberton took his role with the “big boys”, he would have made a HUGE impact on the way things are done. Oh, how wrong I was. So, what does that tell us ? It tells us exactly WHO is running the show. ( like we didn’t know, right ? )……………
They don’t need to bribe me with gimmicks, to come back to racing. Just gimme my damn racing the way it ought to be, tell the Hendrick’s to SHOVE IT, and deal with the rules the same way the Robbie Gordon’s, Elliott Sadler’s, Kurt Bush’s, and Kasey Kahne’s of today HAVE to stick to them. They ain’t shoving NUTHIN’ down my throat about somebody NOT having an advantage, either. How many friggin poles does precious Jimmy have to win at “Lowe’s” , before they THINK we might be catching on ? Jee-Zuss !……………
Dale Sr. would role over in his grave right now, ( sorry Dale) if he knew how this sport of our was being controlled/ruined today.
Rusty got the Hell out, that right there oughtta tell you enough, as Rusty is one of the smartest in the sport, period.
This game of making Mark Martin a pseudo hero at whatever age he is is sickening. I thought he got a year long retirement party with Rusty ? SOB spoiled what should have been something VERY special for Wallace, too, but does anyone wanna entertain THAT thought ? Hell no, it’s in the past.
Shove Hendrick down our throats some more, while the true talent in a driver lies within the #18, whether anyone wants to admit it or not. That kid is a friggin WIZARD with a race car, but NO !, It’s another Jimmy, Mark, and Jeffie “thrilling” finish…….
GIMME A BREAK, nice job, Tim, hope to meet ya in Loudon next summer !
I agree about Kyle being a wiz behind the wheel, but somebody at Nascar…opps Hendrick-car told Joe Gibbs to put a leash on his boy and that this would not be a good year for him to make the chase or screw with the chase either as you can see he’s not been running to well as of late…..It must really suck to be told “If you go out there and race them chase boys…ahem Hendrick boys…. we’ll park you for the rest of the season!!! The only real problem I have with Kyle is his act which is wearing thin!!! He’s a damn good driver, and he can basically drive the wheels of most anything they put him in but it may be all for naught as long as Hendrick-car is in charge….why do you think Hendrick got rid of him in the first place…..he found out what was really going on over there at “Butt Love Incorporated” and how things were going to be when the chips were down…….kinda’ like what Jr has found out the hard way and there ain’t a damn thing he can do about it either or at least for 3 more years, to bad Hendrick will have added to his fortune sucking off of Jr’s popularity!! Maybe he will still be popular with his remaining fans {if his trailer at Charlotte is any indication, it will only be about 10 people!!} Ain’t nothing wrong with Jr a little trip over to RCR would fix!! {if RCR hasn’t merged with E/G by then too} I can only hope that this latest Petty thing will work out because I am begining to think that He too is just playing the game with Nascar that is allowing the Hendricks jugernaut to just roll on!! I bleed Petty Blue every single day but I’m just about tired of bleeding at this point as I will no longer allow myself to be toyed with by the past success that I contribute not only to Petty himself but also the run he had with Mopar’s {of which part 3 is almost over and they cannot even wait till the end of the season to start running them damn fords….but thank god it’s not Toyota’s!!!} I can and will leave this sport without too much heartache at this point if nothing changes, but I will forever cherish the days gone by when “what won on Sunday, was actually sold on Monday” and when the King reigned over racing along with Pearson, Allison, Yarborough, Parsons, Waltrip, and a guy from Kanapolis who would take the King’s reign……if only for a little while!!!
Tim:
Again, very well said. Can you and I fix NASCAR ?
Kyle’s my guy, think or thin. He’ll mellow like Kurt did, I sure hope, as yes, he needs to learn to zip it, and walk away. It’ll come.
Jr: Worst mistake ever for him sigining with Hendrick, but it’s all too late for him now. I agree totally with the RCR thing, and hope he’s got enough left in him to do just that when the time comes.
Too much pressure on that kid to be his father, of which he is just not close to being. ( nobody is )
I don’t know if they keep backsliding like this, if th esport is gonna take a total tank job, or not. They cannot continue to race in empty grandstands, with corporate banners covering the seats to make it look good on tv.
i guess I gave up on this season bout’ halfway point, after about the 5th straight HENDRICK-CAR, ( love that, BTW ) “win”…….term being used loosely, of course.
I feel bad for the guys like Jeff Burton, who are damn good drivers, AND human beings, but everything these days is Jimmy or Midget Mark……….I’m done with it, and will NOT support it, especially on Sunday, with my Patriots on the tube !
John, I agree with most of what you said. The only thing I might change is (if they keep the Chase) if you want drama, make Talladega the last race of the season. I am not a JJ fan, but today I was reminded that he has 10 angels riding on the hood of his racecar since the plane crash 5 years ago that killed those Hendrick family members.