Think back to the beginning of this season. The prophets of doom were out in full force- some despairing, some in glee over NASCAR’s possible demise.
In spite of the economy, in spite of the struggles of its most popular driver, in spite of lower TV ratings, in spite of contraction among teams, NASCAR made it through. The sport even made it through two harrowing wrecks at Talladega, an embarrassing drug scandal involving a driver, and an apparent, growing unrest among its traditional fan base.
I, for one, was ready for the end of the 2009 season. By the time the circuit hit Fontana for the second Auto Club race of the season- it was becoming academic that Jimmie Johnson would win his fourth title, and not even a disastrous day at Texas wa really going to change that. But one week later, I’m ready to go again- eager to see what a new season holds in store.
Oh- things could be better. Things could be a lot better. For my part, the points system needs tweaking, the top 35 rule abolished and a little parity would be nice. As a football fan, I love how the Tennessee Titans can start a season Oh-and-6, and then reel off five wins in a row. I like how the Houston Texans can put the fear of God into the Indianapolis Colts, before Peyton Manning and Company pull out the win. I’m not for “Jimmie-proofing” anything. I just think anything that can be done and should be done. A car that can pass and avoiding well-intended, but wrong-headed edicts like the one handed down before the second Talladega race would be most helpful.
At least there seems to be some rumblings out there that NASCAR is looking at addressing the matter of the car. As Mustang Jackie opined yesterday, I am grateful that the “CoT” has done its part to keep drivers from getting seriously injured. You know, it wasn’t that many years ago, we lost a collection of drivers within just a few months. Let us also not forget the serious injuries to Ernie Irvan, or Kyle Petty breaking a leg. Still, you have to think there’s a way to have a safe car without compromising the quality of the product. The recent words from Brian France and Mike Helton at least offer a glimmer of hope that they’re not deaf to the concerns and complaints of the fans. Speaking or myself, I don’t expect perfection, just something demonstrating an effort to make things better. The double file re-starts and forthcoming consistent start times for races are good early steps in the right direction.
I know many of you unhappy with today’s NASCAR decry a perceived relentless pursuit by France and Co. for the almighty dollars right down to using “NA$CAR” or worse to describe the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. But remember this: declining revenues have a way of getting “the man’s” attention in a way all the screaming and yelling can’t. You’d be better believe if the bottom line is off, something will be done, something will at least be attempted to try to change it. Only a fool or madman fiddles while Rome burns. Say what you will about Brian France, but it’s a stretch to equate him with the emperor Nero. Pain- this of the financial variety- has a way of being a great agent for change.
With all the money spent on TV rights, you’d better believe there are network executives pondering the decline in ratings. Now what will be done to address it will be interesting to see. Again- the formula is simple: unhappy fans lead to declining ratings, declining ratings lead to fewer advertisers wanting to spend money on commercials in races on TV, which ultimately leads to a pain in the bottom line.
All may not have been perfect in 2009, but somehow we got through, and they even say there will be a 2010. What a concept! Things will be different, even if they’re only a little different. The world will go forward, we will be watching….
…..and there will be racing.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
“The world didn’t end in 2009…..”
Maybe not for everybody, but the world ended for NASCAR and Tiger Woods !
Both sports entities will have difficult times ahead, and may never recover previous sucesses.
@Phyllis. Let there be no question that NASCAR has fallen from previous heights. By the same token, let us remember that “NEVER” is a mighty long time. If the racing improves and there’s a compelling battle for a
championship, the game changes mighty fast. If things stay on their current course, then I tend to agree with you.
Phyllis, the world did not end for NASCAR, Tiger Woods, or even your favorite driver. NASCAR will be back as the second tier sport it was always meant to be. Tiger will recover from the embarassment of his “incident,” and win a bunch of major championships, and your favorite driver may yet rally and become respectable again.
NASCAR will live forever. Its had its ups and downs before.They will survive. New people come into the sport every day. I can’t wait for 2010 season to get started and trust me, I was one of NASCAR’s biggest critics this year.
Yes, things went wrong in 2009, but I’m with you Jim. I have hope that 2010 will be better. I like the earlier starting times and I just hope the “powers that be” will allow some work on the cars to make them more raceable. It could happen and hope springs eternal. Good article Jim. I am now looking forward to 2010.
When the CEO of NASCAR says in a press conference at Homestead that he doesn’t see 2010 being better than 2009, that says a lot.
@Mad Man. Hey Mike, Are you sure that’s really you? I didn’t think you paid that much attention to what Brian France said? There was a lot of doom and gloom forecasted for 2009 and yet here we are. As far as what France said, I guess I’d be curious to know on what point does he not see things getting any better? The economy? can’t control that. The racing? He can control that. You know it’s like what the commercials say about gold. “It’s never been worth zero.” Well, the stands had empty seats, but there were plenty of seats WITH butts in them, so I guess it depends on how you look at it. Empty seats aren’t our collective problem….it’s his. Might compel him to re-think what’s going on out there. Bank accounts don’t lie.
Contrary to popular belief Jim, I do pay attention to what he says. Of course, sometimes it’s hard to figure out what he’s saying though LOL
If he delivers on the changes to the car, it’ll be a step in the right direction. If he’ll let the teams actually do some work on them, it should improve the quality of the racing. But will it stem the negative cash flow problem that’s been going on for the last few years?
And if he’d get the networks to actually show the race instead of just selected portions of it, that might get the ratings back up. Every one of the 43 cars that start has got fans. Show all 43 cars and maybe you’ll get more folks watching at home.
A lot of what happens and can be changed for the better falls under Brian’s control. Let’s hope he has some sobering thoughts when he reads the bank ledgers.
It’ll be interesting to see just what all happens Jim.
@Mad Man 2. Just razzin’ ya Mad Man
. Anyone who reads “Laid Back Racin’” knows you listen carefully where France is concerned. You’re right, there’s a lot he can control and would do well to address. Here’s hoping he doesn’t have biscuits in his ears.