[JBW1949]

NASCAR’s “heyday” was over back in the early 2000’s when the “cookie cutter” cars appeared...

I got to be (and continues) the only way to tell the brand of car is the decal on the grill....

I remember the 60’s and 70’s when a Chevy, Ford, Dodge, and Plymouth were easily identified....

[Alberta's Child]

At some point NASCAR seemed to cross that fine line between a competition and a staged event. Your timeline sounds about right.

[alancarp]

Yes, that’s when the slow decline began. Jeff Gordon’s departure was one dagger. This is the other.

[al_c]

NASCAR’s “heyday” was over back in the early 2000’s when the “cookie cutter” cars appeared...

I'd say even earlier than that. They may as well drop "Stock Car" from their name. I miss the days of "race what ya brung"

[diogenes ghost]

"I remember the 60's and 70's when a Chevy, Ford, Dodge, and Plymouth were easily identified..."

You would feel at home in my garage.

'72 440 Charger, '70 440 Superbird and '69 Hemi Charger 500 (original owner).

Quit going to Daytona after '02; our seats were already at $125. Way too much to pay for a boring parade.

[aomagrat]

Cookie cutter cars
Cookie cutter tracks
Cookie cutter drivers
Cookie cutter races
etc