"When Dale Sr. died, the sport started to die also."
I think that's part of it. Today's drivers don't seem to have much personality. Richard Petty's smile could light up a room, and Earnhardt's menace could be felt a mile away. But who gets excited about Jimmie Johnson?
Today's drivers don't seem to have much personality. Richard Petty's smile could light up a room, and Earnhardt's menace could be felt a mile away. But who gets excited about Jimmie Johnson? That's also dollar-driven. Personalities must be kept in check, to keep it "family-friendly". That's why Vegas is in decline, why racing is in decline, why football's growth is slowing, etc etc etc. Mommies are wanting happy happy funtime with no real testosterone, adrenaline, competitive drive, or violence for their kiddies.