The growth of the fan base of NASCAR sanctioned events coupled with building tracks in markets such as Chicago, Kansas, etc. has truly hurt the sport in my oppinion. You have fans who do not know the difference between a torque wrench and a crescent wrench, and now you have everyone screaming for the boys to play nice. It won't be too long before you see a one legged, black/chinese, 'mo driver entered into the field all in the name of diversity and harmony.
Justin
And why would NASCAR want drivers to "express themselves" (?) The series is about the manufacturers--GM and Ford. Sure when the old moonshiners were running, the sport was about the drivers, but not now. Who cares who's driving? I only look at the order of qualifying and finishing. Drivers are just the guys who shift the gears and stand on the pedal. I do like the way Rusty Wallace drives though.
That would get the attention of the sponsors and the owners as well.
The real potentially dangerous thing is the unpredictability of these cars once they break loose. Either on the race track, or on pit road, people can be killed!
Getting bumped a little on a race track, especially at Bristol, is just good racing. If the sport loses that, then it will begin to see its fan base erode. But if there were a serious injury or death due to the boneheaded actions of a few hotheads, the sport might not survive the scrutiny of the nannies.
It almost happened after the Dale Earnhardt accident, and it could happen again.
NASCAR is all powerful, and they can send powerful messages, if they want.
Running into people to get past them is "good racing"? I think a demolition derby is better conducted on a dirt track. NASCAR perpetuates the "Rubbin' is 'Racin" fun and games, and then gets upset when their drivers decide to play bumper cars.
NASCAR/Winston Cup is only one step from a Demo Derby anyway. This WWF crap just adds to the lowbrow image these guys are working hard to cultivate.
Real race cars don't have carburetors.
I'm not sure that is such a bad thing.