[LSC9901]

Change — I'm sick and tired of change

Darrell Waltrip
First of all, I hope everybody had a happy Thanksgiving, spent some time with their family and friends and reflected on all the things you have to be thankful for. So many times, we dwell on what we don't have and sort of overlook what we do have. I spent the day with my family, praising the Lord for all of our blessings and all the good things that he does for us. It was a beautiful day in Frankin, Tenn. The sun was shining, and if we would all spend a little time praising the Lord and thanking him for what we have, it would probably put a smile on His face.

My brother calls me "old school" all the time, "old fashioned" and "old timer," but here's my problem. I'm just having trouble buying into all of the changes that keep being made to our sport. If something isn't broken, you're not supposed to work on it until it is, but from politics to racing to life in general, that's what I see happening every day. All you have to do is say you're going to make changes, and everybody gets all excited. You don't even have to define what the changes are going to be. You just say, "Well, we don't like the way things are, and we're going to change them." Everybody says, "Great! I can't wait to see what the changes are going to be!" Over the last three years, that's what has happened to NASCAR.
In no way am I directing anything derogatory toward NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France, but when he took over, he had it in his mind that he was going to start making a lot of changes. The first thing that NASCAR did was end the practice of racing back to the caution. They started freezing the field. It was a whole new look, something that we had never done before. In all the years I had been racing, the start/finish line was God. Everything was said, done or monitored in relation to the start/finish line. All of the sudden, it wasn't our point of reference anymore.
They started talking about lines in the track. They started freezing the field, determining the running order and, in some cases, even who won the race by lines in the track that I couldn't even see. That bothered me. I don't want my guy racing his heart out all day and then find out he wasn't ahead of somebody when they crossed some line that I can't see. Again, I'm accustomed to the start/finish line being my point of reference.
They decided they we're going to start freezing the interest of safety. It all made sense, but when you freeze the field, the first thing somebody says is, "Well, hey man, if I'm a lap down, now I can't get a lap back. If I beat the leader back to the line, I used to get a lap back." Well, they said, "We're going to fix that for you. Every time a caution comes out, the first driver a lap down gets that lap back." On NASCAR on FOX broadcasts, we started calling it the "free pass," and then it got to be known as the "lucky dog." Recently, I've even heard it called "the beneficiary." In the past, drivers had to work to get a lap back. One of the most exciting parts of a race was a guy getting a lap down and then racing with the leader, trying to beat him back to the start/finish line when the caution came out. Occasionally, it looked a little dicey, but it kept you on the edge of your seat. It was just part of our sport. It's what we had always done. It was tradition, but they changed it and came up with the "lucky dog."
Now, the field is frozen, and we know where everybody is running. We've got this new scoring system with little black-box monitors on the car as they crossed these lines in the track. And, oh, by the way, while we're at it, we're going to put some of those lines into pit lane. Now, NASCAR can monitor pit-lane speed. I'm all in favor of keeping it fair for everybody, but if I'm speeding on pit road, I'd like to see my speed. As a fan, I'd like to know exactly how fast my driver was going. If the speed limit is 35 mph, was he going 36, 38 or 40? And where did he get it? Give me something that I can look at, put my arms around and identify with so I don't have to sit there and wonder what happened and how it happened.
So now, we've got this all figured out. We've got the field frozen, and we know where everybody is. Pit-road speed is monitored. These are all things that are a little bit different than what we've done in the past. Since we're not racing back to the caution anymore, I guess that eliminates any red-flag situation because we had another little bit of a change. We're going to have a green-white-checkered finish. Fans wanted to see the races end under green and get annoyed about it ending under caution. NASCAR decided that we wouldn't finish any more races under caution. Now, there was no need to stop the cars on the race track because we're going to run those last two laps under the green... at least that's what I thought.
Now, every time I turn around, they're stopping the cars on the track. I understand they're trying to do as many green-flag laps at the end as they can, but races were not meant to be interrupted. That's the problem I have with debris cautions. We run 30 or 40 laps and get a caution for debris. At some race tracks, you've got a little, 13-gallon fuel cell. You run 30 or 40 laps, and you've got to pit for gas. There are too many off-track distractions that are taking away from the flow of races. Fans pay to see 400, 500 or 600 miles of racing, but I've heard some people say the races are too long. The races aren't too long; they just take too dadgum long to run. I don't know what's wrong with these cars. We didn't used to have debris flying off of them like these guys do today. Spring rubbers ought to be outlawed. They just stick them in the spring, and the first thing you know, one of them falls out. NASCAR's got to throw a caution to pick it up. There are just way too many cautions and interruptions. That's one of the things that's hurting our audience at home. Things are going on that they can't understand. There are too many unnecessary caution flags. It's hurting the flow of the race.
Now, there's the ultimate change of all with the Car of Tomorrow in 2007, and it's a whole new animal. The thing that bothers me most about the Car of Tomorrow is the learning curve. We've basically had 50 years of racing a car that's very similar to what we have today. We've changed the bodies a number of times, but we haven't changed the chassis since 1981 so we have years and years of experience. I've seen cars take horrendous hits this year and a couple of Busch cars that were just destroyed. With all of the new safety devices like the HANS, seats and SAFER Barriers, the guys are feeling pretty invincible these days, and rightfully so. The drivers were feeling quite confident about their cars this year, but now they've got to get out of this car and start driving something without any experience.

They don't know what's going to happen to the COT when it slams into the wall at 180 mph because nobody's ever done it. They don't know what's going to happe when they get it out there and start racing it. Here comes an Impala with a splitter and a wing. It sounds like something a teenager might have done to the family car, for Pete's sake. I'm not a big advocate of the Car of Tomorrow. It's a costly change that's going to affect the racing and the teams, but I'm more concerned about a lack of experience with this car. We've got to go through a learning curve. We've been dealing with the same car for a long time, and it's going to take a long time to switch over the feedback, information and knowledge that we have from the old car to this new one. There have just been too many changes, and they've happened too fast. We've taken a sport that has a strong tradition and a great heritage with loyal fans that follow the sport and understand it, and we've complicated it and made so many rules that a guy at home sits around all day long trying to figure out what we're talking about and what we're doing. We've made some rules of unintended consequences — rules that seemed good on paper — but when you start to implement them, it creates other situations like the "lucky dog," freezing the field and not racing back to the caution. There are others, but those are the ones that really changed the way we watch a race. I also think fans are not happy about the Chase. It's changed the way we crown a champion. We've had too many changes, too fast, and it's affected the way people watch our sport and what people think about our sport. I know that we want to continue to grow it, but you can't make changes just for the sake of making changes. Fans don't come to see officials officiate; they come to see racers race. I say let 'em race.

[wingkey1]

Hmmmm ----

Conspicuously absent is ANY mention of non-USA manufacturer entry in to the sport. Think maybe 'ol DW just wanted to be sure his bread continued to be properly "buttered"?

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by wingkey1

Hmmmm ----

Conspicuously absent is ANY mention of non-USA manufacturer entry in to the sport. Think maybe 'ol DW just wanted to be sure his bread continued to be properly "buttered"?

Nahhhh ... You don't think so, do ya ???

[Quality88]

I agree with what he says.

[Wampinrock]

Y'all are quite right...good 'ol country boy DW is definately attempting to protect his interest in the Rising Sun POS. I was a hard-core, long-time fan of DW...thought he was reckless, cavalier, a box o fun and a great traditional driver who I had watched and rooted for for years (along side the Intimidator, of course) but that idolizing was forever shattered the year that Toyota entered the truck division. He sat in front of me on one of the take shows, extrolling the "virtue of the Toy POS...trying to help me understand how great it will be when the off-shor entry was a-gonna revolutionize the sport of racing....CRAP! I quickly 'raced' to my shop and covered each #17 in the collection. And; we should all remember that the very first non-USA manufacturer was introduced at Daytona in 2001. Since then, we can sit back and watch as the Japanese and German cars slowly take over. Kinda like how you boil a frog...very slowly and methodically. Brian has single handedly begun the distruction of the sport that his Grandfather so laboriously planned and put together....what a dufus!

COT? Another move to alienate the traditional fan. DW says he is a traditionalist? Then how in the heck (I really wanted to use a much stronger word here) did the Rising Sun POS get into his life??

I think I am way too old to quietly accept this crap...I quite watching the trucks because of the introduction of the Toy POS and the Dodge...haven't watched one trk race in quite a few years....don't know what I'm a gonna do next year...it's painful

I'm off the soap box now, kids....

[Yelk]

Originally Posted by Wampinrock

Y'all are quite right...good 'ol country boy DW is definately attempting to protect his interest in the Rising Sun POS. I was a hard-core, long-time fan of DW...thought he was reckless, cavalier, a box o fun and a great traditional driver who I had watched and rooted for for years (along side the Intimidator, of course) but that idolizing was forever shattered the year that Toyota entered the truck division. He sat in front of me on one of the take shows, extrolling the "virtue of the Toy POS...trying to help me understand how great it will be when the off-shor entry was a-gonna revolutionize the sport of racing....CRAP! I quickly 'raced' to my shop and covered each #17 in the collection. And; we should all remember that the very first non-USA manufacturer was introduced at Daytona in 2001. Since then, we can sit back and watch as the Japanese and German cars slowly take over. Kinda like how you boil a frog...very slowly and methodically. Brian has single handedly begun the distruction of the sport that his Grandfather so laboriously planned and put together....what a dufus!

COT? Another move to alienate the traditional fan. DW says he is a traditionalist? Then how in the heck (I really wanted to use a much stronger word here) did the Rising Sun POS get into his life??

I think I am way too old to quietly accept this crap...I quite watching the trucks because of the introduction of the Toy POS and the Dodge...haven't watched one trk race in quite a few years....don't know what I'm a gonna do next year...it's painful

I'm off the soap box now, kids....

But the first foreign manufactured vehicle was not introduced at Daytona in 2001. Foreign cars raced in the early 50's and a Jaguar won a race in 52 (I believe) at Linden NJ, driven by Al Keller.
I say...the more the merrier.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Yelk

But the first foreign manufactured vehicle was not introduced at Daytona in 2001. Foreign cars raced in the early 50's and a Jaguar won a race in 52 (I believe) at Linden NJ, driven by Al Keller.
I say...the more the merrier.

Yes you are correct in that Toyota is far from the first foreigner. Obviously I have no idea of your age and it really doesn't matter a whole lot but what I will say is that there is a core group of "traditionalists" (Old time racing fans) who just cannot (yet) swallow the foreign car pill. We can't even understand where Brian France is taking NASCAR, except maybe to the bank. The more the merrier is fine for you and I respect your point of view but there are many of us still watching and attending that just are not ready for the new and improved NA$CAR.

[clutch]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

Yes you are correct in that Toyota is far from the first foreigner. Obviously I have no idea of your age and it really doesn't matter a whole lot but what I will say is that there is a core group of "traditionalists" (Old time racing fans) who just cannot (yet) swallow the foreign car pill. We can't even understand where Brian France is taking NASCAR, except maybe to the bank. The more the merrier is fine for you and I respect your point of view but there are many of us still watching and attending that just are not ready for the new and improved NA$CAR.

Does it really matter at all with the COT coming?

In fact the chassis are all the same NOW arent they?

I guess a new engine builder could be a good thing........especially a reliable one

I'm not real knowledgable of these issues, so please feel free to correct or enlighten me

[lilsexy08]

I could be wrong but everything about the cars difference wise between Nascar and Busch is the carburater (I know I didn't spell that right) anyway some people like me are old fashioned just don't like change. Some believe not everyone of course its an all American sport. Thats just how some people look at it.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by Wampinrock

Y'all are quite right...good 'ol country boy DW is definately attempting to protect his interest in the Rising Sun POS. I was a hard-core, long-time fan of DW...thought he was reckless, cavalier, a box o fun and a great traditional driver who I had watched and rooted for for years (along side the Intimidator, of course) but that idolizing was forever shattered the year that Toyota entered the truck division. He sat in front of me on one of the take shows, extrolling the "virtue of the Toy POS...trying to help me understand how great it will be when the off-shor entry was a-gonna revolutionize the sport of racing....CRAP! I quickly 'raced' to my shop and covered each #17 in the collection. And; we should all remember that the very first non-USA manufacturer was introduced at Daytona in 2001. Since then, we can sit back and watch as the Japanese and German cars slowly take over. Kinda like how you boil a frog...very slowly and methodically. Brian has single handedly begun the distruction of the sport that his Grandfather so laboriously planned and put together....what a dufus!

COT? Another move to alienate the traditional fan. DW says he is a traditionalist? Then how in the heck (I really wanted to use a much stronger word here) did the Rising Sun POS get into his life??

I think I am way too old to quietly accept this crap...I quite watching the trucks because of the introduction of the Toy POS and the Dodge...haven't watched one trk race in quite a few years....don't know what I'm a gonna do next year...it's painful

I'm off the soap box now, kids....

Wamp you can get on your soap box all you want. I like it.

[A pirate]

I'm in the more the merrier camp. *cue patriotic music*

Isn't that what our country was founded on? The more the merrier. Being free to live how you want. Weren't we the "Boiling Pot" once? If we as Americans can overcome the Nazis in WWII, overcome the WTC bombing on 9/11, we can handle a little outside competition in our all American sport right?

*cut patriotic music*

Seriously though. NASCAR is better off with Toyota. With around 55 teams next year the competition on the track should be increased. More cars on the lead lap. Tighter racing. I'm looking forward to it.

Wampinrock, you're missing out on the best racing in NASCAR by not watching the trucks! Just sayin'

[LSC9901]

For myself anyway this is just another starw that is breaking the Camels back. It has absolutely nothing to do with WWII, 9-11 or anything else. It has to do with a foreign manufacturer coming into the (cue music .. again)great American race (uncue). Yes we all must accept change and basically we all do. One of the many other starws in this is that NA$CAR itself is working against us ... the old, long time racing fan. The amount of changes that have occured since Lil Brian has taken over are becoming overwhelmimg. Yes we are aware that for him it is a business and that he needs to do whatever it takes to amass his fortune. That to is the American way. A long time ago NASCAR got away from the "stock car" and aloowed this new fangled fabricated car that has a manufacturers emblem on it. There were subtle differences so there was some challenge to racing stilll eft from the "old days" Now they want to make each and every car exactly the same with the exception of the emblem on the front. So why do we complain ???? Because we can and also, for me, they have crossed another bridge that they will never be able to return to. return to what it was when I was a few years younger and enjoyed "RACING". Today it is a media show with WWF personalities and in some cases WWF mentallity. So again it isn't about anything other than we are another LARGE step away from racing as I remember it from not so long ago. It is just like when your regular mailman is on vacation ... the character takinh his/her place just isn't the same and never will be. Pretty simple.

[BringBackWilkesboro]

While I may enjoy DW's humor (most of the time), I havent really agreed with him too often, but he hit the nail on the head with this one. Every word in that piece echoed exaclty how I feel about the sport I grew up with is today. Nascar just needs to stop. Stop changing things for a while and give it time to grow before you give in to the whiney a$$ drivers and fans saying the championship has no drama and such. Yeah I complain about how nascar is being ruined in so many ways, but even I welcome change for a little while (not including Toyota or the COT). Everyone is worried because the rartings fell a little this year? Well its gonna get worse because when Nascar does something somone likes, they change it before they get settled in. People just cant follow Nascar anymore because it changes so damn much. You start a remodling project on a new house, but before you finish, you start another one, and another and eventually you dont like living there because it isnt very welcoming with all the work being done. Thats how I am beginning to view Na$car. I honestly cant explain why I still follow it as closely as I do. Guess its just because I cant bring myself to say that I am not a Nascar fan after so many years.
'scuse me while I go take a breathe or two.

[SunRae]

Okay...I gotta throw my own two cents in. I also actually found myself agreeing with DW's article; even though I was bemused by the fact that the article is coming from a man who is involved in one of the biggest changes to the sport - the introduction of Toyota. Yes, I realize that it's not the first time we've had foreign made cars in the sport; and, yes, I also realize that a lot of Toyota parts are actually made in America; however, this is a big change to a lot of us fans. To be honest, I'm don't think I'm so bothered by the fact that Toyota's coming in as long as it doesn't drive out Dodge, Ford, or Chevy - I'm more bothered by the way it appears IMHO they've came into it. It just seems to me that they've bought their way into NASCAR...

I don't like the COT at all and am not looking forward to seeing it...I realize a lot of things have improved (especially in the area of safety), however, I would like to see more of a "run what ya' brung" that there used to be in the sport (and still is in the grass roots of it at the dirt tracks and such).

One more thing, slightly off topic, that I'll throw in about my discontent with the changes NASCAR is currently undergoing...I miss the emotion. We'll see little outbursts every once in awhile, but it seems like we'll see it one week and the next NASCAR will have put that driver back in line and back in the pre-scripted response mode. Please understand, I'm not looking for drivers or crew members to brawl during or after every race or cuss a blue streak everytime a mic is shoved in their face; but I would like for them to be able to show emotion. Sometimes, it seems to me, if I couldn't hear their voice or the references to the individual sponsors, they could all be one and the same person...

[lilsexy08]

I've been so busy at work and can't read all of these long quotes but can someone tell me more about COT?