[Mike24]

Ever since Winston Cup left, NASCAR's growth has declined. I know alot of fans who left after 2004 because of the Chase. NASCAR should look at that more closely, because it's a fact.

A time has to come where growth stops, and ratings decline. NASCAR is at this point. There is no need to panic yet. The Green White Checkered is, eh, mixed in my opinion. After Jr fans got all upset about Jeff's win, it was added, which isn't a surprise. But off of that.

Rich1va, how is restrictor plates a failure? Bobby Allison said in a interview with the speeds today, we would be well over 240 mph, and in the stands. NASCAR did a great job at stopping the speeds at Daytona and Talladgea before we got to that point.

Other people say NASCAR's issues are this and that, I think NASCAR should look at the fact they were growing and growing, and growth has to stop at some point. It has stopped now. But I seriously think NASCAR needs to look at how the ratings have decreased since Nextel came in.

[LSC9901]

Curious why you think it has anything to do with Nextel itself. There is no doubt that growth has stopped and may be on the decline. I blame it more on NASCAR itself versus any sponsor. NASCAR has become money hungry, and as I have said many times over if you are in a business, that is not a bad thing. My perception is that NASCAR has focused more on making money at any cost instead of trying to keep its fan base intact. There is currently on this forum discussions about the green, white, checkered ending. There are discussions about commercial breaks, poor announcers/networks. Most of the previous has to do with money and how to get more of it. There will never be a time when all fans are content but the current amount of discontent nneds to change before growth returns.

[Mike24]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

Curious why you think it has anything to do with Nextel itself. There is no doubt that growth has stopped and may be on the decline. I blame it more on NASCAR itself versus any sponsor. NASCAR has become money hungry, and as I have said many times over if you are in a business, that is not a bad thing. My perception is that NASCAR has focused more on making money at any cost instead of trying to keep its fan base intact. There is currently on this forum discussions about the green, white, checkered ending. There are discussions about commercial breaks, poor announcers/networks. Most of the previous has to do with money and how to get more of it. There will never be a time when all fans are content but the current amount of discontent nneds to change before growth returns.

NASCAR was starting all of this stuff in 2002-2003 when Winston was on board. Ratings remained steady. Now all of the sudden, Nextel came in in 2004, and the ratings have dropped. I think NASCAR needs to look at a few things. Drivers are starting to come out and criticize the top 35, which is a good thing. But lets face it, sponsors run NASCAR, so NASCAR needs to protect their sponsors, and new sponsors coming in the sport. Like it or not, that's the truth. One interesting thing is I've heard ticket sales have increased, but TV ratings have decreased. Interesting. Is it a fact that people are going to races instead of watching them on TV? But NASCAR is in a tough position. They get heat for some stuff they don't deserve to get. But I think if the fastest 43 make the race like it should be, you will see ratings increase. But the Green White Checkered needs to stay. Alot of fans complained how the race ended under caution, especially when Gordon won the Dega race in 04, so NASCAR grants their wish, and now we are complaining again! NASCAR can't make their fans happy, but one thing I think will make everyone happy, is the fastest 43 making the race.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

Curious why you think it has anything to do with Nextel itself. There is no doubt that growth has stopped and may be on the decline. I blame it more on NASCAR itself versus any sponsor.

Well, perhaps its not that Nextel is the cause, but a symptom of the problem - the opening salvo in NASCAR's attempt to reach out to the casual and/or non-racing fan. If the ratings are slipping, though, you would think that it would wake up somebody in the organization's offices to the fact that something isn't working. I'm sure there have been some changes for the better and some for the worse, and really, it's time for some focus group research to find out what falls in each category.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Mike24

NASCAR was starting all of this stuff in 2002-2003 when Winston was on board. Ratings remained steady. Now all of the sudden, Nextel came in in 2004, and the ratings have dropped. I think NASCAR needs to look at a few things. Drivers are starting to come out and criticize the top 35, which is a good thing. But lets face it, sponsors run NASCAR, so NASCAR needs to protect their sponsors, and new sponsors coming in the sport. Like it or not, that's the truth. One interesting thing is I've heard ticket sales have increased, but TV ratings have decreased. Interesting. Is it a fact that people are going to races instead of watching them on TV? But NASCAR is in a tough position. They get heat for some stuff they don't deserve to get. But I think if the fastest 43 make the race like it should be, you will see ratings increase. But the Green White Checkered needs to stay. Alot of fans complained how the race ended under caution, especially when Gordon won the Dega race in 04, so NASCAR grants their wish, and now we are complaining again! NASCAR can't make their fans happy, but one thing I think will make everyone happy, is the fastest 43 making the race.

Very true that the fastest 43 would make the fans happy. I also think it would make the teams happy. Happy knowing that at least the speed would get them in. As much as I crap on the Waltrip gang, Mikey would have made a couple of races on speed. Had he gotten in they may have learned something that is needed to compete on a higher level.

I'm still not convinced that Nextel itself, as a company has anything to do with the decline in growth. I believe that had it been the Matchbox Cup it would have been the same result. Growth must stop at some point. When it stops there is the chance to examine why and repair the problem. My opinion is that NASCAR isn't ready, YET, to do that. I also believe that when they do examine it and look at the stats truthfully they will find far more negatives (not necessarily wrong) issues than they thought. Poll the fan base and weed out the cynical problems and see what the fans really want, see what the sponsors want and are willing to accept. Things like FOX, ESPN or whatever network probably will never change unless NASCAR would consider the best venue for the fans versus the money made.

[rich1va]

Originally Posted by Mike24

Ever since Winston Cup left, NASCAR's growth has declined. I know alot of fans who left after 2004 because of the Chase. NASCAR should look at that more closely, because it's a fact.

A time has to come where growth stops, and ratings decline. NASCAR is at this point. There is no need to panic yet. The Green White Checkered is, eh, mixed in my opinion. After Jr fans got all upset about Jeff's win, it was added, which isn't a surprise. But off of that.

Rich1va, how is restrictor plates a failure? Bobby Allison said in a interview with the speeds today, we would be well over 240 mph, and in the stands. NASCAR did a great job at stopping the speeds at Daytona and Talladgea before we got to that point.

Other people say NASCAR's issues are this and that, I think NASCAR should look at the fact they were growing and growing, and growth has to stop at some point. It has stopped now. But I seriously think NASCAR needs to look at how the ratings have decreased since Nextel came in.

Mike24, (((((Stock car racing used to be about just that — racing))))))

The restrictor plate is a failure to NEXTEL. Not only the cars are safer, the tracks are safer as well. Some of the safety issues to date: The Roll Cage, Seat, Restraints, Window Nets, Roof Flaps, Windshield, Fuel Tanks, Crush zones, reinforced roll cages and side-impact improvements were all originally conceived and tested on the race track. As race cars continue to make breakthroughs in safety. Why has mostly everything changed in the sport except for the speeds?

NASCAR will tell you that the use of restrictor plates is a safety measure, and without a doubt it does enhance the safety of fans who no longer have to worry about cars launching into the grandstands, but I think they're actually using the cover of safety to manipulate the field into three-wide racing and closer finishes which is MORE dangerous.

This is my opinon only!

[Mike24]

Originally Posted by rich1va

Mike24, (((((Stock car racing used to be about just that — racing))))))

The restrictor plate is a failure to NEXTEL. Not only the cars are safer, the tracks are safer as well. Some of the safety issues to date: The Roll Cage, Seat, Restraints, Window Nets, Roof Flaps, Windshield, Fuel Tanks, Crush zones, reinforced roll cages and side-impact improvements were all originally conceived and tested on the race track. As race cars continue to make breakthroughs in safety. Why has mostly everything changed in the sport except for the speeds?

NASCAR will tell you that the use of restrictor plates is a safety measure, and without a doubt it does enhance the safety of fans who no longer have to worry about cars launching into the grandstands, but I think they're actually using the cover of safety to manipulate the field into three-wide racing and closer finishes which is MORE dangerous.

This is my opinon only!

We are talking about the cars going up into the grandstands. Even if there are roof flaps, the cars could get in the grand stands with the speeds that the cars would exceed without restrictor plates. If Bobby Allison says we need restrictor plates, we need them. Drivers know more than the fans.

[lilsexy08]

Originally Posted by Quality88

I'd like to place an order for one of those

What! LOL! I did like it at Talladega!

[rich1va]

Originally Posted by Mike24

We are talking about the cars going up into the grandstands. Even if there are roof flaps, the cars could get in the grand stands with the speeds that the cars would exceed without restrictor plates. If Bobby Allison says we need restrictor plates, we need them. Drivers know more than the fans.

Mike24,

I agree, drivers know more than the fans. If it wasn't for the FAN where would NEXTEL BE? What the drivers be doing? Mr. Bobby Allison hasn't raced since 1988, then called Winston Cup. He only raced 13 races out of 29 total for that year. Thats almost 20 years and the speeds are the same for the super speed ways.

More track safety should be implemented to all the track owners regarding FAN SAFETY so the speeds can increase with the never ending changes by NEXTEL.

My opinion only!

[wardfan]

correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't the idea behind the roof flaps and restrictor plates the fact that the cars were going so fast that they were literally starting to fly?

[jks812]

I don't have a problem with restrictor plates. Look at the wrecks they have now. Can you imagine how many they would have going well in excess of 200mph? Wasn't it a year or two ago that Rusty tested there without the plate and went over 220?

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by jks812

I don't have a problem with restrictor plates. Look at the wrecks they have now. Can you imagine how many they would have going well in excess of 200mph? Wasn't it a year or two ago that Rusty tested there without the plate and went over 220?

It was 230 and he said he could've got 235 if they had let him tweak the car. I actually one 50 bucks off that endeavor.... Turns out 3 weeks prior I bet a friend with the way the cars were they could get 230 easy. That was the best steak dinner I had in a long time.

[rich1va]

Originally Posted by wardfan

correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't the idea behind the roof flaps and restrictor plates the fact that the cars were going so fast that they were literally starting to fly?

I understand the scare/saftey of the cars into the stands (Flaps and restrictor plates) = Slowed the cars down.

Is Nascar (NEXTEL) believing the loyal fan is going to put up with the more slowing of the cars down?

Is it that the INDY CARS RACE 2 WIDE AND 3 WIDE AT SPEEDS UP TO 230 MPH at some of the Nascar tracks (YES) Indy cars race 3 wide at Richmond, been there seen them 4 of the past 5 years.

Example: The (Richmond) race after they paved the track within the past couple of years the NEXTEL CARS SPEEDS WERE AT 120 - 130 MPH. WHEN THE INDY CARS RACE AT THE SAME TRACK (RICHMOND) THE SPEEDS ARE NOW AT 180 MPH.

The Indy cars have less weight (FIBERGLASS)

Why isn't the INDY and the NHRA OFFICALS CONCERENED AS MUCH AS NEXTEL?

Point: Top fuel cars run the 1/4 at 200 - 300 MPH

Something is wrong here (NEXTEL)

NEXTEL I WASN'T BORN YESTERDAY!

My opinion only!

Question to the regs, how to you install you pic/racer on your page that you submit in the forum? I've tried several but nothing has worked yet?

[Mike24]

Originally Posted by rich1va

I understand the scare/saftey of the cars into the stands (Flaps and restrictor plates) = Slowed the cars down.

Is Nascar (NEXTEL) believing the loyal fan is going to put up with the more slowing of the cars down?

Is it that the INDY CARS RACE 2 WIDE AND 3 WIDE AT SPEEDS UP TO 230 MPH at some of the Nascar tracks (YES) Indy cars race 3 wide at Richmond, been there seen them 4 of the past 5 years.

Example: The (Richmond) race after they paved the track within the past couple of years the NEXTEL CARS SPEEDS WERE AT 120 - 130 MPH. WHEN THE INDY CARS RACE AT THE SAME TRACK (RICHMOND) THE SPEEDS ARE NOW AT 180 MPH.

The Indy cars have less weight (FIBERGLASS)

Why isn't the INDY and the NHRA OFFICALS CONCERENED AS MUCH AS NEXTEL?

Point: Top fuel cars run the 1/4 at 200 - 300 MPH

Something is wrong here (NEXTEL)

NEXTEL I WASN'T BORN YESTERDAY!

My opinion only!

Question to the regs, how to you install you pic/racer on your page that you submit in the forum? I've tried several but nothing has worked yet?

And sadly, IRL has had more deaths in racing than NASCAR has had since 2001. IRL needs to look at slowing the speeds down, because these tragic losses are only hurting IRL. Bobby Allison said if we did not put the plates on the stock cars, we would not be racing today. That means no IRL, no NASCAR, no nothing. Instead of complaining, people need to be thanking NASCAR for the fact we still have racing today. So let me ask you this. 1. Would you rather watch racing? 2. NASCAR pleased you with taking the plates off, and something tragic happend, which would mean no more racing?

[rich1va]

Originally Posted by Mike24

And sadly, IRL has had more deaths in racing than NASCAR since 2001. Safety is first, racing comes 2nd. NASCAR realizes that.

Mike24

To be more specific I am speaking of the design, weight, size and speeds of the IRL vs NEXTEL vs LAUNCHING into the stands? All types of racing or any contact sport......... there are risks.

My opinion only~