[Wampinrock]

I'm new to this forum, however, have been an avid NASCAR fan since the mid '60s...been reading some of the responses regarding the proposed entry of the Toyota and subsequently more of the foreign-owned autos. Looks like a misconception by some indicating that the off shore vehicles are somehow superior thus have somehow "earned" the privilage to be incorporated into the NASCAR venue. NOT! regardless of where these vehicles are made, the money is counted in Tokoyo or Bonn, etc. It is my feeling that the NASCAR racing sport was born and bread in the south...is and should remain a USA sport and has no business allowing the off shore vehicles to race. The precident has been set, however, during the same race that we lost D.E. in 2001...which allowed the Dodge to race (that company is owned by a German firm, people) and is now an off-shore company as well...leaving us with 'The Big Two'. The feeling here is that far too many fans are neo-fans and not the purists...just count me as a grinch regarding the foreign makes...

[rmjvol]

Welcome to GoTeamsGo.com, Wampinrock.

I don't think I've seen much touting that Toyota or any other foreign brand has "earned" a right to be on the Cup tracks. I think it boils down to NASCAR wants the money and that's all there is to it. They'd probably let anybody in if they're throwing around enough dough.

It will be pretty weird the 1st time I see (and hear about) a Toyota or a Datsun, errr Nissan, coming into the 1st turn.

Look forward to chatting with you more.

[Team Yates]

Of course it's all about the money, if it wasn't then we would still have Wilkesboro as a venue, etc. They have "outgrown" the money in the USA, now they have to "look" elsewhere. You said you are a long time fan; so you KNOW everything that has changed in the past few years. It's not a "southern" sport anymore because of NASCAR wanting to become what they are now. They wanted to become a mainstream sport, like the NFL, etc., so now this is the route they must travel. And I don't think they will stop until they are a world wide entity. It has nothing to do with us anymore, they are long past us, they have seen bigger pocketbooks then the ones we have. Never forget, it is ALL about the MONEY!

[rave20]

The original premise of NASCAR was not to run american cars. It was to run the cars that the average person was driving. Hence, sedans not high dollar sports cars. What are the fans driving today? Camry has been the number 1 sedan for years now. They belong on the track.

P.S. It was that same premise combined with a need for an entry level series, that brought about the Truck series. I'm waiting for the SUV/minivan segment myself. I'd like to see what Tony can do with a bright orange Suburban at the Glen!

[rmjvol]

Talk about fantasy NASCAR, lol!

33 year old Kimberly Johnson has just won the Toys R Us 250 in her 2003 Honda Odyssey!

She says the key to victory was removing the 6 bags of mulch her husband had picked up this morning to lower the weight of the minivan. But since daycare was unavailable, she won the race with 20 month old Drew strapped into his carseat.

[Nevadastars]

Originally Posted by rmjvol

I think it boils down to NASCAR wants the money and that's all there is to it. They'd probably let anybody in if they're throwing around enough dough.

That pretty much sums it up. Nascar is changing, and for the old school purists (myself included) its tough to swallow.
It is now all about greed. Look at Michael Waltrip.......sorry for any fans of his, but he is discusting to me anymore. That guy can't say "Toyota" enough, even while he is in a Dodge. I saw an interview with him during Speedweek at Daytona. When asked how his car is running, he responded, "My Napa Chevy, or Dodge, or whatever it is, is ok but Hey, I drove a new Camry last night......what a ride!" Now he just refers to his ride as "The Napa Car". Politics and money is what Nascar is about these days, and its sad.
Then there is the Soda Wars. When being interviewed on camera, guys sponsored by soda companys cant get those bottles up to their mouths fast enough. Jeff Gordon even trys to drink Pepsi and grab a Lays potato chip in a matter of 2 or 3 seconds!
I could go on and on, but I wont.......
Sorry for the mini-rant.