[Smoke+GibbsFan]

Is it just me or does its seem that NASCAR is moving away from its roots. Such as taking races from Rockingham because of poor ticket sales and sending it to California (which I dont think sold out either). They show commercials about being proud of the history and traditions of the sport but are making changes every year that move it away from its core fans. I know that there are fan across the nation but NASCAR was born in the south by people with the "bubba" image so why now turn your backs on those people?

[Lefty Noob]

I think they're trying to have it both ways. Show the longtime fan that you still care about the legends of the past, but try to grow the sport and attract new fans at the same time. It's a difficult tightrope to walk, and NASCAR will definitely slip up from time to time along the way. But I definitely think they're doing what's best for stock car racing as a whole.

[Nevadastars]

There is no doubt they are trying to mainstream Nascar. I have heard they dont even want to see Rebel Flags on motorhomes around the tracks. One large nail in the "southern roots" coffin, was the end of the Southern 500 at Darlngton. It used to be that was THEE race to win, besides the Daytona 500. Now, it doesnt even exist. It seems they are making a concious effort to pick drivers now with very little, if any southern accent. I love listening to Sterling Marlin talk, it is a refreshing breath of the old days.

Right now Nascar is strictly a money game.

[Lefty Noob]

It seems they are making a concious effort to pick drivers now with very little, if any southern accent.

I don't think its anything like that. I'd say its more likely a side effect of mainstreaming, where you have more drivers from all over the country competing for these rides, and its just turning out that some are from the North and some are from the South. Heck, NASCAR even managed to attract one of the best Australian drivers this past weekend. When you start to grow your fanbase, its only natural to assume that your drivers will become diversified as well.

[Nevadastars]

Lefty, I made that statement because of the fact that the drivers today have to be "marketable". CEOs of large companys dont want someone like Billy Joe Jim Bob (fictious of course) with a thick accent, promoting some soft drink or mens cologne on national TV. At least thats the way it appears to me. They want the "pretty boys".

[Lefty Noob]

Okay, I see your point. If you're trying to make your sport seem more "sophisticated" then you would want to groom drivers to be clean-cut, articulate, and made for TV commercials, wouldn't you? So I guess the question ultimately is: Is this a good thing or a bad thing for NASCAR to be doing?

[Nevadastars]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Is this a good thing or a bad thing for NASCAR to be doing?

It's obviously good for Nascars bankroll, maybe not so good for the older loyalists like myself and most fans I know. I have been part of another automotive forum for years, and every week there is a Nascar thread. Its funny, because we all complain about "the New Nascar"........yet we keep watching it.

One thing I have noticed, is the older fans resist change, while newer fans are happy with the way things are.........because it's all they know. Nascar got to be the way it is because of the racing and its history, not because of Bon Jovi singing before the Daytona 500, or Boogity, Boogity, Boogity.

[rave20]

It's not a matter of what Nascar wants. It's a matter of what sponsors and TV and all the $$$ people want. They want someone that speaks intelligently and articulately. They certainly benefit from good looks and classy demeanor. They do have to have talent though.

It's not a bad thing though. I enjoy hearing an interview that I can understand and sounds like the guy has some education. It's difficult to listen to some guy use 5th grade grammar and then have others talk about how sophisticated racing has become.

On a side note it seems like there are more candid comments this year. I have heard several drivers take a stand on other drivers that I don't remember hearing before. It wasn't after the race stuff either. It was well thought out, intelligent commentary but well beyond the usual vanilla non-opinionated fluff we've grown accustomed to. Keep the opinions coming THAT is what makes raing fun. You can see cars go by anywhere. It's the personalities wheeling them that makes it fun to watch!

[Wampinrock]

For any of your fellow fans that hve suffered through some of my responses, you already know that I am 'disappointed' in the direction that NASCAR and France are taking this once-wonderful sport. The very humble roots and thrills and nuances of stock car racing that appealed to the fans, sponsors and participants is quickly disappearing. The very reasons and motivations that allowed (even encouraged) the growth of stock car racing is being abandoned by the heirarchy...the appeal of the guts and determination of personalities such as Junior Johnson, The Allsion clan, Neil Bonnet, Earnhardt's, Smokey Yenick, Ned Jarret et al is NOT being honored or remembered in todays racing circuts, with the exception of lip service. Clearly, the corporate dollar is supreme and the history and flavor of the sport is being glossed over. The advent and construction of the honorarium is going to serve as a reminder that NASCAR is in no way what it has been. Is it a good thing? Only the newer fan will be able to decide, as most of us older fans lament the moderization, plastic-coated attempt to present a look0alike sport of what it once was. The product association that keep the rivalries alive (win on Sunday, sell cars on Monday) is also a thing of the past. With the advent of the Car of the Future, what concern will it be for the fans Ford, Chevy, Dodge or even the other off-shore product if a generic, who-can-tell-what-the-hell it-is car, is a winner...will the corporate money dry up because they (Ford Chevvy etc) will no longer be identifiable? The direction of NASCAR, in my view, is a self destruction and self defeating direction...one that will attract a fan base that, by-and-large, endorses generic, plitical correctness in lieu of "may the best man and product win." The survival of the fittest mentality is becoming a thing of the past. While I rambled, you may guess that I am not a fan of the current trend...but long for the healthy, individual competitions of the past...to my mind, it is still Charlotte and not lowes (lower case intentional here.) Darlington still lives in my VCR library.

[Nevadastars]

Originally Posted by rave20

I enjoy hearing an interview that I can understand and sounds like the guy has some education. It's difficult to listen to some guy use 5th grade grammar and then have others talk about how sophisticated racing has become.

Then dont try and follow Pro Basketball, I cant understand half of what they are saying.......


Here's a funny Tony Stewart quote. During his rookie season in Cup, he was asked what it was like being in a Nascar garage area after being in IRL with mostly foriegn racers. His response was something like, "It's cool because everyone here speaks English........well, except Ward Burton".

[rave20]

"It's cool because everyone here speaks English........well, except Ward Burton".

Now that's funny!!!