Contrarian View on the "Chase"

I've believed it was an artificial construct since it was announced in 2004.

My hope is that Tony Stewart either wins or finishes 2nd in each of the nine remaining events.

That would make a good story (since I do not have, nor will I have a favorite driver, I always cheer for a good story).

Happy Harvick running the table in the next nine would be cool, too.

Labor Day on the "Left Coast" and other musings

For many years, NASCAR ran the Southern 500 at the "track too tough to tame"--Darlington Raceway. The race gave teams almost a day off...since Darlington can be reached in under four hours (in bad traffic--good traffic much less). Darlington's race is precisely what gave NASCAR's top division its reputation. That reputation is somewhat diminished by the sport leaving venues that were challenging (North Wilkesboro, Rockingham, one race taken from Darlington, races shortened at Dover from 500 miles...you get the idea). The sport is shedding its roots and reputation faster than a snake sheds its skin in a molt. It had a certain nobility in its simplicity. Unfortunately, NASCAR is much less simple and noble than it once was.

NHRA gets "Chasified"--America's fastest motorsport is taking a page from the aforementioned NASCAR, and modifying its championship in all the Pro (Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock bike) categories for 2007. The last few races will see an adjustment in points for the Top 8...and two will be eliminated until there are two contenders left in each class to race for the title at Pomona. NHRA Pro has the right idea in that everyone has to qualify on track--no provisionals, even for the 13 time Funny Car champ and leader John Force. Think about that system in NASCAR. My vote is for "Win or Go Home'.

Update on 9/3/2006:

Interesting link from the San Bernardino (CA) Sun's sports page:

http://www.sbsun.com/sports/ci_4282193