Where is NASCAR Going?

Back in September, I had an article published about how NASCAR has changed in the last few years. Now, I would like to give you my opinion on some of the changes coming up, and some I think should be made.

Car of Tomorrow

From the reading I've done, and the interviews I've seen about it, the only thing I see good about the COT are the safety improvements. But, as Kenny Wallace said, they could have just added those features to the cars they are driving now. The thing I hate most about the COT is the fact that it is just plain ugly. The nose on those cars does not look right at all.

And I'm reading about more drivers that don't like it than do. They don't like the feel of it. But, NASCAR isn't listening. But of course, it's the drivers that will be behind the wheel of them, so why would NASCAR listen to them. The last time they actually listened to a driver was when Dale Earnhardt was alive. He didn't give them a choice.

Points System and The Chase

I didn't like the chase format when it was first introduced, and I still don't care too much for it. Of course it did allow Rusty to have one last shot at the Cup before retiring. The only thing I like about it now is that it does add an element of excitement to the season, mostly the last 10 races.

There is talk about changing the points system, and maybe something does need done with it. I'm on both sides as far as awarding more points for the win. On one hand, it is tough to win a Cup race today, so they should be rewarded. But, on the other hand, it does take away from one thing that made most Cup Champions, consistency. You don't have to win 10 races, or even 1, to become a champion. I do think there should be points awarded for winning a pole.

As far as a different system for the 10 chase drivers, or a "race within a race" format, I think the latter is a good idea. In other words, if a chase driver finishes 20th, but finishes 8th among the chase drivers, he should be awarded 8th place points. That would help with the problem of non chase drivers affecting the chase drivers as much.

Ratings and Race Length

I read an interview with Dale Earnhardt Jr where he said about ratings being down because the season and races are just too long. For the drivers sake, I agree the season should be shorter, but for me I hate the NASCAR off season. The races could be a bit shorter though. Jr stated that during the middle of most races, they are just out there turning laps and he just wants the race to be over.

Buschwackers

Plain and simple, get those full time Cup drivers he hell out of Busch. Either that, or award them less points. Kevin Harvick taking the Busch Championship this year is just stupid. It's like a Major League Baseball star going back to the minors and winning MVP. That series is supposed to be for the upcoming drivers trying to get into Cup. Once a driver officially becomes a full time Cup driver, they should not be allowed to run a full Busch season, or be permitted to contend for the Busch Championship.

Conclusion

As I stated in my article a few months ago, things in NASCAR will keep changing. Some for the good, some for the bad. NASCAR just needs to think which is which before making the changes.