The Jester’s Quart: NASCAR’s Regrettable Second Gear

[Greg_Wyshynski]

Calling me a NASCAR fan would be an insult to anyone that’s ever hauled his camper to the parking lot of a speedway and chugged a 30 pack of Bud while waiting for the gentlemen to start their engines.

At best, I’m a racing detester that’s come around to begrudging admiration; a blue-state...
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[Rusty27]

Nascar is Nascar,the NBA is the NBA.Two different things entirely.Why even attempt to make comparisons? Any other sport outside the NFL maybe)should be envious of the loyalty and interest of it's fans and the interest corporate America has in the sport.No,the actual racing does not take a back seat to the off track stories but Nascar fans are very interested in the drivers as well as evey other aspect of the sport,technical and non technical.

[klicks]

excellent comments Rusty. While I personally could care less about all the dealings off track (probably because I am just a 'casual' NASCAR fan), I can see how that is all part of the package, story and interest for a true blue NASCAR fan. All this interest in the drivers as personalities, and the team images etc. is why NASCAR has such a loyal and growing fan base - it permits the fan to be that much more involved with the drivers and the sport. This all translates into more sponsorship, more funding and more growth. NASCAR is probably the best marketed sport in North America, arguably it is packaged and presented even better than the NFL. The soap opera off the track is just part of the whole entertainment package.

[Greg_Wyshynski]

Originally Posted by Rusty17

Nascar is Nascar,the NBA is the NBA.Two different things entirely.Why even attempt to make comparisons? Any other sport outside the NFL maybe)should be envious of the loyalty and interest of it's fans and the interest corporate America has in the sport.No,the actual racing does not take a back seat to the off track stories but Nascar fans are very interested in the drivers as well as evey other aspect of the sport,technical and non technical.

I figured you might chime in, Rusty

The comparison was due to the fact that the NBA's star system has completely eclispsed its gameplay. The Spurs are, by far, the most well-constructed champion in about a decade. But since Duncan is "boring" their games are ignored. Maybe he should start a war of words with Kobe on a blog or something.

Like I said, I hope the racing doesn't take a back seat to the off-track circus. But while I was looking for real news about why Dale Jr.'s move meant something for his track record, most of the news I found centered on things only the "PTI" guys and Vince McMahon could care about...

[Rusty27]

Originally Posted by klicks

excellent comments Rusty. While I personally could care less about all the dealings off track (probably because I am just a 'casual' NASCAR fan), I can see how that is all part of the package, story and interest for a true blue NASCAR fan. All this interest in the drivers as personalities, and the team images etc. is why NASCAR has such a loyal and growing fan base - it permits the fan to be that much more involved with the drivers and the sport. This all translates into more sponsorship, more funding and more growth. NASCAR is probably the best marketed sport in North America, arguably it is packaged and presented even better than the NFL. The soap opera off the track is just part of the whole entertainment package.

Well said.That's exactly it in a nutshell.

[Rusty27]

Originally Posted by Greg_Wyshynski

I figured you might chime in, Rusty

The comparison was due to the fact that the NBA's star system has completely eclispsed its gameplay. The Spurs are, by far, the most well-constructed champion in about a decade. But since Duncan is "boring" their games are ignored. Maybe he should start a war of words with Kobe on a blog or something.

Like I said, I hope the racing doesn't take a back seat to the off-track circus. But while I was looking for real news about why Dale Jr.'s move meant something for his track record, most of the news I found centered on things only the "PTI" guys and Vince McMahon could care about...

Ok,I see your point about the NBA. And you're right,the press does pick up on the drama side WAY more than the actual racing.

[Gunnerman]

PTI, blech, horrid show.