Since November there's been something missing. The sound of V8 engines alive on Sunday (or Saturday night). Many changes have occurred over the NASCAR offseason. For three months all I've had has been "The Morning Drive" on Sirius radio, of which Pete Pistone is a co-host.
Some of the changes include the drivers' having to pick which division they will drive for championship points in. This means they must declare whether they will be racing for points at the Sprint Cup level, Nationwide level, or Camping World Truck level. The point system at the Sprint Cup level has gone from a confusing system to a less confusing one. In which 1st place gets 43pts, 2nd 42 pts, etc... I will not try and tell you about bonus points here.
Another change specifically for the Daytona 500 this year is the fact that the track has been re-paved. I work in Daytona Beach and I've seen since mid July the track go through the overhaul of re-paving. Sometimes during lunch I would drive by the backstretch to see the equipment that is used for such a massive project. It's also been pretty impressive to walk outside my office and the the cars testing on the new asphalt since the completion of the re-pave.
Last year's 500 was simply breathtaking; at least the big finish helped everyone get past the pothole issue.
This year the Daytona 500 will be momentous, not only because the track has just been re-paved (which should make for great racing), but also because it marks the 10 year anniversary of Dale Earnhardt's death at this race in 2001.
Rebecca Gladden has written "Three Drivers Could Deliver Momentous Daytona 500 win." Though I'm sure the other 40 will have something to say about it. The Preseason top 30 from SceneDaily.com is here. One of the writers Kenny Bruce is a must follow.
All of this being said; it was said best by a caller that was on The Morning Drive this past Monday. "I don't give a care about the rule changes, the speculation, the point system, or the changes to the cars. At this point I only care about going racing!" < My sentiment exactly!
Because no matter that I am personally a part of Jr. Nation, I love racing. I love the thrill of being at the tracks when I can be. I love that it is a community, not so much different than "Deadheads" or motorcyclists (of which I'm also a part of). I love the smell and the sound. I love listening to the drivers' channels at home on satellite radio during each race.
What do you love about NASCAR? What do you hate or despise? Maybe you don't like that I support a sport that you consider (insert negative vibe here)? Got a prediction of whether Jimmie Johnson will continue as champion or your pick as to who will dethrone him?
~bbryon
