[GloryDayz]

I didn't see it but even though one of their "stunts" led to my favorite driver being in the chase (although it was a seemingly proper reaction to a blatant act of cheating), NASCAR is quickly becoming the kissing cousin to the NFL as you see them make "excitement" and "TV rating" decisions to help their brand. It's all legal because, like the NFL is quick to point out, they are an "entertainment business" (referring to the court decision handed down after season ticket holders wanted a refund after a cheating scandal), no different than the WWE. The difference is that the world hasn't embraced that fact yet. And while it's not as dramatic as the WWE, nonetheless both brand's actions recently are driving home the point. The NFL making defense all but illegal, using head injuries to backup their position (yet not making the offensive player accoutable for their own health and safety - just score man!!), NFL officials rarely "seeing" penalties that hinder a defensive player from doing his job etc.... NASCAR has it harder, with the muti-team concept and too little emphasis on leading each and every lap and winning each and every race, has made the strategy behind the sport more than racing a car. And while "everybody knows what's going on", sooner or later the code between teammates will get so cryptic that it'll take a lie detector to have a clue.

While I'd like to see a "champion" keep going (and it will), I think the "Chase" concept will need to be scrapped and NASCAR will need to put an emphasis on laps led and wins. I'm don't claim to have all the answers but I'd like to try a year where:

1) The value of a each lap led shall total 5 points less than the point awarded for winning the race. That'll be difficult to figure out as different races are different numbers of miles and laps, but I think there's a start.


2) Winning the race will still be the biggest prize, but only amount to five points more that what a driver might have received if s/he led every lap of the race.

3) Cars will be parked after qualifying and start the race with that configuration + 5 gallons of gas.

4) Intra-team in-race radio communication will be banned, and only the owners can move between pits stalls. Sorry, I hate this but if you allow it to be as simple as verbal communications the gaming of the results is just too easy. They'll work together regardless, but at least make the communication and coordination be more challenging that audibles. "Omaha Omaha" on the sqaulk box and the competition goes into the wall... Yeah, I didn't tell him what to do, I just said "Omaha Omaha" because I like their steaks. LOL, I just don't see a way around...

5) "Teams" will be limited to two per owner. I'm sure they'll be creative to "own" more than two in a household, but the shops having to be separate might help too.

Good morning NASCAR fans...