Throughout the season we all find reasons at various times to complain about NASCAR.  Whether it is restrictor plate racing, the COT, the television coverage, The Chase or any number of other complaints that NASCAR fans have there always seems to be something that we wish NASCAR would improve.

In the spirit of the season lets hear some good things about NASCAR.   What is it that you love about NASCAR?  With so many other activities competing for your attention, why are you a NASCAR fan?

Jimmie Johnson added another honor to his resume this week.  After clinching his record-breaking fourth consecutive Championship earlier this year today Jimmie Johnson became the first race car driver in the 78 year history of the award to be named the AP Male Athlete of the Year.

Johnson beat out tennis' Roger Federer and Olympian Usain Bolt for the AP Male Athlete of the Year. The award is decided by popular vote of the editors of AP newspapers across the country.   Tiger Woods was named Athlete of the Decade but only finished fourth in the 2009 yearly balloting.

So what do you think?  Does Jimmy deserve to be recognized as the top athlete in all of sports for his achievements?

Some good news recently broke for NASCAR fans who have been around for a few years.  North Wilkesboro Speedway, which has wasted away quietly since Jeff Gordon took its final NASCAR checkered flag in 1996, will see competitive racing return in 2010.  The ASA Late Model series,  USARacing Pro Cup Championship Series and the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) will each visit North Wilkesboro next fall.

It is nice to see the historic speedway finally getting some use.   I don't see the Sprint Cup Series ever making it back to North Wilkesboro but a steady stream of smaller series like these could be exactly what the track and the surrounding community need to grow.

If you live in the North Wilkesboro area I encourage you to get out next fall and support the speedway.

Still have some holiday shopping left to do?  Time is running out. If you have a NASCAR fan left on your list here are some great items that can be purchased entirely online or over the phone. Nothing to wrap, no risking your life in the parking lot or unruly shoppers to battle. You simply make the purchase and then write a note explaining your gift. The NASCAR fan on your list is sure to be thrilled.

Check out these last-minute gift ideas.