Is NASCAR Just Professional Wrestling On Wheels?
Friday April 27, 2007
Tony Stewart had some harsh words for NASCAR on his Tuesday night radio show on SIRIUS. Tony apparently believes that NASCAR has thrown a number of unnecessary cautions lately just to ensure close finishes. I have to say that I agree. It seems like much too often a driver gets a bit of a lead and NASCAR finds some mysterious debris to bunch up the field.
- Do you believe that NASCAR is throwing unnecessary cautions?
- If so, is that OK with you since it improves the quality of the finish?
Comments
what have we been saying. By “WE” I mean ALMOST everyone on these threads. NASCAR “APPEARS” to be playing favs, and fanaggaling the FINISH of the races. NASCAR themselves have been trying to tell us this in their TV spots over the last few years. “NASCAR ITS NOT A SPORT—ITS A LIFESTYLE” They was telling us then NASCAR is not a SPORT!! (or even a LIFESTYLE now.) It is ENTERTAINMENT. Like it or not NASCAR is one big ole SOAP OPERA nowadays. Like Wrestling some matches (RACES) are won by the good guys, some by the bad guys. Like a soap opera NASCAR can throw flags, change rules, even become oblivious to cars crashing right on the front stretch. All in an effort to CONTROL the finish, NOT THE WINNER so much, just the FINISH.
Well nascar is on the road to destruction..Part of it is TV’s Fault,Driver’s are not allowed to speak the truth…it’s going down hill,in ten years the stands will be empty if they don’t change there ways.Way to many commercials,favoritism,cautions,politics,fines…Tony Stewart is the only driver that still believe’s it’s all about Wining and nothing else matters.Nascar wants Puppets…They better save there money..It will soon be like Indy Racing..Nascar used to be a rough and tough bunch of guys..now nascar wants there boys to act like gentleman..no bumping or shoving….It’s really sad it has all come down to making Money.
Yes it appears without much of a doubt that NASCAR are throwing yellows to get the cars side by side so they can race 4or5 laps before it turns into a ho-hum follow the leader. Racing compared to what was done 15=20 years ago on tv is AWFUL. I understand the safty issue and agree that keeping the drivers and fans out of harm is important, but if the issue of safe driving keeps on the path it is now, well lets build a large 43seat marry-go-round and have the drivers use this, because the rate that its going it won’t be long. Ive been a die hard fan and never missed a race since 1990 either on tv or at the track. Now this love of the sport is slowly fading.
1.Yes
2.No
Nascar is definately changing and not for the better. Why is it that there are so many coincidences? Why does Jimmy Johnson always win at Lowe’s Motor Speedway? A Hendrick’s driver always wins on the anniversary of the terrible plane crash. Kevin Harvick won his first race his “3rd” time in the Goodwrench car, etc., etc. Why is it always the same drivers win week after week? It’s getting boring. I want to see someone new win. With all the cars of tomorrow being the same, you would think someone else could win instead of the same drivers every week. I want old racing back where the drivers have personality and can have a bad day. Now everyone has to be nice and can’t say anything. Is this how Nascar started and was supposed to be? If so then I’m watching something else. I love Nascar and especially Tony Stewart, but Tony can’t be Tony anymore. What fun is that?
Exciting finishes are great, but not when they’re staged. the team that does their homework, & has the best luck deserves the win. There will be a price to pay for exciting finishes some day… I mean the 2001 Daytona 500 had an exciting finish, it just cost me my hero in auto racing. I think if they want exciting finishes every race, & safety is of no concern,let the drivers go back to fighting in the infield & racing to the yellow flag.
Well the speeds are getting faster and faster and the drivers need the safety factor but I don’t like a lot of the new rules at all. Now for the cautions for debris lets get Nascar show this so call debris on TV that way everybody can see what it is. And I don’t like this green/white/checker flag either. If a race has to finish under caution because of a wreck than it sould finish under caution. And sometimes a Red flag is needed but not to clean the track to finish under green/white/checker. And my biggest complet is that the top 35 are in sured to be in the race. I say “Bull” to that. I check the speeds each week and there are some drivers that made the race who are the slowest driver that day just because they are in the top 35!!!! The safety now is great but lets get real raceing 15 or so years ago racing was a lot better!!!
I agree 100% with Tony. It seems that NASCAR has lost prespective of who made this sport what it is today, the fans! When I am able to sit in my living room and predicate on what lap, the next caution is thrown, it is a sad state. I have been a fan since I was a little girl and am fast losing interest in watching the race. When you combine how NASCAR is being judge and jury on who wins a race and changing the rules as to which team will prosper and the fact that when watching the race you have a commercial every 10 minutes, it is hard to stay a loyal fan. Twice, NASCAR has made exceptions of Jeff Gordon, once in Daytona when he was not penalized for the “part” failure in the 150 and again last when when he was allowed to retain his starting position when he should have started the race at the back of the field.
# 8 Theethiis
Gordon was penalized @ Daytona remeber he had to start at the back.Then Last weekend he was pass the start finish line befor the leader just like all the other times this happens.Tony got beat and now he’s crying about it
Yes Nascar is throwing unnecessary cautions to fix the races. It is disgusting and cheating just like the teams put items in their cars that do not belong. It does not improve the finish at all. I have been a fan since 1960 when racing was racing. I am not happy with Nascar these days. Good for Tony for telling it like it is.
I agree with Tony Stewart 100 percent, Nascar is controlling finishes
and not allowing drivers to race their race. Its bull and you know it!
I can’t believe everybody thinks Nascar is giving races to people ..lets think about it…did Nascar give Jr all the wins after his dad was killed….did they give the win at the brickyard to crybaby Stewart last yr so he could climb the fence !!!!!!!! I mean why not give Martin all the wins so he can win a championship…. come on …do you all want to see more brain damage and death so racing will be tougher !!!!!!
Tony is not crying about getting beat. He even said on his show that last caution and the 1st one where the only legit ones. All you Bashers need to listen to the whole thing before you start on him again. If Jeff Gordon said this would you feel the same way? And Why when Tony Speaks his mind he is a cry baby? More Drivers need his tell it like it is attitude. Some times he isn’t right but at least he isn’t afraid to express his own opinions. Instead of saying what NASCAR deems acceptable.
HEY NASCAR, leave the politics to the politicians….let the boys race!
Some of these comments. Yes, nascar is ENTERTAINMENT. The drivers tell you that on interviews. Some of them even tell you they like the phantoms cautions, Petty, Waltrip just a few that have said it. Cars are getting faster and faster. Obviously, you didn’t watch racing before the restrictor races. Cars then were going over 200 mph. Always the same driver wins every week. Again, guess you are new to the Sport, Lifestyle, or Entertainment.
What I do agree with about these comments are the phantom cautions, nascar do want puppet drivers. Nascar is slowly loosing it’s popularity, that showing also. Some say who cares we love this sport, I guess they have tunnel vision, what that means. Will nascar fold up like IROC? No, I don’t think so, it will fall along side as the IRL, Indy cars. If you watch and listen you know what I mean by that. That some teams have done their homework better than others have and it shows. However, every year or two another teams’ will rise and win more races, which is why they will be another championship. Green, white, and checker thing, well I guess they would not have to do that if they did not count the yellows as laps. Some of these people have selected memories or new to the sport about the questions they asked. The new ones are understandable but the ones that they say been watching for years, it’s always been a select few drivers that win. Oh the question by one of the comments, why does this drive just happen to win at this anniversary or that? I don’t know then again I asked the very same question when Richard Petty just happen to win his 200th race when the President of the United States just happen to be there. Oh well Same thing, a different day.
PERSONALLY I think nascar has been shapeing races for a couple of years.
They are now being more open and bold about. Theve got a Govenment attitude, We run this Show if the fans dont like it, TOO BAD. I have one very favorite Driver That I like to see win. But if he`s not winning or in a position to win I root for many of my other likeables. Including Jeff Gordon “IF” He has earned that win.
Jeff Gordon was flat in the pits No if or Butts about it and should have been penalized. Probable Cause. Gordons Hand was in the cookie Jar.
Im Tired of The Nascar Owner-polititians trying to be everything to every body other than the Drivers and us fans. As The Drivers and US fans have made the Sport What it is, both yesterday and also today.
Tony Stewart Your Not my No. one Driver. But I love you and all the others. Keep Standing up for your self and us.
My Quote: Its not the evil amoung us that Bad. Its the Silence of the Good that hurt us.
JIM STUART 66 yr old fan.
PLEASE check the stock holders list! The McMahon’s must have a controlling interest in this by now. I agree that the stands will see a decline (in attendance) in the future, but the televised pulp will still be on. They will bunch everyone up on one side of the track, and shoot it from the other to make it appear that the track is filled to capacity. There’s nothing “stock” about the cars anymore! You can’t distinguish one from the other (except for the sponsor logos). Technology has ruined the sport – it has taken the driver out of it – to a great degree. If you have an engineer as a crew chief, and he has an understanding of set-ups you could change drivers from car to car with competitive results. If a driver gets a car that doesn’t handle as well as he “feels” it should it usually ends up in the wall – while the driver leaves the track heading for his next destination. Tearing the car up doesn’t seem to matter anymore, as if they’re disposable. If you don’t like driving this one, crash it we’ll build you another, and God forbid you have to assist in the construction – you just look good and DRIVE!
I DON’T PULL FOR TONY, MATTER OF FACT, I DON’T EVEN LIKE HIM, BUT HE IS SPOT ON ABOUT NASCAR,MY PROBLEM WITH NASCAR IS JUST PLAIN INCONSISTANCEY.THEY SAY THEY RULE CASE BY CASE,WELL, THATS FINE,BUT RULE THE SAME PENLTY FOR THE SAME INFRACTION.
Nascar has been dropping for several years. Ever since they made the TV deal with Fox, it has declined.
I had the oppertunity to sit thru a presentation by Nascar marketing when they made that TV deal several years ago. The big message they gave us major sponsors was “Fans are getting tired of trying to find out what channel the race is on this weekend”. Haven’t they gone full circle?
It is all about the big $$$ for Nascar. Phantom cautions? Yes they are a way of life. Nascar wants to put on a good show for the fans. If your driver has a 3 second lead, it sucks. If your driver is 3 seconds behind the leader, it’s great.
I will be the first to admit that I actually fell asleep at my last race last fall in KC. Mid race, it was boring, field was strung out, the fall sun was warm, I had been up since 4am, etc. Then a caution for “Jaques Debris”.
But Nascar could not have orcestrated the ending to that one with Tony winning it at a record slow green flag finish.
I do not think there is a solution to the slide Nascar is currently in. This will be the first year in many that I will not attend a race. It is just to expensive, predictable, boring, etc.
Maybe we need Humpy to come in and start a new sanctioning body like Tony George did with Indy. YIKES!!!
Maybe it would work if he trashed the restictor plates and turned it into a “run what ya brung” organization.
Shake and bake baby, shake and bake!
Hey Tony for ten grand you can give them the number one salute
I think we should all stop quarreling about which of our favorite drivers are getting gypped by this. We all as NASCAR Fans… first and foremost, must put a stop to this crazy injustice being done to the sport and us. We as fans pay those sponsors they are so worried about, and we as fans watch this sport that they supposedly want to keep running. It all comes down to the fact that we as fans have the final say. If NASCAR isn’t listening then they will lose our support and our ratings. They need to worry more about keeping the sport than pleasing which sponsor, or advertising a driver who can’t even win the race without them choreographing it from the tower.
We as fans need to focus on voicing our opinions of what they are doing to the sport more than individual drivers. I mean I am not a Tony Stewart fan but I agree with him completely. We all as drivers and fans need to say that is enough. The drivers don’t like this kind of racing unless you are one of the five racers allowed winning. Cause lets face it, NASCAR has very openly given their personal picks that win most races because of a particular publicity stunt. For example, like what someone else wrote on here, Jimmy Johnson at Lowes or Hendrick racers always winning on the anniversary of the crash, or Gordon’s impending fatherhood. I hate to tell NASCAR, but they are not making money with these ploys they are just pi**ing people off.
I believe that this is one of those times where driver-to-driver and fan-to-fan we need to put aside our differences right now and join against NASCAR’S Governing body and say “We’re not going to take it anymore”! My family has been in racing and watching NASCAR my whole life and we miss the integrity of what this sport used to mean and stand for. It stood for good values, hard work, and the backbone of American values. What does it say about American Values if they will change the outcome of races for Greed? I was under the impression that we hold 90% of the stock in this sport. We pay for the sponsors each time we watch their commercials or buy their products because it is what our driver promotes. Without the loyalty of its fans, NASCAR would never have lasted as long as it has. It is our love of the sport and agony to see it go that keeps us turning on our TV every Sunday to see, or not see these caution dictating races.
It is my opinion that NASCAR started out with the right intent and was disillusioned by greed, then was left to ruin the basic foundation that this sport was built on. It has happened to all great sports, Football, Baseball, and now Nascar. I don’t want my driver hurt by it anymore either but even more, I don’t want to see the sport ruined and all of it’s loyal fans lost because NASCAR’S governing body is more worried about money and sponsors than they are about fans and drivers.
I don’t think NASCAR is going to change a thing, unless the drivers start voicing their opinions like Stewart did, and we the fans force it upon them. I mean it doesn’t look to me as though they are listening to the drivers that much and there really isn’t much more the driver can do. Their hands are basically tied. The drivers have been telling them for years that if they are so worried about the safety of the drivers then they should be allowed to run further apart and not bunched up in packs. Let the ingenuity of the crew chiefs and different models of cars actually dictate who wins the race instead of saying they are all good and making them all basically join the same cookie cutter mold.
I will admit that it makes for some fantastic races but it causes more wrecks and inevitably more injuries to the drivers. There has got to be a way to enjoy racing and the few close races than to have every race close and take the competitive factor out of the sport. It might not be neck and neck every week but the weeks that there are real racers racing each other all out and with NO interference… those will be the races two years later people are talking about. That will be inevitably, what puts fans back in the stands and raise sponsors. You can’t please every sponsor… not and still have a decent sport anyway. I agree with safety to an extent but come on… are the changes made lately really for safety, or are they just a temporary cover for a greater evil invading the minds of NASCAR. Greed…
Unecessary “Debris” cautions are killing NASCAR races. That from a life long fan. Tony Stewart is the only driver with the guts to say it. Go to a race, sit in the stands and listen to the reactions around you when one of these competition (what they really are) cautions comes out!
I disagree 100%. Tubbo Tony is just a whiner when he got beat fair and square! If he doesn’t like the rules, let him go back to open wheel racing and take Montoya and Robbie Gordon with him!!!
Well, Tony isn’t my favorite, but he is a great driver. Mark has been my man for years because of his attitude. As far as letting the drivers voice their feelings on live TV after a race, remember that our families watch this show with us and some things should not be said. Sometimes a driver is just too ticked off when the do the interview. Usually they control themselves but feelings can often override sense and that is often the case. Yet it’s very understandable. We ALL have those moments. Back to the topic. Unnecessary cautions suck. I believe there are several of them to orchestrate the excitement. I’m definately not for it. Let the finish be a real finish and let the chips fall. If Mark doesn’t win, that’s a shame but he had his shot. If Tony wins and deserves it, pat him on the back for a job well done. At least give them all the same chance to win. And yes, I hate it that the trend is to make all the cars the same. Restrictor plates are a poor solution. Maybe just reduce the engine size a little to hold the speeds down. Within limits, I would like to see it go back to “run what ya’ brung”. I can remember when a Ford was a Ford and a Chevy was a Chevy. Now it is all IROC. I’m not against safety but I want to see racing !! I also am starting to lose interest. Concerning hiring engineers to work on the cars, what’s the problem with that? Just stay within the rules.(And no more padding out the window, Robbie) And yes, there is WAY too much commercialism. I want to see Charlotte Motor Speedway come back.
Whoa – 1969RS said it all, well done. BTW is that a 1969 Camaro RS?
Stacy – very good and detailed response. I think it is clear we as fans have had it and we need to start doing something, but what will impact NASCAR the most. If we stay away, others will go in our place. Maybe visible boycotts outside the gates?
NASCAR does seem to be quick with the caution flags. Is it coincidental that, when someone gets a big lead, debris is suddenly spotted on the track? I’m becoming suspicious. I believe NASCAR is meddling way too much in order to appeal to the masses. Throwing constant changes at crew chiefs often results in organized chaos. When one driver drives away from the field its…boring. But that’s racing. If this keeps up, I may abandon NASCAR and find a motorsport where drivers are actually allowed to race.
A lot of the complaints that I am reading here are aimed at the wrong people. Many of the problems are with the Media and not NASCAR. (i.e. too many commercials) It makes me mad that they break away for commercial when there is a yellow flag and are still gone when the re-start occurs. It is usually a repeated commercial that we have already seen 6 times…Grrrrrrrrr
The announcers said they’d show the debris whenever they could find it. I remember seeing it only once….
I think that NASCAR has adopted a feeling of invincibility; that they can do whatever they want without being held accountable for it. They’re wrong.
People are getting annoyed with their inconsistencies, the unfairness of their rulings, their seeming drive to quash innovation and competitive spirit, and more than anything, angry at the attitude of not caring about the fan, and what the fan wants from the sport.
Wrestling went into a BIG downturn, and I fully expect NASCAR to experience the same thing if they stay the current course.
SWAPPING PAINT WAS A PART OF RACING.DRIVERS WERE CAPABLE OF DEALING WITH THIS WITH THIER SKILL.EVEN IN THE SIXTIES YOU HAD A GROUP OF DRIVERS THAT USUALLY WON THE RACE BUT THEY RACE TO WIN ALL OF THEM.PETTY WON 200 RACES PEOPLE SAY SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THAT BUT REMEMBER THE MAYBE 1000 RACES HE LOST.PART OF THE FUN OF SPORTS ARE THE ARGUEMENTS THE FANS HAVE OVER CERTAIN GOING ONS.I HAVE TO ADMIT LIKE ALL THINGS IT COMES DOWN TO THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR.IT SEEMS LIKE THE DRIVERS NOW HAVE FACES THAT LOOK GOOD ON CAMERA. NO UGLY DRIVERS ANYMORE?
It’s GREED!!! Remember the Frances own most of the tracks and NASCAR. They are making money coming and going and don’t give a damn about the racers or the fans at this point. Bottom line… you can’t own the sport and regulate it too. This is called corruption anywhere esle.
man i really like the way it goes but it jus getting more faster and more cooler. but thats jus the way its gonna be unless they chage things around there . but its alright
Tony was correct and NASCAR should listen to what he said and give it some serious thought. The more they mess with the outcome of the races the more real racing is ruined. This goes right along with the car of tomorrow making all makes look the same and losing fan manufacturer loyalty. All of this may have something to do with the stands not being sold out.
Steve, your 2nd question was the dumbest thing I’ve ever read from you. If anyone thinks like that let them watch pro wrestling not NASCAR. As I’ve been saying on these pages for a year or so NASCAR has been rigging the races to get an exciting finish which is about as dumb as you can get. With NASCAR it’s about one thing and thats MONEY!!!! They seem to think that most fans are just stupid and can’t see the fake finishes. I’m not a Stewart fan but he is the only one with the guts to say anything bad about NASCAR and I don’t call that whining.
NASCAR is all about, and only about money. Yes, it’s fixed like pro wrestling. Drivers used to cheat many years ago but have a hard time getting away with it. Now it’s NASCAR cheating to keep the money flowing in. It’s bad. It looks bad, feels bad and smells bad. It’s entertainment and not sport anymore. Tony broke ranks and will get spanked for quite a while. Damn shame or should I say damn sham?
Maybe I’m imagining things, but I don’t see these “bogus cautions” as competition enhancements. They appear to be more along the lines of what the NFL would call a “TV timeout”, offering the media more commercial time without missing green flag racing. Look at when they seem to occur, sometimes after a long green flag run, but generally towards the end of the race when more people are tuning in to see who wins. I don’t know about you, but I know plenty of people who get bored with the middle stages of a race where drivers seem to be riding & feeling out their cars, so they just catch the last 50-100 laps. I’m know the media is aware of this, & NASCAR can’t be so blind that it’s escaped their attention.
So, while I agree these cautions are “bogus”, are they really to improve competition, or give the networks more commercial time?
i agree with tony it seams like the race just gets good and bam a CAUTION
for something on the track.this is happening way to often latley.
Thanks goodness the fans are finally waking up. I bet a few empty stands would wake nascar up. Tony just said what no one else had to nerve to.
Becareful people, The Nascar Suck-ups– you know the ones “NASCAR Never do anything wrong type” going to come on here and chew you all out.
WAA-WAA-WAA ! What a bunch of crybabies ! If you don’t like the way NASCAR is ran, DON”T WATCH IT ON TV OR GO SEE IT IN PERSON ! NASCAR has been around for 50 years (longer than most marriages these days) and has gotten bigger and BIGGER ! Who gives a crap what “Tony” thinks ! If you don’t like the way NASCAR is ran, than L-E-A-V-E ! NASCAR can and will make it without you ! Get a LIFE !
NASCAR has been going down the road of uniformity. Albeit the car of tomorrow is safer, the car of tomorrow is an off the shelf replacement for what once was truly a car that came from the manufacturer. What other racing venue features “The Lucky Dog”. Serious racing doesn’t give breaks to the slow or unfortunate. NASCAR needs to realize its base is beginning to erode due to the push for infinite parity.
Nascar needs to return to it’s origin of STOCK CARS (modified for safety like rally cars). They also need to be consistent in their punishments/fines. Nascar is the “professional wrestling” of racing. It seems its all about the show and less about the cars and drivers abilities.
I agree with Tony and what seems to be the majority of the fans. Nascar not only call unnecessary cautions to manipulate the results of races, penalties and fines levied seem to favor a handful of drivers, and some penalties help decide the results of a race. The Kentucky Speedway is on the right track to break up this monopoly which I think will be good for racing. Way to go Tony, and yes, I am a Tony Stewart Fan and proud of it. Nascar is driving me to be more of a fan of Open Wheel Racing.
Oh, no it is not ok for Nascar to use bogus cautions to supposedly improve the quality of the race finish. I watch and attend races for the entire race not just the finish. If that were the case, I’d watch the beginning the turn the tv off and return only for the finish. Again,,,,way to go Tony.
I’m 81 and raqced at Soldier’s Field in 1946-47 in an open wheel Offy. Am a lifelong NASCARfan. These wonderful ?? yellows lagte in races are more than a bit suspicious in nature. Stewart raised a big flag and NASCAR will put on a BIG hubbub over some very correct comments. The idea of the COT is good and we will see in the next fairly short period of time that the teams and drivers will understand how to set the car up and how to drive it to a win. I look forward to seeing the COT on a 2 mile track like Michigan.
I agree with most of the stories, Nascar is like a Union, telling and running things the way they want, and what benefits do the drivers get. NONE It is about time the drivers and sponsors take matters into their own hands and start up a new sanction. They can get along with out the Frances for sometime and then take them over. That is the only way to beat them and get racing back to what it use to be.
I warn you all about the nascar sucks ups. Don’t like don’t watch mentality.
Tony; get on a new band wagon.You have become one of the biggest babies in Nascar racing.You should be driving “The HOME DEPOT Bigwheel” sitting in a booster seat. When Tony gets out driven Tony cries. GET A GRIP, you got BEAT.
Um, when does speaking your mind is considerd a crybaby? If that is the case then the comments such as #47 Tim, and the rest that keeps calling drivers,and others are crybabies too. Guess you didn’t think of that uh?
Like #44 Dave B, I’ve been kicking around racing since the ’50s and I believe NASCAR has passed it’s prime. Everyone, including the drivers loves the big money so much that not many will rock the boat, except for people like Tony Stewart. Seems to me I remember Mark Martin telling anyone that would listen “restrictor plate racing ain’t racing”. That was the beginning of the end.
Monopolizing anything is not good. NASCAR has lost the recipe and found greed.
Also, the continued wrangling and lawsuits between NASCAR and Bruton Smith will help kill the sport.
I’ve been making the wrestling analogy for two years. Remember when the television cameras used to actually show the debris on the track? Speeding in and out of the pits, the free pass, differing penalties depending on the driver for the same offense. It’s offensive! Sponsoring cars just happening to win their sponsors named races. Can’t you already hear the Hulkster…”come on brother, say your prayers…eat your vitamins…and watch NASCAR”. Keep Vince McMahon off the BOD though please.
The last couple years Ican’t get next to Nascar. Just what is a competion yellow? Lucky do pass? If you race a competitor down a lap, he needs to race to get that lap back. All the drivers do is cry about a bump in the track, etc. I must say Nascar is good at marketing, sell personalities, not racing. The last Brickyard race I went to I could not believe how little the fans knew about actual racing or the cars! But, the people in the stands all had their favorite drivers memoriabilia being worn. How about taking away the most of the down force, the gumball tires and let’s see how the real race car drivers are!
1 Yes, 2 No! Tony said it all. Its almost to the point where its, “Wake me up for the last 10 laps!” The new racing is almost like watching a driver call for a “Time Out” by throwing a piece of roll bar padding out the window.
I have felt for several years that NASCAR has been giving unfair advantages to particular drivers. The unnecessary cautions are just the latest infraction of the fans. I have followed NASCAR for over 25 years and it simply doesn’t seem like racing to me any more. You know when a race starts that there will be one of about six drivers that will win. I am glad that they are focusing on driver safety, but that can be carried too far, debris in the pebbles is not a great safety factor and I don’t feel like that it is a danger to the driver’s and I don’t think that those cautions should be called.
#1-YES I sure do. It seems like every race at the end NASCAR drops the yellow flag for some stupid reason. Debris on the track. Yeah Right. Good for you Tony Stewart for speaking the TRUTH
#2-NO it is not ok with me !
Sure hope NASCAR reads all of these !
Tony Stewart is the only Honest Driver in nascar..most drivers just want to play the game and make there huge paychecks.Tony cares about the sport,Drivers like Tony start racing because they love to compete..but they want to compete with everyone in a fair situation.Nascar tries to make a great show out of a race.You have to let the race be the race…Sometimes you will see a great race..sometimes you won’t
Way to Go Tony
I think you guys are right. I hate it when a driver is winniing by seconds and then all of a sudden a “debris on the track” caution. I love Jimmie Johnson. I would say that I am his biggest fan. I hate the fact that there are so many commercials. I have been a fan since Jimmie’s rookie year 2001. I don’t like the lucky dog. I hate the fact the last driver on the lead lap “should” pull over and let the leader go. I hate the fact the Jeff Gordon thinks that since he owns Jimmie’s car that he should pull over and let him win. I think Jeff Gordon is a cry baby and if Jimmie is not winning I root for anyone who will win instead of Jeff. I happen to like Tony Stewart. I like the way he speaks his mind. If I were not a Jimmie fan Tony would be my guy. I knew nothing when I first started watching but I understand a whole lot more now. I don’t like the mysterious cautions. I don’t like the commercials. I don’t like the fact that they have deemed pretty boy Jeff Gordon “the man”. I do however love “The King”. I liked him even when I wasn’t a racing fan. I think racing should go back to what it was and stop this car of tomorrow crap. I would love to go to a race but I can’t afford it. Maybe that’s a good thing. I do however go to poling day at Chicagoland Speedway. I don’t remember the races of yesterday but just the six years that I have been watching, racing is going down the drain. There is just too much commercialism.
I hope a lot of you listened to ESPN radio this am (4-28). I am really disappointed with Stewart, he gave in to NASCAR and almost begged for mercy. I don’t know what kind of hold they have on these drivers but it is like the gestapo in ww2. Nascar fined him for missing a press meeting which they never did before but they decided to start now, instead of fineing him for his remarks which were right on the money. If all the drivers got together and decided not to take this crap anymore it would improve racing greatly. Also there is good article in the June edition of Car & Driver which takes NASCAR to task for their rabid commercialism and explains my view of the way NASCAR has become. PEACE TO ALL.
well i have always suspected the guys in race control,with the binoculors,were watching the track,but i think,after seein it for myself,they watch the crowds. for what?havin too much fun? bordom? unrullyness. what ever they want a show,not a race. a race is totally uncontrollabe.heck the drivers are on the verge of outta control all day long…so the suits are tryin to control the show….they are to dumb to realize the obvious…..we see they just want the cash cow to give more foer less !the more the better for them.tony is correct the fans have said it since the first time bill france jr. got sick and the snot nosed grandson…ba ba ba b abrian france started thinking CASH,LOOK AT ALL THESE REDNECK WORKING FOOLS SPENDING ALL THERE PAY TO SEE A RACE…….MORE I WANT MORE, AND HE IS GETTING IT….LOOK AT MEXICO,WHY WHY CANADA…GLOBLE,WE CANT SATISFY THE DOMESTIC DEMAND FOR A SHOW,DONT GET CONFUSSED WITH RACE,WE ALL KNOW THOSE ARE DONE ON DIRT AND OLD ASPHALT!
I say nascar officals aren’t throwing to many cautions and talking about debris any kind of debri will cut a tire down, so would you rather have a caution or your driver or any other driver put into the wall, I say safety first
Yes Tony sometimes is a bit outspoken..Sometimes he say’e the wrong things..but at least he speaks whats on his mind…I hate listening to drivers ever week with a little speach about how there crew one the race for them and how happy they are all the time..Tony tells it like it is and maybe nascar will figure out the fans are not so stupid..We are sick of cautions,2 hours of commercials,lucky dogs,pit road speeding penalties,I think Tony may have to become the Director of competition…Or maybe start a new Nascar series…Nascar has really changed since the start,I know more people are turning off the race every day and going back to there local tracks for some real racing….If I had $10,000 I would send it to Tony..Don’t feel Bad buddy..From and old Angel Park Speedway friend..Keep up the good work!
OH YEA A PIECE OF PAPER REALLY CAN CUT A TIRE DOWN. NOW YOU KNOW WHY I DON”T BUY GOODYEAR TIRES!!!! GET REAL!!!!
Way to go Tony…It takes a real Man to tell nascar the truth..ya,so it hurt there feelings..it just goes to show how powerful Nascar thinks it is…Well Nascar…Without the fans your little traveling circus is going to go out of Business..Have you thought of that?…Race Fans are pretty smart,we see every second of the race,listen to all the hype,We know whats real and whats not..Nascar racing is still pretty cool but it’s going down fast.I hope Tony has open up you eyes and maybe you will someday thank him..You owe him some Big Thank you’s for bringing this out in the open before you hit Bottom.
Tony Stewart should be awarded for his Truth full comments.By the Way..Maybe The TV people could show some racing back in the pack once in a while.I have heard people say things like “Kyle Petty” “I though he retired”..You may only see him on the track once or twice a season.
I would hate to see someone skid out on some ketchup from a hotdog wrapper..
Doesnt Goodyear have some RunFlat tires?Maybe thats the answer?
I’m going to miss the mustache.
Boo Hoo !!
Tony Stewart is to good to be apart of NASCAR..he should start his own Race..let NASCAR keep Jeff Gordon..he is rather boring…should be sitting on the sidelines than racing anyway..
Regeane, Some of you should sit on the sidelines as well and watch romper room when commenting on here.
I have been reading these comments and they bother me more than what NASCAR did to Tony! I was at work yesterday when I heard on the bars big screen that they fined him or that he gave in to them. The more I thought about it though he really had no choice. If he loves racing and wants to keep doing it then he has to give in to them. It is a small consolation in deed that he still has what he said stirring up fans and rocking the foundation of the sport.
From what I have read on here it seems like we all agree on one thing… that Tony said what no one else would and we all basically agree that it is time for the competition flags and the phantom debris flags to become a thing of the past. Tony does have a bad pension for wining but this time it was after he had cooled off. It isn’t whining when you think through and give the most accurate description of the bullshit that NASCAR is trying to pull. He knew what he was saying and he knew that he lost the race fare and square. I think the only whiners are the ones on here who feel they have to bash Tony for pointing out the obvious.
Like I said earlier I am not a Tony Stewart fan but I do agree with 90% of what he said. I think what is really sad is instead of figuring out how to put a stop to NASCAR’S governing body using fans this way; everyone is on here bashing each others drivers and slamming Tony. Tony isn’t the problem and no matter who anyone’s favorite drivers are the only things that is going to save the sport are the fans putting a stop to it.
I know that our favorite drivers are like our family, they come into our home every week and we know their personalities, likes and dislikes as much as anyone. I mean even on the super speedways the drivers who usually are enemies will sometimes bump draft together to achieve a greater goal. I just think this childish bickering over whose driver is wrong or right is crazy. If everyone who wants to see the integrity of the sport return stands up to NASCAR’S governing body… they will have to change. It may not be very fast in coming but Rome wasn’t built in a day. I don’t want to just quit watching like suggested earlier. I love the sport and just want to see a fair and just race, where everyone has the same opportunity to win.
yes/no I ‘ve been watching nascar racing for 35 yrs and nascar has got very money hungry and stated a race club that is about money and TV, not true auto racing.The rules are made up as they go along each week and I believe that nascar has a set of rules made up in their minds for each driver The rules apply when nascar feels like it.If a driver comments and says what he feels, he gets fined and if he says what nascar and TV want to hear,then to nascar he’s a great race car driver and no rule changes apply (B.S.)A piece a paper on the track is not a good cause for a caution flag I believe that nascar has a secret rule book and set of rules of their own We need to take nascar and all sports back to their roots (Play hard, Drive fast , have fun and be safe)
NASCAR was a sport now it nothing but a business.
I have never liked Tony and I stand up and jump up and down when someone wrecks him.
However I agree 100% with everything he said, thought it myself before.
The France’s want the same things as the fans, but for different reasons. The choices they have been making make fans scratch their heads. The “competition caution” looks like the last resort to take a bad race and get an exciting finish. They decided that having everybody equal is better than having everyone trying to get better. In the old days, some years Chevy was better than Ford, and there would be great battles among the drivers with Chevy’s, but there wouldn’t be a Ford in sight. Then Ford would make a change mid-season, and they would dominate for a while. They aren’t letting people innovate. They are dumbing everything down. I mean, when was the last stock car, and by that I mean a car sold in a dealership, sold that didn’t have fuel injection, had a regular carburetor? When real cars are trying to be fuel efficient and aerodynamic in shape, the Car of Tomorrow is a rolling brick? The Frances are stuck in the 1950’s. Until they wake up, they sport will get worse and worse.
Concerning the cars, the old nascar cars looked like they came off the showroom floor was good, that is what most still want I think. If Gm, Ford make a car look like a brick so be it, It looks like a factory car. The teams can’t mess with the body style for areo purpose just what ever the factory cars have. DO HAVE ALL THE SAFETY “ie” frames etc, of the cars today. I believe the teams have the knowlege to do it. If you think the old nascar had stock power trains back then I believe you be greatly mistaken.
there are alot of talented drivers out there let them do their jobs and determine the outcome of the race it’s that simple…
Never been a Stewart fan. AM NOW. NASCAR controls every aspect with one thought in mind-$$$$$$$$. TV ratings have killed this as a sport. These cars have lost all resemblance to Stock Car Racing and contractual responsibilities have made the drivers into TV and advertisement stars.
There’s no whinning in NASCAR… only in the engines! Safety come first!
GO TONY. stating ones opinion is not whinning. Go get em. I will always be a Tony Stewart fan and proud of it. The others can voice their opinions and no one calls them whiney.. you rock in my book Tony.boogity boogity, boogity, boogity.
I sometimes think that the cautions get in the way. But I think that debis on the track is very dangerous. I can only recall 1 time that they didnt show what the caution was thrown for. Now I admit that I could be just not paying attention at the time. But I dont think that the races are fixed I think that is ludicrous. I just think that the tension from the COT is easing off so people need somethng else to complain about. I Love racing and someone would have to do alot to prove to me that all the ugly that they think is going on really is. Just because you dont like the way something is going doesnt mean there has to be a conspircy. Go Jimmy GO cant wait to see the race tomarrow
The Bottom Line is …Tony Stewart is a real Race driver..He would have been perfect in the old days racing AJ Foyt..Nascar is just a rolling billboard these days.The Fans need to address nascar with there concerns and express there dislike for the cautions,rule changes and the favoritisims…Support Tony Stewart,like him or Not,he may be saving this sport…Go to Tonys Website and thank him.
I’s all gone downhill ever since Earnhardt died.
I bet you Tony Lovers are the same “REDNECKS” that are throwing beer cans and junk on the track when someone other then your driver wins ! GET A LIFE PEOPLE F1 fans don’t act like BABBIES and throw things ! REDNECK MENTALITY !
The next step on the slippery slope to oblivion will be when the big 4 (GM, FORD, CHRYSLER, TOYOTA) stop supporting the cars that no longer even come close to looking like their products. Why should they spend millions on things that all look alike and don’t even come close to looking like stock cars. And I say again I’m very disappointed in Tony Stewart for backing down for his 100% correct remarks against NASCAR. NOTE to HARLEY PILOT-If fans don’t complain about a lousy product they deserve what they get. If you are a Harley driver then you know that a several years ago it was junk and only improved when riders complained loud and long. PEACE TO ALL!!!
Nascar has been throwing yellows near the end of races for several yrs now to bunch everybody back up for a big finish and yes they should be called wwf nascar.
I am just sitting here watching the start of race day coverage on the speed channel and I almost threw up my breakfast. Everyone is all over Stewart for his correct remarks, it makes me sick to see these ex drivers sucking up to nascar with these excuses for their actions. Also some nascar official chewing out Stewart and trying to explain why he was the first one fined for missing the news conference after the last race, something they have not done before. I’m trying really hard to overlook this crap so I can enjoy the race but it is getting more and more difficult to stomach this stuff nascar is putting out. PEACE TO ALL!!!
Look At First Race of The Year
There is a reason why people do not throw beer cans on the track in F1 racing. The race is more boring than nascar getting to be, and they are all asleep. So Harley pilot, you call people that speak their minds babies? Oh wait, you just spoke your mind when you told people to get a life. Then you call people rednecks, and call them Tony lovers. You used the word “LOVER,” and you try to use it too down others for the things or people they like, and yet you call yourself Harleypilot. Assume you have one of those over rated – priced shaker bikes that are in the shop more than any other brand. Should we down you because you are Harley lover? You also brought up mentality, I would like to know when people go out and buy one of these bikes, they also go buy leathers, leather helmets (goofy looking), bandanas, and put open pipes on them etc. Talking about a mentality thing.
I agree that NASCAR has matured to the “Entertainment” Status. The entertainment is quite good. Like most American profit oriented businesses NASCAR is trying to make money. They need to have exciting finishes, and have so far this year. I used to go to races and sit out in the hot sun all day to watch a small portion of the race that was in front of me. Each trip usually set me back $300 – $500 depending on where I went and how much mark-up there was in the hotel. I remenber at Atlanta I stayed under a billboard that advertised “$45 every night”, but they were charging $99 that night.
Now I can mow the yard on Sunday afternoon and know that if there is a big crash or a close finish I’ll be able to see it within an hour on one of the sports channels. If I miss that, then there is always the many race recap shows and if I miss that I have my sons TIVO to fall back on.
I remember going to MIS to watch the first Indy car race after the split. They all crashed in the first turn. That was racing, a little silly, but that was racing. Today NASCAR is about sitting back and cruising to the finish, being ready for the “Trophy Dash”. That is all well and good. I wish NASCAR success and profits – that is the American way.
Time for lunch now, then mow yard. I’lll have to catch the race on the recap show.
Hope it is a good one.
GO MIKIE! Keep trying. You’ll get in there eventually.
if tony thinks that nascar is fixed then he’s saying that his 2-championships was fixed so he could be champ right?
If the field was frozen at the caution, and the #38 was next to #20, how did the #38 finish 7th and the #20 finish 23rd 2 laps down? Because the caution came out before their wreck.
A lot of guys got ripped off on this race. #24 wasnt the best race car today. He just did like last week, happened to be at the right place at the right time!
THAT AIN’T RACING, THATS THE LOTTERY!
FWIW , i haven’t watched Nascar in a couple years . It’s not even near true racing anymore . certainly no a ‘Sport’as it was . i think they should re-name it to ‘World Wide Racing’. the talking heads NEVER shutup . Waltrip is a huge two-face talking head . he nows condemns moves in racing that he did all the time !!! driver’s can’t even speak their minds , ever ! welcome to Corp America . WE OWN U
everyone is just mad cause gordon won again…which he deserves he has been the one to beat since daytona
everyone is just mad cause gordon won again….#77 and more to come
I totally agree with #34 above……nothin’ but money. Good racing is local dirt track, CUP racing is about watching 45% laps as commercials.
Hey did you guys see tony’s interview befor the race today? I think that the officals know what they are doing and I respect all the officails and they know how to do there job. Boy that is a different story than what he had the other day. Then he throws a fit on the track later. I dont know what is wrong with him. Everytime I start to think that he growing up and not going to do dumb things. He starts up again. I think he need to go back to anger management. Or at least try to remember what he learned in there. I do think that he is very talented and I wish that he would not try to be so dramatic.
Nascar official told Tony not to open his mouth about nascar of what the fans already to begin to realize about nascar. Well I should not say all fans, you always have the the fans and drivers that suck up to nascar, that’s the only fans and drivers nascar likes. Nascar has their head stuck in the hole and their wallets, can’t see past their $$ signs in front of their eyes. If we ignore it then the fans will forget and it will go away. Something for sure will go away, and not the problem.
I have been a racing fan for years. We used to have a McLaren. However, I am so sick of NASCAR I am no longer watching as of yesterday. The races appear to be fixed. Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon seem to be the only two racers anyway! Thats all announcers talk about and to. Get a clue, nobody likes Jeff Gordon. Look at how everyone always boos and throws things at him. His point accumualtion really seems to amaze me as well. The yellow flag for invisible debris is infuriating! But hey, Jeff has to win somehow. NASCAR seems like they have forgotten what NASCAR truely was. They are only focused on PR now and not the real meat of what racing is or used to be. Why have anymore races, why don’t you just go a head and give the trophy to Jeff?!
The greatest comercials in racing.Fox ran more comercials than racing laps. If this continues there will be one less viewer. There has to be a limit to this imbalance.
To comment #79 “Jimmy” Earnhart is gone, get over it. He was a great driver and champion. I have a lot of respect for his accomplisments in racing. But he contributed to his demise by refusing to install the seat belts the way the manufacturer designed them to work. He was warned many times that routing the belts the way he did was not safe, legal but not safe. NASCAR didn’t have the balls to tell him to change them or they’d not let him race. And to #80 HarleyPilot. Tony’s fans throwing beer? Reports I saw said the beer was Budwiser and the people tossing the cans were wearing red! HUH…..
You know exactly what nascar would do if at a certain speedway people quit attending. They would say this track is losing us money maybe they don’t need 2 races or even one(Rockingham as an example). They will just start looking for another track to go to.
Tony stewart is absolutely correct. Nascar is killing the competive nature of the sport. They pull far too many cautions and run far too many laps with each. The overall competative nature of the sport is being affected by NASCAR. Wake up NASCAR
nascar is self destructioning in my opinion. and, it is getting boring watching jimmie & jeff win all the time. nascar’s ruling themself out of business. as the other person said in a few more years the stands will be empty.sounds like to me a group of drivers, owners, and even fans should get together & start up their own body for racing. my whole family agrees with me. thank you very much for aloowing me to voice my opinion.
Yes I do believe Nascar intentionally throws cautions to alter/make more competitive the end of the race and I believe that is wrong. If someones has the dominate car than thats just the way it is. I was at Atlanta in March when they did just that, changing the race finish. I agree with Tony 100%.
1. YES
2. NO
I agree with Smoke 100%. Something is not right.
1. Yes
2. No
In addition, NASCAR penalizes anyone that can beat Jeff Gordon or Jimmy Johnson. For instance, at the beginning of the 2007 season when Kasey Kahne & Matt Kenseth were the cars to beat from 2006, NASCAR penalized both of them in a heavy handed way at Daytona. Then a few weeks ago, when Denny Hamilin was leading the race and had the best car, he was penalized for speeding in the pits (Denny said he was not speeding).
Go Tony!!!!!!!!!!!! You blew the lid off what we already knew.
If Jeff Gordon and Jimmy Johnson take pride in winning fixed races
nextel has ruined nascar.before it was driver agianst driver now its driver agianst nextel.unless your nextels pets jeff gordon or jimmy johnson.winston should be allowed to take nascar back.the sport is to race each other not to explot drivers and there family to make a buck,nextel suks that why i dont buy tickets anymore and tell other people not to. thank you for letting me get this of my chest.
I honestly believe that Nascar is manipulating the field in order for the Hendrick team to win.
I agree with Tony Stewart. NASCAR is
ruining the sport. It has become a dictatorhip and places favortism on
penalizing the drivers. This use to
be an American sport, now there are
foreign drivers who are not citizens
and are not required to pay their dues
by coming up through the ranks. The
car-of-tomorrow sucks. The owners and
drivers hate it but NASCAR prevails.
It has turned racing into a one sided
Chevy sport. It is no fun to watch anymore. I hope the drivers leave and
form their own racing group. I will be
the first to watch and suppor them.
I agree with Tony Stewart. NASCAR is
ruining the sport. It has become a dictatorhip and places favortism on
penalizing the drivers. This use to
be an American sport, now there are
foreign drivers who are not citizens
and are not required to pay their dues
by coming up through the ranks. The
car-of-tomorrow sucks. The owners and
drivers hate it but NASCAR prevails.
It has turned racing into a one sided
Chevy sport. It is no fun to watch anymore. I hope the drivers leave and
form their own racing group. I will be
the first to watch and suppor them.
I agree with Tony Stewart. NASCAR is
ruining the sport. It has become a dictatorhip and places favortism on
penalizing the drivers. This use to
be an American sport, now there are
foreign drivers who are not citizens
and are not required to pay their dues
by coming up through the ranks. The
car-of-tomorrow sucks. The owners and
drivers hate it but NASCAR prevails.
It has turned racing into a one sided
Chevy sport. It is no fun to watch anymore. I hope the drivers leave and
form their own racing group. I will be
the first to watch and support them.
I agree with Tony Stewart. NASCAR is
ruining the sport. It has become a dictatorhip and places favortism on
penalizing the drivers. This use to
be an American sport, now there are
foreign drivers who are not citizens
and are not required to pay their dues
by coming up through the ranks. The
car-of-tomorrow sucks. The owners and
drivers hate it but NASCAR prevails.
It has turned racing into a one sided
Chevy sport. It is no fun to watch anymore. I hope the drivers leave and
form their own racing group. I will be
the first to watch and support them.
I agree with Tony Stewart. NASCAR is
ruining the sport. It has become a dictatorhip and places favortism on
penalizing the drivers. This use to
be an American sport, now there are
foreign drivers who are not citizens
and are not required to pay their dues
by coming up through the ranks. The
car-of-tomorrow sucks. The owners and
drivers hate it but NASCAR prevails.
It has turned racing into a one sided
Chevy sport. It is no fun to watch anymore. I hope the drivers leave and
form their own racing group. I will be
the first to watch and support them.