Fans who had become less interested because of the lack of on-track passing and the blowout in the points race are paying attention today because of the controversy. People with only a casual interest in NASCAR today are asking me about the fight. If NASCAR can find a way to let Jimmy race this weekend television ratings would be through the roof.
Most likely, nothing would happen as the two drivers would try to be on their best behavior to avoid the true wrath of NASCAR. But the flurry of media coverage leading up to the race and the renewed interest in a 2003 season that some fans have given up on would certainly be good for NASCAR as it enters it's stretch run through the fall.
NASCAR's first ever flag-to-flag coverage ended with a fist fight as Cale Yarborough came to blows with brothers Donnie and Bobby Allison. That 1979 Daytona 500 was the first NASCAR race ever shown to a live national television audience and "The Fight" made NASCAR famous overnight.
Now in 2003 NASCAR should take its time evaluating Spencer's appeal and let the two dueling drivers bring the spotlight with them to Bristol. He deserves to be punished for going too far, but the fans shouldn't be deprived of one of the most interesting thing happening in the sport.
