A New Manufacturer.
2007 will see Toyota enter the NEXTEL Cup and Busch Series. This has caused a great deal of controversy because NASCAR rules state that vehicles that compete in NASCAR must be based on American vehicles. However, the Toyota Camry, which is the foundation for the 2007 race car, is manufactured in Georgetown, Kentucky.
Some fans take exception to NASCAR's definition of "American vehicles." They want to see NASCAR remain strictly a Ford, Chevy and Dodge battle. At the same time, bringing Toyota into NEXTEL Cup will increase the level of competition. This could potentially increase the quality of the racing by providing more lead changes, closer finishes etc.
The Car of Tomorrow
NASCAR's Car of Tomorrow will make its debut in 2007 and be used for a total of 16 races this year. The Car of Tomorrow was designed from the ground up to be safer, more competitive and cheaper for the race teams. While this sounds like a good idea. The problem is that the cars look different than the race cars fans are used to today. In addition, all cars on the track will look very similar to each other. It will be even more difficult to tell a Dodge from a Chevy from a Toyota.
While improving the quality of the racing on the track was one of NASCAR's top goals for the Car of Tomorrow, NASCAR fans are resistant to change. There has been some backlash already. Will having a safer car and better races bring more fans to the sport than it chases away? This is NASCAR's gamble with the Car of Tomorrow.
New Television Package
2007 also sees a new television package take effect. NBC, which many fans disliked, no longer has any NASCAR coverage. 2007 will begin with Fox, continue with TNT, and finish up with a combination of ABC and ESPN.
In the past, ESPN has done an excellent job of covering NASCAR. Their innovative coverage may bring some fans back to the sport.
A Sport in Flux
NASCAR has been booming in popularity for decades. Was 2006 just a bump in the road? These changes will either drive more fans away or attract new fans to the sport. Only time will tell whether NASCAR is on the right track or digging themselves a deeper hole.
