Time to stick a pin in NASCAR’s timeline
This seems like the logical place to stick a pin in the NASCAR timeline as it rolls into its 73rd year of existence.
Just so we stay on the same page, NASCAR was incorporated in 1948. What is known as the NASCAR Cup Series was launched a year later.
The sport remains in a transition period on several levels, including scheduling, drivers aging out, young drivers making the scene, new leadership and a major shift in equipment.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been horrific, but it did give NASCAR the opportunity to test-run some scheduling options. By the way, kudos to NASCAR for making the 2020 season a reality.
In 2021 there are more road courses and just to make things a bit more interesting, Bristol will convert to a dirt track for one race.
That’s thinkingoutof thebox. We can thank NASCAR president Steve Phelps and Bill France Sr.’s great-grandson Ben Kennedy for pushing those changes through the system.
NASCAR Nation literally witnessedthe passing of the torch when Chase Elliott, 24, captured the Cup title at Phoenix then was congratulated on the track by seven-time champ Jimmie Johnson, 44, who retired from full-time stock-car driving.
The Cup Series is looking for its next breakthrough star, so keep an eye on Tyler Reddick, because he is the real deal. And don’t forget Christopher Bell now that he has a Joe Gibbs Racing ride.
The Xfinity Series has become the Cup Series proving ground for driving talent. NASCAR’s stepladder — ARCA, trucks, Xfinity — is strong and will continue building future stars.
Time to cool off the tailpipes …
FIRST GEAR
The Next Gen stock car, which will debut in 2022, will be a huge step for the sport. Not only will cars look more like their street counterparts, but they will be a bit more durable.
Those days of a tire rubbing a fender may be over because the composite body springs back out upon light impacts.
SECOND GEAR
The charter system seems to be working. NASCAR started it in 2016 to give race teams intangible equity. For a quick finance study, intangible assets are non-physical assets that still carry value. In the days before the charters, a race team would spend millions and if it folded, would sell equipment for pennies on the dollar. Now these charters are worth millions of dollars.
Theonlydrawbackisthenon- reporting of purse money won. Race fans miss that.
THIRD GEAR
NASCAR is in good hands right now. Three generations of the France family are involved with the day-to-day business. It seems the older members of the family are using the younger eyes as a guiding light. Good call.
FOURTH GEAR
This is my last shift on the NASCAR This Week page. After 44 years in journalism, I’m putting the laptop on the shelf. You will be in good hands with veteran Ken Willis and my protégé Zach Dean from this point forward. Thank you all for reading and the feedback given over the years.