2011 ended with the best championship battle we’ve seen in
years. Everyone said that you have to win to win the championship. That’s
exactly what Tony Stewart did after going winless in the regular season. Tony
tore up the Chase by winning 5 of the 10 races. What Tony lacked in consistency,
Carl had. But, it wasn’t enough to beat Tony Stewart. Though they both finished with the same
amount of points, Tony won the championship because of the tie breaker. Can you
believe that? Tony Stewart won the championship because of a tie breaker! First
time that has ever happened! That tells you that NASCAR took a step in the
right direction with the Chase format.
Let’s fast forward to 2012. There were so driver changes and
drivers that didn’t even pick up a Cup team. The most shocking one in my
opinion was Kurt Busch. After a meltdown at Homestead, Roger Penske felt that
Kurt’s actions were reflecting badly on his team and Kurt was let go. Penske
picked up AJ Allmendinger, who had been let go from Richard Petty Motorsports.
Daytona started off with a bang. Literally. Over half of the
cars and trucks were wrecked in a week. Then the bang happened. How do you run
into a jet dryer? Under caution?
Besides the crashing at Daytona, the Cup series hasn’t seen
a lot of cautions flags, but the competition has been fierce. 8 winners in the
past 11 races. What is making the racing in 2012 so good? What is making this
season so much better than other seasons? Is the way the drivers have changed
their racing styles? There are so many factors to really get to the reason.
I got a little insight on that the fans think is happening
so far in 2012:
@Josh_Klier2451: This year is great! The races have been
hard fought and clean. I am glad there are less yellows, hopefully the road
courses. Although being a Jeff Gordon fan and a Kurt Busch fan i will say it
breaks my heart to see the way. They have been struggling. Praying for them to
turn it around though. Will stay clean too!
@KristenKahne5: everybody sees how easily they can be
replaced (Kurt Busch, for ex.) Stepping up so they aren't tossed aside
@TerryB_63: because Nascar wants it that way,even the
backmarker teams r good.
Penny Osborne: Could be multiple factors at work. 1) the
points . . . the first 26 races are crucial, can't get too far behind, drivers
are more cautious; 2) the cars . . . they hold up better; 3) the tires . . .
they hold up better; 4) the economy . . . the start and park cars get off early,
less cars on the track. We've also got a great group of talented drivers (a
couple of exceptions) who know what they are doing!!!
Are we ever going to really figure out why the competition
has been so good this year? Is there really a specific reason why it’s
happening? Should we be worried or happy that it’s so good? Do we get worried
there hasn’t been a lot cautions or do we praise the drivers for not driving
like complete idiots? Either way, competition has never been as good as it has
been now.
