Racing in 2012 is the best it’s been a while

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.