It’s pretty obvious that the high-downforce racing package isn’t what’s best for race fans or conducive to the best overall action on the track – at least in the current configuration.
It failed at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and it didn’t seem to produce the desired results at Michigan International Speedway, either. But had the attempt not been made, the results would be unknown. Likewise, had there not been a low-downforce package at Kentucky Speedway, we wouldn’t be anxiously anticipating how the configuration will influence the upcoming Southern 500.
With NASCAR deciding it won’t make changes to the 2015 aerodynamic package for the final 10-race Chase for the Championship, it reinforced my belief that the current package doesn’t suck. Of course, everyone would like more drama on the track but sometimes that just isn’t possible.
Like I have said before, going three-wide for the win or having cars slingshot off the turns and trading positions every lap, isn’t reality. And despite what some fans claim, it wasn’t a reality in the past either. Yes, we had good racing in “the old days” but we’ve had good racing in the present, as well.
Think restrictor plates – they slow the cars down, which isn’t a bad thing in some cases. This week we heard about the possibility of using restrictor plates at Michigan and Auto Club Speedway in the future. Would it be a bad thing? I don’t know. Nobody does. What I do know is that cars flying into the catchfence is a bad thing.
I applaud NASCAR for trying something new and wanting to make the racing better – and safer – on the track. Overseeing the most popular racing series in the country isn’t easy, and sometimes the decisions that are made are unpopular.
Another example of a decision that some didn’t like, but seems to be working out rather well, is the souvenir setup with Fanatics. The new souvenir area is 10-times better than the old hauler system and allows for more merchandise and a less-restrictive shopping experience. When it was first announced, many fans were against it, but it seems to be a very popular move.
If people would give NASCAR a little latitude on finding the best aerodynamic package the outcome might be surprising. Personally, I don’t believe some people see the overall picture. NASCAR has to do what is best for every stakeholder in the sport, not just a few.
And for those people, who believe Brian France’s ultimate goal is to destroy NASCAR, you are just plain stupid. I don’t know Mr. France personally, but it’s impossible for me to believe he would concoct some great conspiracy to kill the very thing that made his entire family very wealthy and entertained hundreds of millions of people through the years.
Over time, even the best things in life tend to evolve. At present, NASCAR is evolving and with that evolution comes growing pains that some people may not like. However, at the end of the day, for those who endure, I can’t help but believe the results will be far more beneficial than had there never been a change in the first place.
That being said, I encourage NASCAR to keep trying new things, tinkering with the schedule, adjusting the aerodynamics package and taking whatever steps are necessary to keep the sport fresh and exciting for decades to come.