Enough with the gimmicks already. The latest gimmick
employed in the NASCAR All-Star Race this year was to use the average finish of
drivers’ first four segments to determine how they would enter pit road for
their mandatory pit stop before the final 10-lap segment.
The goal was laudable
– provide incentive for drivers to race hard every segment. The problem was no
one in the stands – and then apparently on the Speed broadcast – had access to
the information necessary to tell the outcome of that tabulation. Incorrect
information on the TV broadcast left many thinking eventual Jimmie Johnson
somehow “cheated” in winning the final segment and $1 million.
One of the
reasons NASCAR has said it doesn’t take away wins as penalties is that fans
should know the winner of the race when they leave the track. Well, they should
also know the rules – and have access to the correct results. If you run a race
with rules than leaves fans screaming of conspiracy, then the rules are too
complicated.
Here’s an idea: Perhaps the all-star race can return to it was
intended and that would a showcase of the best drivers in NASCAR doing what
they do best – race.
