[Brian Baker]

A view I became familiar with as a kid in the 70's on many a Friday and Saturday night with my Dad...sitting in the stands at Beltsville Speedway, watching guys like Bobby Ballantine and Jack Bland go at it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25797947@N02/2447491920/

[tikler]

It's difficult for me to put an exact date for when i threw my hands up and said "forget it!". I believe it started with the passing of a local boy Davey Allison and accelerated with NASCAR decisions since. I can say I am totally disinterested in watching 20+ clones drive around in circles, trying to avoid each other and at the end what gets out of the cars seem like, to me, effeminate corporate spokes "people"(not men) desperately trying to sell something or not offend someone. Now, before my fellow capitalist chime in I am as aware as anyone of the importance of sponsorship money. But honestly, you've seen how overboard it can be, right? I probably am an old dinosaur spouting cliches but I'll make no apologies. I just miss the different flavors we used to have in racing. It seems watered down now. Oh my God. Did I just accuse NASCAR of lack of "diversity"?! LOL.

[MikeNoun]

They do have a NASCAR Historic Series. I think they run 5 or 6 times a year.

http://www.hscrs.com/gallery.php

It's difficult to get modern NASCAR fans interested though, because they really don't care about the make of car, or the mechanical differences between the makes. Modern NASCAR is all about selling the driver, and their image, and it's become a bit like WWF wrestling. Fans cheer for their favorite drivers, boo Kyle Busch, buy the appropriate merchandise, and they care very little about engines, chassis, or suspensions.

[Simple Man]

Originally Posted by MikeNoun

They do have a NASCAR Historic Series. I think they run 5 or 6 times a year.

http://www.hscrs.com/gallery.php

It's difficult to get modern NASCAR fans interested though, because they really don't care about the make of car, or the mechanical differences between the makes. Modern NASCAR is all about selling the driver, and their image, and it's become a bit like WWF wrestling. Fans cheer for their favorite drivers, boo Kyle Busch, buy the appropriate merchandise, and they care very little about engines, chassis, or suspensions.

Thank You, that pretty much nailed it!

[NBF823]

Originally Posted by MikeNoun

They do have a NASCAR Historic Series. I think they run 5 or 6 times a year.

http://www.hscrs.com/gallery.php

It's difficult to get modern NASCAR fans interested though, because they really don't care about the make of car, or the mechanical differences between the makes. Modern NASCAR is all about selling the driver, and their image, and it's become a bit like WWF wrestling. Fans cheer for their favorite drivers, boo Kyle Busch, buy the appropriate merchandise, and they care very little about engines, chassis, or suspensions.

I think that pretty much sums it up. I think, though many car guys watch NASCAR, and even I try to get glimpses of the technology they're using, Nascar is a fan sport, not so much of a car-guy sport. If I took all of the Nascar fans I know around me; I know that they don't have project cars, most probably don't even know how to drive a manual, and most are going to watch the Stanley cup, even though they can't skate, and watch the super bowl, even though many haven't played football since the highschool gym teacher scheduled it.

My local machinist runs a sprint car. Awesome ride, great show at the track. I love to look at that thing and swipe as many ideas as I can, Like shocks that can be run upsidedown to lower the unsprung weight. It's funny to listen to him try to get drivers for it - "When they have enough sense not to wreck it, they have enough sense not to get in it!"