Full Throttle

Premiere NASCAR showman and Lowe’s Motor Speedway president Humpy Wheeler has decided after 21 years, 20 of which at LMS, the annual All Star event is in need of changes.

That’s a mighty fine idea Humpy, with 20 of 21 events having been held at LMS that should be at the head of the list. But I’m dreaming and don’t expect Humpy to cut off his nose to spite his face. He wouldn’t throw money in the street and he won’t sacrifice his cash cow for the benefit of others.

He does have other ideas so lets be fair and list them:

• Consideration is being given to tying in the All Star race with the Pit Crew Challenge (PCC) with the possibility of giving that crew the pole position.
• Expand the All Star field by including the top drivers from the Busch Series and Truck Series.
• The format is also being examined and will likely change from its current three-segment form. “We might end up shortening the segments some,” Wheeler said.

Point one, sure why not. The crew that wins the PCC deserves something other than cash and a trophy. Putting their car on the pole would shine a brighter spotlight on them.

Point 2, I’m not sure adding the top Busch and Truck Series teams is feasible. What happens if the top 2-3 teams in each series have no direct connection to NEXTEL Cup. If they have no Cup cars what would Humpy do then, provide them with competitive Cup cars? Let them borrow cars from Cup teams? That may lead to having drivers in the All Star event that have never competed at that level in a more powerful and faster vehicle.

Good idea, but bad execution. This is a better scenerio: Add the Busch and Craftsman Truck series to the program with separate and stand alone events.

Point 3, I’m ambivalent. The only constant should be the final 20 lap segment. Go ahead, tweak away Humpy. (but do us all a favor and drop the word “levigating” from your memory bank.)

While my misguided notion of sharing the wealth in holding the All Star race at other venues would never happen it should at least be considered. The drivers and teams have valid reasons for strongly supporting its present location - close to team shops and many drivers homes and families - moving it every 2-3 years could serve to offer the sports stars and what many feel is the third most important event on the schedule to other areas of the country.

One last out of the box thought. If not already part of the Anointed Ten™ give the winner of the All Star and Open events a free pass into the Chase.

NASCAR, NEXTEL Cup, Busch Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, NCTS, Lowes Motor Speedway, Humpy Wheeler, Sports, Auto Racing, Motorsports, Full Throttle