Full Throttle

The only constant in NASCAR is it’s proclivity for constant changes. Whether it be on-the-fly rules changes, drivers hopping from team to team, or possibly yet another Series name change, NASCAR never has been an organization that has stood still, for long. Or consisitently.

With the 2006 chase for The Chase just past the mid-point in it’s third year HWSBO has signaled that changes are indeed on the horizon for the 2007 Chase.

Personally I would agree and have advocated a road course event be added. Laguna Seca would be my choice for a single reason. The world famous turn 8-8a “cork screw” complex. ‘Nough said, NASCAR’s isn’t “my toy” it belongs to HWSBO.

But I wonder why he’s floating the idea of change when he doesn’t give the Associated Press (via CBS Sportline) much a clue what those changes might entail other than previous ideas that have been offered:

“We’ll be looking at nothing new - everything that we’ll be looking at has been brought up by various people the last couple of years,” France said. “Just various things that we think will build what we’re hoping for, which are big moments and a bigger stage for the drivers.

“That’s what the Chase has always been about. It’s about showcasing their skills.”

It’s safe to say my Laguna Seca plan won’t make the cut.

France notes placing more emphasis on points awarded a winner of a Chase event or possibly those in the top five of an event. That’s been a common theme not just for the Chase but the season as a whole.

Leaving aside France’s thoughts I have to laugh at this Jeff Gordon quote that sums up what many people have thought of the Chase since it’s debut:

“They don’t need to go too far off what they’ve got,” he said. “You start going to things like that and then we’re sitting here in a circus.”

Watch out Jeffy, you may upset the sports ringmaster. Ruffle HWSBO’s feathers and Jeffy may find himself at the tail end of a long line of metaphorical elephants, shovel in hand.

And Jeffy should be joined by the AP writer who notes one of the flaws in the [Chase] system as Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon failing to make the Chase last season.

Well cry me a frickin’ river! Is it a “flaw” because 14 of the last 16 winners of the Boston Marathon have been from Kenya? Is the 24 hours of Le Mans “flawed” because 6 of the last 7 winners have been produced by Audi?

Correct me if I’m wrong, but last time I checked competition was defined as an act of striving against another for the purpose of achieving dominance or attaining a reward or goal. And I don’t think I have to mention the Chase completely tosses out the “achieving dominance” part of competition. (cue the circus music and pass the cotton candy)

Anyone what to join me in a chorus of Ziggy Stardust’s Cha… Cha… Cha Changes?

UPDATE: Paddock Talk has posted a long interview with HWSBO and bobblehead, er.. Jim Hunter. Note the reference to the Chase changes in relation to ABC and ESPN coming on board next year.

Also check the last para and his reference to a NASCAR “Green Series” that may happen in the next decade. France didn’t spell out the specifics but I will E.T.H.A.N.A.L.

NASCAR, NEXTEL Cup, The Chase, Brian France, Auto Racing, Motorsports, Full Throttle