One Size Fits All ?
By M.L. Morgan
Hot topic currently is the possibility Nascar will adopt a common template for all the cars. Not a new concept. But a really bad idea.
Two races into the 2000 season, we have a number of 'also-ran' teams crying "Foul !" I say, let 'em cry. Let them do their homework. This is a business, not a sport. Nascar has already over-stepped its assumed authority by their incessant rules manipulation. I doubt it will end any time soon.
At Daytona it was fairly obvious the Fords had a better aerodynamic set-up. So ? G.M. has the same options to design a race car. They built a new Monte Carlo for 2000, and it happens to suck on restrictor-plate tracks. We don't think that's a reason for Nascar to intercede. We think that's a reason for G.M. to get with the program. We know G.M. has the same resources as Ford. No excuse for incompetence.
For several years Nascar has bent a lot of rules to favor the Pontiac teams. They apparently didn't think it would be politically correct to have their premier series reduced to a Ford/Chevy clash on race days. Joe Gibbs liked the concept. I didn't. It was wrong.
Next season the Dodge teams will be back in competition. They will certainly get a lot of concessions from Nascar, in the guise of parity. Another crock.
Sometimes I meander. I forgot today's assignment is the notion of common templates for all cars.
Can we all spell I-R-O-C ? The "R" stands for race, buts it's not a race. It's just another money-grubbing spectacle. I don't know anyone who has ever paid to watch an IROC race. I think the tape-delayed replay has the stands filled with computer-generated spectators.
Nascar's tremendous fan base was built in a large part, by the fans who cheered for their favorite brand - not just Rusty or Dale or Jeff. If Nascar adopts this common template, the manufacturer identity will be lost. And they will also lose a lot of fans.
Nascar will shoot itself in the foot - again.
Mike Morgan
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