SO MANY CHANGES — SO MUCH REMAINS THE SAME!
Last week we NASCAR fans and followers could have been overwhelmed by the story lines that kept showing up. Let’s review:
Nationwide Insurance takes over No. 2 series in 2008
Coors takes over as Official Beer of NASCAR in 2008
M&Ms will become primary sponsor on Kyle Busch’s Sprint ride in 2008
Dario Franchitti signs with Ganassi
Jacques Villeneuve makes his Nextel Cup debut (without incident)
Andy Hillenburg buys NC Speedway with the hope of running some races there
Haas Racing signs Scott Riggs for 2008 — with possible consequences for either Jeff Green or Johnny Sauter
Indeed, it was a busy, busy week. But let’s look outside the headlines: Several drivers labeled this past Sunday’s ‘Dega race as BORING! And the rich keep getting richer: Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Denny Hamlin, Kurt Busch, and Tony Stewart finished in the top eight while Casey Mears finished sixth to help Hendrick sweep again! Ah yes, Mikey and the Toyotas came on big time but only Blaney was able to take advantage. Dodges ran well but finished pretty much out of the money. Clearly, Chevy was the car to beat.
In the end, maybe we can keep some excitement in the Chase but after Martinsville, if I were a betting man, I’d say that the Chase will come down to a two-way battle. New blood — yes; change in results — no.
That’s my view.
Jon