Ah, yes. Today is Thanksgiving and another NASCAR
season has already been completed. I have been reduced to once again piping
team numbers instead of belt buckles on my pilgrim hat s’mores (a festive treat
my family does for the holiday).
During this time of year, people of America remember
and cherish all the things they are thankful for. Admit it or not, living in
this county is something to be thankful for in and of itself. I hope, like
mine, being thankful for family and friends is on your list, as well. I am
thankful for a lot of things, but wanted to share some of the NASCAR-related ones
with you.
So here you have it, five things about NASCAR I am
thankful for this year.
My
Popular Speed Family
Of course, these awesome people are at the top of this list. I am honored to be a part of the staff and have enjoyed seeing the website grow every step of the way. I, in turn, have grown along with it and can’t wait to see where the next year leads us both.
Of course, these awesome people are at the top of this list. I am honored to be a part of the staff and have enjoyed seeing the website grow every step of the way. I, in turn, have grown along with it and can’t wait to see where the next year leads us both.
The
New Chase Format
Whether you are a fan of the new system or not, you are probably tired of hearing everyone talk about it, but please hear me out. I was skeptical at the first of the year to mid-way through the Chase, but in the end I have come to enjoy the new Chase system.
Whether you are a fan of the new system or not, you are probably tired of hearing everyone talk about it, but please hear me out. I was skeptical at the first of the year to mid-way through the Chase, but in the end I have come to enjoy the new Chase system.
Like anything brand new, it certainly needs some
tweaks, but its potential is great. It brought more intense competition throughout
the entire season and especially during the finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
That trend is always welcome in the sport.
Young
Talent in the Lower Ranks
If you watch the NASCAR Nationwide Series or Camping World Truck Series you should be well aware that the sport has no shortage of young talented drivers. Several drivers, some who are still in high school, are thriving as they climb the NASCAR ladder. Many are competing with veterans of the sport almost every week of the season – and every once in a while the student out-duels the master. Some even make history.
If you watch the NASCAR Nationwide Series or Camping World Truck Series you should be well aware that the sport has no shortage of young talented drivers. Several drivers, some who are still in high school, are thriving as they climb the NASCAR ladder. Many are competing with veterans of the sport almost every week of the season – and every once in a while the student out-duels the master. Some even make history.
One day, these fresh faces will make up the majority
of the field in the premier series of NASCAR. They will be battling each other for
positions, victories, and championships. Indeed, we have a lot to look forward
to. The sport’s future seems very bright with many exciting days ahead.
Tony
Stewart Smiling Again
At one point, I was concerned that I wouldn’t say this for a long time. Little explanation is needed to tell how Stewart has had an incredibly tough year. When he returned to the track nearly a month after being involved in a very difficult incident, he seemed different. The driver/team owner carried a burden which oppressed the fiery yet fun personality he normally conveyed.
At one point, I was concerned that I wouldn’t say this for a long time. Little explanation is needed to tell how Stewart has had an incredibly tough year. When he returned to the track nearly a month after being involved in a very difficult incident, he seemed different. The driver/team owner carried a burden which oppressed the fiery yet fun personality he normally conveyed.
But with time and a good support system, healing
comes. Slowly, glimpses of Stewart’s infectious grin came back and by the end
of the season, he was standing on stage as the championship-winning team owner.
For that moment he was happy, and the NASCAR community seemed to be along with
him. Which brings me to my final point.
The
NASCAR Community
I am thankful for the NASCAR community because it has something very unique and special about it. Yes, there are many times that we argue, become frustrated with each other, or have differing opinions on matters concerning the sport, but there is something that separates us from the typical sports community.
I am thankful for the NASCAR community because it has something very unique and special about it. Yes, there are many times that we argue, become frustrated with each other, or have differing opinions on matters concerning the sport, but there is something that separates us from the typical sports community.
Like other sports, every fan has their favorite driver
that they cheer for every race day. But when a hard time or tragedy befalls in
the community, there is a sense of family found in no other sport but NASCAR.
While opinions may contrast, we all have one thing in common – we love racing.
That one interest connects us, and brings us together.
I think one way to sum up this list is to say that I
am thankful for such a great sport. With that, I hope you have had a wonderful Thanksgiving
and enjoy an amazing off-season.
