Even with the addition of Danica Patrick to the Nationwide ranks on a full-time basis, It appears the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series’ will have considerably less star power in 2012 than they did a year ago. The question is; is that necessarily a bad thing?
Does the absence of drivers like Edwards and Busch spell trouble for the Nationwide and Truck Series’ this season? The answer is yes. And no.
While a NNS or NCWTS race devoid of Cup drivers may have diminished appeal to fans long accustomed to Cup-rich Saturday fields, fewer superstars in the lineup will also open the door for Nationwide and Truck Series regulars to run better and win more. NASCAR made the right move a year ago by regulating Cup drivers out of title contention in the lower series, and the prospect of Kenny Wallace, Elliott Sadler, James Buescher and Jason Leffler visiting Victory Lane a time or two this season should appeal to as many ticket-buyers as the loss of the big names will drive away.
Clearly, reduced involvement by Cup drivers will result in more trophies going home with Nationwide and Truck Series regulars this season. Over time, it will also allow younger drivers to grab a larger share of the national spotlight; building their own brands and accelerating their careers at a faster rate than previously possible.
If you’re a cost-conscious race fan who enjoyed seeing Sprint Cup stars at Nationwide and Truck Series prices in recent seasons, the pickings will be slimmer this year. If you enjoy rooting for Kyle Busch to sweep an entire, three-race NASCAR weekend, you’ll also have less to get excited about. But if parity, emerging young stars and a race that could go any of a dozen different ways is what you want, 2012 may just be your year.
Perfect time for both series to gain their own identity back. In 2013 a good time to add some seperate (non cup events) to both schedules. Start with some Nationwide / Truck combo races at Lucas Oil Raceway Park, Rockingham and more. Keep ticket prices reasonable, hotel prices reasonable and promote it hard.
ReplyDeleteMoody- Great piece. You've heard me bark before that I prefer these series without the Cup stars each week. I think it IS a showcase for these up and comers. I also think it will level the field signifigantly without the Cup regulars. Too bad most owners won't bother to field a car without them. That will hurt. I disagree with the promoters, though. Since NASCAR has changed the schedules so that MOST of these reces happen on Cup weekends anyway, the fand are there and will attend regardless of Cup drivers involvement. Hopefully this will be the catalyst for NASCAR to change these series back to truly independent series with more short tracks and independent races....even if that means a smaller schedule.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I enjoy seeing my favorite Cup stars on a Saturday, I do believe that this series is for the regulars. This is THEIR chance to be a shining star and get recognized for their accomplishments that may one day take them to the Cup series. I have spent a great deal of time around the ARCA series and it's the same way. Real race fans enjoy a good race, regardless of who is driving. Maybe some of the complainers should just try watching it for the love of racing - who knows, maybe their new favorite driver will emerge!
ReplyDeleteI hope fans will still give the Nationwide Series a chance. The Camping World Truck Series is a success of up and coming drivers, and crafty veterans.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest obstacle for both series is the low payout to the teams. It makes it difficult tor current teams to stay afloat, and discourages anyone from starting new teams.
Not a bad article, but whenever Meryl Streep is on the marquee, I look for something else. :-p
ReplyDeleteYou left out Austin Dillon as a NNS regular this season.
ReplyDeleteAustin was a Truck Series regular last season, and was obviously a winner there.
DeleteWithout the stars, the turnstiles and TV ratings will be hurt badly. It's simply the way people are. And with fewer races, it will only magnify the decline of the two series.
ReplyDeleteNASCAR NEEDS star power right now, desperately, to keep the momentum of last season going. Why don't the minor league baseball teams sell out every night? And when a fading or rehabilitating star appears, the attendance goes up, without fail.
One day, NASCAR will have as strong a marketing team as the stick and ball sports or maybe even some of their sponsors. Or maybe they are simply satisfied being a second-tier sport.
Doug from NJ
i don`t mind the cup drivers in NNS or NWCTS, i think it`s the money of the cup garages that should be banned. like this year all the major cup teams are involved in the 2 lower tier series. that is what causes havoc with the other ( less funded) teams
ReplyDeleteDave I think this is going to be the science expeirment of 2012. Maybe the tv ratings and grandstands will stay equal when the fans arent going to be able to pick the winner out of 1 of 3 drivers. Maybe it will add some flavor to that winners circle every week. Its going to be interesting and I hope the nationwide and truck series thrive.
ReplyDeleteI think is will be great for both the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series, were race fans and we'll rally behind any set of drivers were given overtime and pick our favorite
ReplyDeleteCount me as one that is looking for good things in 2012. I was one that watched these series before the double-dipping became prevalent.
ReplyDeleteYou've been around a long time, then! Cup drivers have been "double dipping" in the Nationwide Series since it was still the Busch Series, and they've been running the Truck Series since Day One.
DeleteDave I agree there has been Cup drivers double dipping but most of the time before 2003 they never ran full seasons. I have no problem with cup drivers running.
ReplyDelete