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The Brighter Side..........


Overlooking the negatives, NASCAR isn't really in a lot of trouble and the season was not as bad as some of the naysayer's claim.





I have read articles and commentaries that refer to the 2000 season as being miserable and forgettable. One print publication claimed Bobby Labonte's boring championship win was a fitting end to a boring season. Other stories in the media predict the fall of NASCAR due to the economic downturn the sport is suffering, and rumors of an upper management shake-up. The deaths of three drivers, coupled with the horrendous wreck of Geoff Bodine in a Craftsman Truck at the season's beginning in Daytona, rekindled the stark fact that stock car racing is a deadly sport.



I think we should all look to the brighter side of the picture. With 14 different winners, four first time winners, and a close championship battle, I thought it was a decent season. Yes, there were a couple of boring races, but that is the case every year. It will always be that way.



As to NASCAR fading in popularity, I see just the opposite happening. Next season will rekindle the Dodge battle with Ford and GM. I think the resurgence of Dodge is a great boost for the sport. Most Popular Driver Award winner Bill Elliott will be racing a Dodge, along with Ward Burton, Sterling Marlin, and several others. Maybe I am off-base here, but I see a lot of those empty seats filling up next season with folks wanting to see the Dodges race the Fords, Chevrolets, and Pontiacs. I know I am looking forward to it! The Dodge die cast and team apparel sales should help to improve the slumping souvenir sales.



And then there is Dale Earnhardt. Does anyone know how many fans Dale Earnhardt has? With the great season he had this year, I would have to say that the majority of us race fans would like to see him have another great year, and put on another noble challenge for the championship. The majority of race fans would like to see Dale win championship number eight. Hmmmmm. How did Bill Elliott win the Most Popular Driver Award?



Dale Earnhardt is just one of the star drivers to consider, fans will flock to the track to see all of the stars, and/or, their favorite driver. There are also the new stars shining on the horizon to consider. Names like Lyndon Amick, Kurt Busch, Ron Hornaday, and many others, will bring in their own new fans to the sport of Cup racing.
The copyright of the article The Brighter Side.......... in NASCAR is owned by Thomas M. Sampson. Permission to republish The Brighter Side.......... in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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