It's been 13 years

[Ron Sutton]

Originally Posted by mfain

I still follow almost fanitically, but I agree, it's not the same. I root for Dale Jr., but he's not his dad. I think the biggest thing that is hurting NASCAR right now is the superstar, Chad Knaus, and that slightly better than average driver he has. If you make all of the cars equal, then even the mediocre can hang with the pack, until something bad happens that tasks them beyond their capabilities. Throw in the distinct "savy" advantage of Knaus, and you can build a dynasty. I get tired of watching Knaus fix the car (admittedly with good inputs from his driver -- they communicate well) and go from worst to first. The only thing that gets them in trouble is driver error when he is in traffic and in over his head. Dale will be hard to replace.

Pappy

I agree pappy. I respect Chad & Jimmy immensely. But it gets boring watching them dominate. Seeing Tony & Brad K win one made it more interesting, but the 48 just won another.

I am excited about the new championship format ... but in the end it will be the same players.

I miss Dale. I miss that era. Nascar has stifled the drivers so much ... and tied big points & money fines to behavior ... that everyone is afraid to show any emotion. Dale was such a force that Nascar asked him for advice.

But it has changed for sure.