> It’s actually pretty cool how they’re transforming it into something a bit more than driving around in a circle for hours.
Although I think it’s great to see dirt races (I grew up watching late model dirt tracks) I disagree that the super speedways are just driving around in a circle.
One of the major factors of NASCAR was that the engines were built and tuned by the crew and the driver had to be able to push it to the limits over an extended period of time. Mistuning and/or too aggressive driving would blow the engine. The really good drivers knew when to push it over the edge for just a few moments to get advantage.
I think once you're trying to explain that nuance, most of the audience (that NASCAR would like to tune in) has probably already tuned out. It is very welcome for them to start pivoting heavily towards road courses, dirt courses, and even street races (not to mention wet weather tires), as it opens up the field to WAY more driver skill sets and strategy than just tire falloff, fuel, and gaming restarts.
Indeed. For me just the sound and the speed is enough but that doesn’t translate to TV well.
NASCAR is a funny sport in that it was built around a particular technology around a particular time. The level of innovation the mechanics came up with really drive the sport. But the ICE is in many ways at end of life and it’s obvious they’ll be extinct in 30 years. So I suppose the sport has to evolve itself somehow.
Although I think it’s great to see dirt races (I grew up watching late model dirt tracks) I disagree that the super speedways are just driving around in a circle.
One of the major factors of NASCAR was that the engines were built and tuned by the crew and the driver had to be able to push it to the limits over an extended period of time. Mistuning and/or too aggressive driving would blow the engine. The really good drivers knew when to push it over the edge for just a few moments to get advantage.