I've been a racing fan (all types and venues... cars, boats, planes, motorcycles) since I can remember (5 or 6 years old maybe). And I still watch and follow NASCAR, but for me the sport lost something when they started the restrictor plates. I fully understand the desire (and need) to keep the drivers and spectators safe, but there are ways they could have slowed the cars down w/o creating the bunch-up problems that RPs cause (lower compression engines, etc.). And I think the COT (now stands for Car of Today
) dilutes the venue. I want to be able to recognize a model I can buy from the dealer. This is also true with the cars of the last several years with all the templates they had to use. I know NASCAR is trying to "level" the playing field, but I don't like it. If GM, Dodge or any other manufacturer designs a car that moves through the air better (and thus gains an advantage) more power to them. It started as "stock car" racing and only became less so in the last 10 years or so. That's why they award manufacturer's points, isn't it? But Ford started whining b/c GM and Dodge had a more aerodynamic design making Ford less compeitive. So let's penalize the other makers b/c one can't seem to get their stuff together. There have been years that Ford had a better platform, but you didn't hear the others whining. They simply created better designs and these were reflected in the showrooms. Ah, the old days. Okay, I feel better now.
Oh, while I don't blame the IRL (and other drivers) for wanting to move to NASCAR (larger following and now better money), I'm not all that thrilled about it. John Paul Willreckya only gets in the way and needs to keep his aggressive style to the open wheels cars. That said, I think Danica may be the first female to actually have what it takes to be successful in NASCAR, should she decide to make the move, but only time will tell. Years ago I thought Lyn St. James might be successful, but she never made the move.