Critiquing The Chasers: Who Would Best Represent NASCAR?
While it may not be akin to appointing an ambassador to a foreign country, NASCAR, like any organization hopes that their newly crowned champion represents the sport in a positive manner. So I decided that I would give a brief opinion of each of the Nextel Cup chasers and how I think they will fair during their year as NASCAR’s newest ambassador. Of course, we must remember that with the exception of one, all will be back competing on the circuit next season, so their tour of duty may only last ten to twelve weeks. Such is the life of a newly crowned prince.
10. Jeremy Mayfield
Whenever I watch Mayfield stride down pit road toward his car after pre-race ceremonies, I’m always impressed by his stature. I decided it’s the design of his uniform. He reminds me of Flash Gordon. He always appears confident; he’s well spoken, and his overall statistics look good on paper, up to a point.
With five wins, 48 top five finishes and nine poles in a little over 11 years, you have to wonder why he hasn’t been more successful? The fact that he has now squeaked into the chase two years in a row lends credence to his ability to win during crunch time so why is it he always seems to be struggling? With an average start of 19.9 and average finishes of 20.2 you have your answer. And sitting in tenth place in the standings puts him virtually out of it.
But would he be a good spokesman for NASCAR? Sure, and I’m sure Flash Gordon would do a fine job as well.
9. Kurt Busch
This year, Kurt Busch, for whatever reason, seems to be a wreck looking to happen. Whether it’s a tire blowing or other problems that put him back so far he gets caught up in someone else’s wreck, the fact that he’s even in the Chase this year is miraculous. But even with his kingly posture last year at the awards banquet, the fans just didn't warm up to Busch.
And Kurt being Kurt, he’s had his moments of, um, off color remarks both on and off his radio. Nor should we forget that he apparently has developed a fondest for motivational speaking as was seen following his crash on lap 3 at New Hampshire in September.
That being said, he is the reigning Nextel Cup Champion and perhaps because in between the ten to twelve weeks off at the end of the season and negotiating a new contract with Penske South that drew the attention of just about everyone including NASCAR away from the actual racing, he simply didn’t have time to embarrass NASCAR.
At this point in time, it doesn’t look like he’ll have an opportunity to do so next year either.
8. Rusty Wallace
The 1989 Winston Cup Champion has unlimited experience both on and off the track. But this year he had shown a growth that perhaps in previous years he has mentally fought against. Being an “old school” driver who would often climb out of his car to help with repairs he apparently won the battle with himself over his know-it-all tendencies and finally began cooperating with and more importantly listening to his crew chief. And it’s working.
Rusty is perhaps busier now than he ever was. Striving to win a second Cup title, schmoozing with his sponsors, building a future in racing for his son Stephen, and warmly thanking his fans for their years of support, Rusty could easily take on a year long campaign as a NASCAR spokesman without missing a beat.
But would he be what NASCAR is looking for? Probably, but only if he takes on increased broadcasting duties. Being exceptionally outspoken, Rusty Wallace is not afraid to voice his opinion on anything, including the “Chase for the Championship”. He openly stated that he disliked it during its first year, and only now says that it was because he wasn’t in it. Since he is in the Chase this year, well of course, he likes it. But we know he really doesn’t and we’d much rather hear what a long time competitor really thinks than merely the company line. Should he abandon his broadcasting duties, he could very well become a force in the future of NASCAR.
And that would be a good thing.
7. Matt Kenseth
After winning the final Winston Cup Championship title in 2003, Matt Kenseth, without a doubt had to have been the most maligned champion ever to win a Cup title. All because he did what 30 other “modern era” drivers had done. Raced consistently and finished first place in the point standings. And because of this, not only did it give NASCAR an excuse to change the time-honored method of determining a champion, but it was all Matt’s fault. It was almost as if by sullying his win it would validate the decision to change. No one fell for that garbage and if anything it increased his fan base as they rooted him on and it didn’t change Matt one bit.
With everyone beatin’ and bangin’, bumpin' and slammin’, Matt Kenseth is yet again in the Chase and though he is no longer in contention to win his second Cup title, he would be as he was in 2003, an asset to NASCAR.
6. Mark Martin
Ah, the sentimental favorite. The consummate racer who’s a bit of a curmudgeon and the person chiefly responsible for getting not only pit crews but drivers in good physical shape. Well, except for Tony Stewart.
I have an image for you to think about. The 2004 NASCAR Nextel Awards Banquet. While everyone else was being trying to be glib, searching for the teleprompter and looking enormously uncomfortable, Mark Martin took the stage, leaned comfortably against the podium, and without benefit of notes, spoke from his heart. And he captured the affection of the entire family of racing fans.
Many of us are torn over the fact, that out of sheer loyalty Mark Martin has put a hold on his future plans to support those who he feels have given so much of themselves to him. But it was hardly a surprise, and it will be somewhat comforting to see him in that #6 Roush Racing Ford next year.
At 143 points out of first and only three races left, it’s doubtful that Mark can gain enough to capture this years title. Too bad. He certainly deserves it and while there are those that would say he’s worked hard for it, I say he’s done what he has always done. Given his all, each and every time he hits the racetrack.
It’s just not in his nature to do anything else.
5. Ryan Newman
The enigma. That’s the word that always comes to mind when I attempt to describe Ryan Newman. Short on words but long on talent, there is simply nothing more exciting than to watch Ryan Newman qualify for a race. As teammate to Penske South driver Rusty Wallace, the two guarded their individual team information as though it was coming out of Los Alamos. The media had a field day covering the supposed feud between the drivers when it was probably nothing more than a generational difference.
In a short five years, Newman has racked up 34 poles since entering the Cup ranks. During the 2003 season, he won 8 races to Matt Kenseth's one and added fuel to the argument that the point system was due for a change. So change it they did. But Ryan Newman, who made the Chase last year as well, has never been shy about expressing his dislike for the playoff that isn’t a playoff.
Nor did the Purdue University engineering graduate particularly care for the recent statement by Brian France that NASCAR didn’t want “engineers” winning races. And he was right to take exception when you realize that “engineers” are likely responsible for building the “Car of the Future.” Chances are he’ll have the new “COT” figured out pretty darn quick.
But whether he shares that information is something else entirely.
4. Carl Edwards
If NASCAR sat down and wrote a wish list of what they would want in a NASCAR Champion, it would probably contain only two words. Carl Edwards.
In forfeiting a chance at earning a “Rookie of the Year” award, Jack Roush wisely moved Carl Edwards from the Craftsman Truck Series to the virtual top of the stock car racing ranks. By starting Edwards in the #99 Roush Racing Ford in 2004 running 13 races, Edwards gained a chunk of experience running with racing’s elite. In 2005, that experience paid off with his first win at the spring race in Atlanta. He followed up with a win at Pocono in June, and soon found his way to his first “Chase for the Championship.” And we all waited for the glow to wear off. It hasn’t.
The “Golly, gee whiz, how did I get here?” persona has continued unabated only to be shed like a dog’s winter coat each and every time Edwards takes to the track. The Opie Taylor of racing seemingly becomes Superman at the drop of the green flag.
Though admittedly more comfortable at 1½ mile tracks, Edwards took over the lead Sunday at the Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 at Atlanta and never looked back giving him a season sweep at the famous Georgia track. His trademark back flip has become a fan favorite. With Texas, Phoenix and Homestead in the offing, there is an outside chance that he could pull off the unthinkable. A non-rookie rookie winning his first NASCAR Nextel Championship.
NASCAR must be salivating over the possibility.
3. Greg Biffle
As a driver, Greg Biffle’s ability cannot be questioned. Since entering the Craftsman Truck Series in 1998, Biffle has accumulated an impressive resume. In addition to winning the Championship in the truck series, he also won the Busch Series championship in 2002. By adding a NASCAR Nextel Cup Championship to his list of achievements he will become a member of a very small elite group of drivers that have won championships in all three divisions.
Spotted by NBC commentator Benny Parsons and recommended to Jack Roush, the hard charging Vancouver, Washington native has a reputation for “gettin’ up on the wheel” and powering his #16 National Guard Ford to eight wins, one pole, 20 top fives and 33 top tens. And perhaps that’s the problem.
Whether he means to or not, Greg Biffle occasionally behaves as if he has a chip on his shoulder the size of Stone Mountain. He has literally become famous for spouting off comments that totally take away from the champion he could be. For example, when his teammate Carl Edwards won the spring race in Atlanta, Biffle took front stage by declaring, “This is the worst day of my life.” -- He placed third. And after being caught up in the crash on lap 65 at Talladega last month, Biffle opined that, “Hopefully, Ryan (Newman) makes a bunch more wrecks and uh, take some more people out and maybe we’ll gain those positions.” Not only are these remarks not worthy of a NASCAR champion they aren’t worthy of any racecar driver.
Greg Biffle is capable of great interviews, as long as he’s doing well. But when trouble happens as it regularly does in racing, he becomes childish and petty.
As a NASCAR Nextel Champion, perhaps Roush Racing should consider either courses in public speaking, or just whoop him with a two by four.
2. Jimmie Johnson
A PR puppy in the finest mode, Jimmie Johnson was a born poster boy for NASCAR. With a power drill in one hand and a Pepsi in the other, Johnson would probably be number one on NASCAR’s list of those who possessed the qualities most desired in a champion besting even Carl Edwards. But then he learned from the master.
Although many joke that he’s a Jeff Gordon clone, Johnson has had, until recently a much more straightforward approach when giving interviews. But he still rarely strays from the company line.
Since his official entry into the Cup division in 2002, Johnson was known for not only his driving ability, but also his ability to work with his crew to make his car increasingly better with each pit stop. He also earned the reputation as a “clean” racer; a reputation that has taken an enormous hit this season. Whether it’s the fact that he has finished second in the Championship point standings the past two years or he’s simply changed his driving style, Johnson has been caught up in most of the more memorable racing controversies this season. And while his fans remain rabidly loyal, his detractors are mounting.
But no one can deny that should Jimmie Johnson win his first NASCAR Nextel Championship, the suits will be dancing through the corridors in Daytona.
1. Tony Stewart
Oh, my goodness. What can you say about Tony Stewart that hasn’t already been written? And how can I possibly condense everything there is to say in a few brief paragraphs? Well, watch me.
Whether NASCAR realizes it or not, they would be very lucky to have Tony Stewart as their 2005 NASCAR Nextel Champion. By coming to grips with his own demons and applying his colossal talent to the racetrack, Tony Stewart has, despite the shenanigans at NASCAR, kept the attention on racing this year.
After starting the 2005 season strong with a 7th place finish in the Daytona 500 victory, Stewart then went into to his usual up and down form that marks the first half of his year. As is normal he then entered the second half of the season by placing second at Michigan in June. He followed that with a win at Sonoma and finally captured his first Daytona win in July at the “Pepsi 400”.
With the exception of Dover in September and the debacle at Charlotte in October, Stewart has not placed out of the top ten locking up five firsts, including the Brickyard 400 and three second place finishes. But his accomplishments on the track are not what have drawn the attention of race fans or the media, but rather his new outlook on his career and the way he lives his life. And his latest admission is testament to the fact that the “bad boy” of racing may finally have a firm grip on his own destiny.
Even with the success enjoyed by the #20 Home Depot team, the many now infamous incidents that have marked Tony Stewart’s NASCAR career began to take a toll on everyone involved. In reading the story of the “intervention” by Tony’s team, it was becoming apparent that the success just wasn’t worth it. Stewart was in jeopardy of losing his most valuable support group and he knew it. In finally grasping how to get along with NASCAR, he has learned that while he can still be honest on plain spoken in his opinions, he must also apply a bit of diplomacy. This “diplomacy” is usually accomplished with a dry wit and sly grin. But it works because it comes so naturally to Tony.
While his driving style hasn’t really changed, his race strategy seems to have shifted to focus chiefly on winning his second championship and he plainly states that he wants this one for his team. He recognizes the frustrations and hardships that winning in 2002 cost his crew and this is his way of making some of that up to them. He has come a very long way over a very rough road.
And NASCAR should be proud to have him. We certainly are.
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