Sofa Sideline

It’s the last day of the year and I for
one am in a hurry for the New Year to commence. The reason being, of course, is
that it brings us closer to the new season. Just a little over a month and we’ll
be on our way again…can’t wait!!

What do you think of all these drivers
scheduled to run the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona; Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart,
Kyle Petty, John Andretti, Robby Gordon. Do they not know that there are already
too many races on tap for the season, their personal appearance schedules are
too demanding – how they could possibly think of adding anything more? Why
there’s even a couple already set to run Indy, for another it’s a
possibility. Oh…..it could be that first and foremost, they are race car
drivers, and they just can’t seem to get enough. Well hooray for us fans!!

This brings up the subject of Jeff Gordon
and his decision to decline the invitation to run the four IROC races. I have to
come out on the side of those who feel that this was not the best choice on Jeff’s
part. Some sort of real rationalization has not come to mind when looking at the
actual amount of time involved. For all appearances sake, it just seems that
Gordon is merely dismissing this series as something not to be bothered with.
Stating that race and personal appearance schedules were too demanding on him
already, one can’t help but think that the real reason behind his decision is
that he never runs well and he just doesn’t want to do it. Who knows, but just
when he starting winning back some fans, he just says I’m not going do it, and
we, somewhat pensive fans look around and say, huh? Why not?

Some of the best racing during the
Brickyard 400 Weekend was Labonte and Stewart banging off one another during the
last couple of laps of the IROC race. And then as a true diehard NASCAR fan, it’s
always fun to see the Cup guys, more often than not, beat other motorsports
divisions’ top dogs. I always got a kick out of these races, and it’s a sad
state when the reigning Champion chooses not to partake in these events.

After posting my predictions for 2002,
some interesting mail was received from readers. Most were in defense of Mark
Martin, admonishing the comment made that maybe he should think about retiring.
So, for now, I’ll concede this point. I do feel that Mark Martin is one of the
better drivers out there, and with the recent change in crew chief to Ben
Leslie, formerly with Kurt Bush, it may be just the incentive to bring back his
winning ways and competitiveness. Only time will tell.

Other notes came from individuals who
obviously do not like Tony Stewart, and those who feel that Bill Elliott is
actually the favorite driver on the circuit. All I can say, is everyone is
entitled to their opinion. Also, had comments about Dale Jr. and the fact that
the media is making more out of Jr. than he really is. For the record, I did not
say that Dale Jr. is every fan’s favorite, what I said was that he is one of
the favorites, and that can be proven by merely attending any race, anywhere,
and listening to the crowd roar as he goes by. And I still think that he will be
champ within the next three years, and that a great deal of credit has to be
given to him for "surviving" all the turmoil surrounding 2001.

On Mark Martin, I’ll bend. But as far as
Bill Elliott being a major contender next year, no; changing my mind about
Jeremy Mayfield, no; Tony Stewart being the best bet for the 2002 Championship;
yup; unless Bobby gives him the run for his money that I am suddenly getting a
feeling he might? The general consensus of "the family" is that they
are not in agreement with me. They feel that the 2002 Champion will be an
"older, more experienced driver like Dale Jarrett." I’m going to
continue to be the rebel in the family, and will stick with Tony.

The fun will be the "heated"
discussions that go on, about who did what to whom, that take place via email,
telephone, whatever, following a race.

Hats off to NASCAR for their recent rule
change raising the age requirement to 18 for all drivers, crew members and other
participants competing in the Busch Series, Grand National Division, Craftsman
Truck Series and all NASCAR Touring Series. This matches the existing age
standard for the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. It takes a great deal of time and
practice to be considered a "good" driver, and, in my opinion, no one
under the age of 18 has developed their skills to the level necessary to compete
in these divisions.

Well soon things will be gearing up with
the first round of Winston Cup Series testing set to begin on January 7-9 in
Daytona; second round will be held January 14-16. And then along comes February…back
to racing!!

I’d like to wish everyone a Happy and
Prosperous New Year – be safe!!

That’s it for now.