Cool, we got a little action over here in the Autosports area...
A little "drama" now and again can be a good thing...
Yes, I do agree with the general consensus that two of the "big three" are in dire straights, and the one that is not already is a full fledged euro-company. From the car badging aspect, NASCAR changed a long time ago (i mean, a Taurus??? come-on...).
I was really trying to convey more from a fan perspective than the manufacture aspect. With the introduction of Toyota (and yes, Larry is correct that they have been in the Craftsman truck series for a few years now) into both the Bush and Cup racing series, they will attract a "different" demographic than say a Chevy or Ford. Specifically I am talking about a more international fan base, not neccessarily a large influx of new U.S. based fans.
And, some of your "old time" NASCAR fans were already starting to cry foul with the changes in points and the overtaking of the sport by 3 large team owners. The small independent driver/owner are all but wiped out. So, what NASCAR is today, is not what NASCAR really was in 1975, and will not be what NASCAR is tomorrow.
And that, quiet truthfully, is a shame. NASCAR was a very unique, niche sport that has become over the years, the number one fan base sport within the U.S. It "was" a no pretense, tee shirt optional sport that had fierce competition, died-in-the-wool fans, and true comrade among its drivers.
There were no "love-in's", but each driver respected the other, and any outsider better duck if they said something bad about one of them. Also, it was not a sport for everybody, and it did not try to be. It was what it was, and if you didn't care for it, don't let the door hit you on the way out.
I think that my "dramatics" come from watching what has happened to F1, Cart and the IRL leagues over the same number of decades. F1 is a sport of kings, for kings. It is the most incredible driving on the face of the planet, but I cannot make any connection to the manufactures or drivers, because they are so "corporate". Cart and IRL exist because of a power struggle for control of open wheel racing in the U.S. Neither one is better for it.
NASCAR not only survived these same years, but has flourished. With this announcement on Monday, they have put into motion events that will move NASCAR away from its root even further, and that is the shame of it all.
As we have seen the past few years, any driver that dares speak outside of the company line, is hit hard with point reductions and $$$ fines. The NASCAR of today is becoming just like Football, Baseball, Hockey, etc.... The sound clips are all pre-loaded, just insert a different player and hit play..
So, in closing (thought this would go on forever, didn't you..) it is not so much about bringing in a new car line, but a changing of philosophy and target demographics for a relatively uncomplicated sport. I saw this happen to the NFL over the past 15 years, and now it has started with another "common man" sport.
Just sad, that's all........TechnoTrix'd...