By Lou Modestino
The SPEED REPORT on the same-named cable network recently had some interesting coverage of the NASCAR shakedown runs of the new Chevys, Fords and Toyotas as they were held at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We were impressed on how closely the new Cup cars can now resemble those that can be found in showrooms today. Also many positive comments could be heard, for instance that the newly-configured cars had more down force and grip.
According to SPEED color analyst Jeff Hammond, “They’ve put the stock back into stockcars.” Yet he cautioned, “The cars will need a lot more time on the track before they get it all sorted out.”
From driver Matt Kenseth came, “My car handled real good.” Jr. quipped, “My Chevy has a lot of potential. The whole package is just great, and it even looks like a real racecar. It turns great in the corners, and I like going into the corners with a car going straight instead of sideways! I don’t miss last year’s race car at all.”
After such comments, we sense much enthusiasm by everyone involved in NASCAR racing and who can’t wait for the 2013 season to begin.
That all brings us to the fact that Brian France and his NASCAR officials knew they had some problems when 2012 ticket sales and TV ratings fell beyond expectations. They were willing to make one necessary change anyhow, the redesigning of the racecars. Fans will better be able to relate to what they see on the track now. Congratulations NASCAR and Brian France for attempting the fix. My question is: what in the world took you so long?
Also over the weekend, the Indy Cars tested at Sebring where Will Power became the fastest Indy Car driver ever on that central Sunshine State road course.
Another item regarding the SPEED REPORT – We’ve heard that sometime after the first of the year, the SPEED Channel will be undergoing a makeover and will become the Fox Sports Network. We have not seen any details yet and wonder if this total gear head channel will morph into something like the NBC Sports Channel or the ESPN’s?
One early indicator of those changes was the movement of the F1 races from SPEED to NBC Sports next year. We’re not sure why this happened, but we can speculate. In the past Bernie Eccelstone, who handles such matters for F1, could have played hard ball pitting SPEED against NBC Sports and the ESPN’s. He’s done just that before, and it’s always been his modus operendi in the way of doing business. He creates his F1 schedule in the same way that he pits race dates, countries and venues against each other. And we might add, with much success.