NASCAR: When Your Time Is Up

The NASCAR glory days came to an end a long time ago. Things have changed, but fortunately, there is a new generation of unlikely drivers creating a new era.

Glory days, NASCAR glory days. As Bruce Springsteen once sang, “Glory days, well, they’ll pass you by.” Hang around NASCAR long enough and the term “glory days” is either equivalent to a four-letter word or like the story your great Uncle Pete relives and tells at every family function. You enjoy the story and every rendition of it, but you can’t help but wonder when you will stop hearing the same old thing.

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Get Over It

Any great story is worth listening to — like the glory days of NASCAR were worth watching. But what happens when you can’t move past what happened and enjoy what is happening? You get the current state of NASCAR.

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The glory days shaped NASCAR, but it’s those days of glory that are crippling the progress of NASCAR when it comes to fans. Things have changed. Unfortunately, many fans didn’t get the memo, chose not to read, or not to listen–you know, the same way you ignore Uncle Pete at the family Christmas dinner–you hear him, but you don’t.

We should not forget what happened then, but we must acknowledge that all things change or come to an end. Drivers will retire, drivers will change teams, sponsors will come, sponsors will go, NASCAR will continue to change the rules, cars will evolve, and more importantly, technology will continue to advance. The past will not come back no matter how hard we wish, but the future is ahead of us and maybe as NASCAR fans we should start looking in that direction. We have to accept what was and what is the current state of NASCAR.

The Future Is Bright, Sort Of

“Tomorrow ain’t as bad as it seems,” said singer-songwriter Billy Joel, and I would have to agree. The future is here and now. Who knows, maybe we are embarking on the new glory days. Like many people, I shy away from change, but when you have drivers like Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman, who can argue against NASCAR’s future being bright? Sure, attendance is down, TV ratings aren’t the best, NASCAR has implemented some not so popular rules and fans are disgruntled, but if we take a moment and reflect, there are some good things to look forward to.

When You’re Called Up

Alex Bowman was called upon to replace NASCAR’s most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr., next season in the Monster Energy Cup Series; a move many fans disagreed with, but a great move nonetheless. Bowman exemplifies the new breed of drivers. Having spent most of his time driving a simulator, he is proving that new things and approaches in NASCAR can be good.

Bowman’s daily work reporting on his findings as a simulator driver and testing for Chevy along with his successful 10-race stint as a substitute driver when Dale Jr. was out last season made him the most likely candidate to get behind the wheel of the No. 88. Yeah, a simulator driver is taking over one of the most beloved driver’s car for arguably one of NASCAR’s best teams.

When It’s Time To Move On

While the stars are shining brightly for NASCAR’s new breed, drivers like Kasey Kahne are faced with the inevitable that is change. Kahne finally ended his winless drought and won a race; however, his days at Hendrick Motorsports may still be numbered.

It is hard to imagine Hendrick Motorsports without Kasey Kahne, but like with Dale Jr., it appears to be time for him to move on. Change can be good, and leaving Team Hendrick could be the spark Kahne needs to live up to a once promising career. The thought of leaving NASCAR’s premier team is daunting, but occasionally, it is time for a driver to move on whether he (or she as in Danica Patrick) wants to or not.

Jeff Gordon—gone, Tony Stewart—gone, Carl Edwards–gone (for now). Matt Kenseth is almost gone, thanks to being forced to leave Joe Gibbs Racing to make way for current rookie driver Erik Jones. Can you say, “Greg Biffle–gone”? I think you get the point. As a driver, when your time is up, whether you wilfully retire, or are forced to, your time is up. And as fans, the quicker we realize that time has long been up for any hope of NASCAR glory, the quicker we can move on and enjoy what is.

On the latest episode of All Turns No Brakes, a NASCAR podcast for fans by fans, we discuss Kasey Kahne’s win and future at Hendrick Motorsports, Jimmie Johnson racing for the lead while smoking and Dale Jr.’s move to the booth next season. Check it out. Join the debate with Rene and I as we talk all things NASCAR in an unapologetic, humorous and unfiltered way.

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