[March 02, 2006]

The Charleston Gazette, W.Va., Jeff Rider column: Crowded schedules, rookies and Mark Martin

(Charleston Gazette, The (WV) (KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Mar. 2--A FEW RANDOM thoughts and observations while wondering why NASCAR would ever consider putting its soon-to-be-built Hall of Fame anywhere other than Charlotte, N.C.

-- With no Nextel Cup race this week, all eyes are focused on the Busch Series event in Mexico City. That's great for the drivers on NASCAR's second circuit, but it also brings to light one of the sport's most pressing issues: There simply aren't enough races to go around.

Granted, that's not necessarily a bad problem to have. Let's face it, NASCAR is a hot commodity and it seems like everyone wants a piece of the action. But for every track that gains a race, another loses one. Think fans in Wilkes County, N.C., wouldn't have welcomed the Busch Series back to North Wilkesboro this week? What about fans in Rockingham?

Exactly.

And the problem is only going to get worse as proposed tracks in New York, Tennessee and Mississippi move closer to fruition.

The obvious solution would be for NASCAR to add races to the schedule to meet the demand. But the Nextel Cup and Busch seasons already extend from February to November and there just isn't any more room at the inn.

So here's my answer: Pick a handful of second-tier events and venues and rotate the races and sites each year. For example, let's say this year Darlington plays host to the MBNA 400. Next year, that race would move to somewhere like Rockingham and Darlington would sit idle for a year.

A perfect plan? No. A practical plan? Absolutely.

Not only would this rotation help broaden NASCAR's exposure, it would allow tracks a full year to promote their race. That added buildup would go a long way in helping restore some luster to many of those second-tier races.

It remains to be seen what direction NASCAR will go in trying to alleviate its scheduling woes. But one thing's for certain -- if the sport continues to veer away from its roots, it runs the risk of alienating the fans who helped make NASCAR what is today. -- This year's class of Nextel Cup rookies was supposed to be one of the best in recent memory. So far, it's more than lived up to the billing.

Rookies Clint Bowyer, Martin Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin are residing in the top 20 in points after two races. J.J. Yeley and Reed Sorenson are 23rd and 24th, respectively. That puts the group ahead of such notables as Kurt Busch (25th), Jeremy Mayfield (29th), Joe Nemechek (32nd) and Greg Biffle (38th).

It's a little early to peg any one of those guys as a title contender, but don't be surprised if one of the rookies breaks into the Chase for the Nextel Cup this season. -- Prior to last season's driver shuffle, Mark Martin was all set to retire from the Nextel Cup series and move behind the wheel of a Craftsman Truck Series ride.

After being persuaded to postpone the move for a year by car owner Jack Roush, Martin has given drivers on the Truck Series a taste of what's to come next season. Martin has guided his Ford F-150 to Victory Lane in each of the first two races, holding off series regulars Todd Bodine and Ted Musgrave each time.

The good news for the rest of the drivers is Martin's running a limited schedule this year, which means it's highly unlikely he'll collect enough points to win the championship. The bad news? Imagine how good Martin's going to be after a year's worth of practice on the truck series.

To contact staff writer Jeff Rider, call 348-5122 or send e-mail to jrider@wvgazette.com.

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