This past week, NASCAR officials announced that they will be relaxing some of the sport’s rules, in an attempt to “energize” racing. The Associated Press reported that drivers are being encouraged to “show more aggression and emotion” while driving.
In addition, drivers will be allowed to “bump-draft,” which consists of a racer bumping the car in front of him in order to maintain speed.
The changes don’t stop there. Teams will also be able to increase the horsepower of their vehicles, allowing for faster speeds on the track.
Does any of this seem odd to anyone else?
One of the most dangerous sports, in which drivers push their cars over 180 MPH for hundreds of miles, just encouraged drivers to be more aggressive. This is truly a disaster waiting to happen.
The last fatal NASCAR accident occurred in 2001 when racing legend Dale Earnhardt crashed into the wall on the last lap of the Daytona 500. After the tragedy, new regulations were put in place to protect drivers and limit vehicles from traveling at perilous speeds. Drivers were routinely fined and suspended for on-track aggression or arguing with other drivers before and after races.
And with all the new regulations and precautions, not a single NASCAR driver has died in nine years. Losing “The Intimidator” was a huge blow to the sport.
NASCAR officials stated that ratings are down and that fans have lost interest in racing. NASCAR’s vice president of competition Robin Pemberton told the Associated Press, “We will put it back in the hands of drivers, and we will say ‘Boys, have at it and have a good time.’ ”
So after working so hard over the past nine years to protect drivers and lessen the dangers of racing, officials are now encouraging drivers to be more aggressive because fans are getting bored with the sport?
Interestingly, these rule changes come at a time when many other sports are enacting regulations to protect athletes.
In November, the NFL created new regulations to protect players who have experienced concussions. Even earlier than that, the NFL created rules to protect quarterbacks and defenseless receivers. While many fans have criticized NFL officials, the regulations have remained intact and players remain protected.
Likewise, Major League Baseball has prevented pitchers from throwing at opposing hitters in retaliation. This was a staple of the game throughout its history, but because of injuries and fights, umpires are very quick to warn and eject pitchers now. Sure the fans would love to see more bean-balls and brawls, but the MLB has acknowledged that protecting players is more important.
Imagine if other sports took the same viewpoint as NASCAR.
Everyone knows hockey has been struggling to reach new fans. Why not allow more slashing? Basketball is getting boring? Encourage players to start throwing more elbows and cheap shots. College lacrosse isn’t resonating with fans? Tell the student-athletes to start swinging their sticks at anyone within reach. That should bring in more fans.
If NASCAR continues to change the rules just to bring in more fans, it is only a matter of time until another Earnhardt-like tragedy strikes the sport. When cars start bumping, tempers will start flying. And no one wants to experience road rage amidst dozens of vehicles that are traveling 180 MPH.
How many fans will stick around when all the superstars of the sport are being injured in horrific accidents?
Finally, how many of those supposed “bored fans” are going to be thrilled to see one of these cars come flying in their direction after being bumped and lifted off the ground, because of aggressive driving.
Only a chain linked fence between me and the race car flying in my direction? Now that’s exciting!
Hopefully, more fans will start enjoying NASCAR and the excitement that it already offers millions of fans. But in the case of another fatal accident look for these new regulations to be rescinded immediately.
Until then, have at it boys!
The Bleacher Seat 