Busch Wins Close Contest (that’s Kurt, not George W., this time)

By Valerie Wood

There is an insidious system, long used cannily by the powerful and the media, to convince people of things which they don’t actually believe. It’s called ‘brainwashing.’ Listening to the commentators on the NASCAR broadcasts, one can only believe that they are earnestly doing this in cahoots with the racing series’ blessings, in order to try and convince skeptical fans to agree with NASCAR’s decisions and mandates.

For instance, NBC and Speedchannel analysts dubbed Mark Martin as “Everyone’s Sentimental Favorite” to win the Championship title. On at least 7 separate occasions (and I didn’t watch the endless updates and programs on Speedchannel all weekend) Martin was described in this manner. Nothing against Mark, but he wasn’t my sentimental favorite. Kurt Busch’s crew chief, veteran Jimmy Fennig, was easily my choice as a ‘sentimental favorite.’ Then there was the “Everyone LOVES the new Chase for the Cup format.” And, it’s a “great success” and racing was made more exciting than ever because of it. Well, I DON’T love it.

Pardon me if I am not rolling in ecstasy over these brainwashing attempts. I do not love the contrived, half-baked, gimmicky format for determining the Champion.

While the actual results of the ‘Chase’ are surprisingly far, far better than expected—at least a talented, gutsy and down-to-earth young driver actually won it for a change—I remain unconvinced that this has proven an improvement to the sport.

It was disturbing to hear that NASCAR President Mike Helton addressed the drivers’ pre-race meeting to issue a stern warning against foolish or reckless actions on the track, particularly those that could affect the outcome of the championship race. "Let the championship unfold on its own and leave it on the track," Helton said at the driver meeting. "NASCAR does not want to change the outcome, but we will not be shy (to do so)." Will not be shy to do so?? What did that mean?

It was disturbing to hear that Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s spotter, Steve Hmiel, was suspended by NASCAR because of critical remarks he made during a Craftsman Truck Series race (as a spotter talking on the team radio) which were “disrespectful” to NASCAR. Apparently, the 1 st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is still something that NASCAR has issues with. When asked who would be spotting for Dale Jr., Tony Eury, Sr., just said, “Some guy named Danny.” Turned out that the “some guy” was none other than Danny Culler, who used to spot for Dale Sr.

The final race of the season at Homestead on November 21 was basically a long, often boring affair (with plenty of time to click over and check out the football games), for there were far too many caution laps run for debris on the track, or slow cleanup after a few racing accidents. Fans had to be wondering if NASCAR was trying to slant the championship towards a specific driver. The last 40 laps were the only really exciting part of the race, when a final long season of racing came down to about half an hour of relative excitement for fans of the three drivers who were vying for the championship. The race winner, Greg Biffle, was somewhat lost in the post-race hype shuffle, but his assistance to his teammate, Kurt Busch, proved to be the final nudge needed by thrust Busch into the points lead and season championship win.

Busch has been controversial because he races hard and races to win. Ironic that this trait would not win him more fans. He’s not one of the ‘pretty boys’ that teenyboppers and kids latch on to. At the relatively young age of 27, Busch finds himself at the top of the NASCAR game right now. A hefty $5 million paycheck awaits him in New York in December at the awards banquet. Perhaps, at last, Kurt Busch will get some respect. He has earned it.

For information on Valerie Wood's novel, Enforcer, visit http://www.enforcer.fcpages.com/ (Official Website for Enforcer) or http://www.1stbooks.com/bookview/14441 (Publisher's Website/read an excerpt). 

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