Tight In Turn 2: NASCAR Tweaks Budweiser Shootout to Increase Fan Interest

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Does an All Star event—in any sport—need to be fair to the competitors in the sport?

Or is it more important that the contest be maxed out for ultimate fan interest?

NASCAR seems to be struggling with those questions and the additional issue of keeping the sponsors happy. 

Why else would they tweak the Budweiser Shootout? We'll find out what you think in the Bench Racing version of this week’s Tight in Turn 2 posts.

The Budweiser Shootout will have a different format when it kicks off NASCAR’s Speedweeks next February. The 24 car all-star race will feature the top six cars in 2008 owners points from each of NASCAR’s four manufacturers. Do you like it or not?

Charlie: NASCAR has guaranteed that at least two, and probably more, of its biggest stars will be watching this race instead of driving in it.

Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman will not qualify. Two Michael Waltrip Racing cars will make it and so too, probably, will Travis Kvapil. 

It may not be a big deal, I guess. 

But tell me, why they can’t start everybody?  It would still be different from a regular Cup race. 

It’s a sprint. It’s short, fast, balls—out racing.  Start 50 cars!

Bruce: I really like the idea that they’re changing it up to get more drivers in the “pointless” race. 

I think, though, their approach is a bit blind-sided; NASCAR did not anticipate that some of the better qualified drivers who could technically qualify for this race are going to be sidelined by drivers who don’t rate as high.

I would hope they re—evaluate their approach and take the drivers as they are, by years’ end, not who’s in what [place] in the beginning of next year. 

Then, it would be fair, and mix it up a bit! 

Maybe they should add pole winners to the fray. 

That would get Ryan in at least. I’m sure they’ll come up with something to get Tony in!

That’s what we think. What do you think? Let us know in the comment section.

Bruce at NACAR Bits and Pieces has this topic up over at his blog.

So is this probation on Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards warranted?