I'm Sooo Tired: Confessions of NASCAR Fatigue

One of my most favorite movies in the world is Blazing Saddles.  Yes, it's sick humor - probably the sickest—and that's why I like it.  I'm just enamored with that crazy Mel Brooks and his kookiest way of telling a really good story.

If you've watched Blazing Saddles, you know that Lily Van Schtupp, played by the irrepressible Madeline Kahn, sings a song entitled "I'm Sooooo Tired".  She plays a saloon floozy who is just tired...tired of all of the love and all of the games.  She is just tired.

I must confess, I am tired as well.  I'm not tired of all the love, but I am tired of all of the games—NASCAR games that is.  It's almost the end of the NASCAR season and I am just plain tired.

Everyone in NASCAR gets tired about now.  With the longest season in all sports, this time in the race season leaves everyone feeling a bit exhausted.

We've "been to" Daytona, Charlotte, the Poconos, Las Vegas, California, New Hampshire, Delaware and every where in between.  We have sat in the rain and smoldered in the beating sun.

We've watched endless hours of qualifying, first practice, second practice and Happy Hour.  We've sat glued to our televisions and computers for hours on end, watching the race weekend unfold.

Our hearts have pounded at Talladega, where we have held our breath for 500 laps.  And our tempers have flared at Martinsville where the beating and the banging of the short tracks has taken its toll.

After over thirty consecutive race weekends, drivers and teams are pooped.  Everyone in the garage will tell you that both drivers and team members actually do get testy at this time of year, snapping at one another and fussing with other teams and the officials.

Fan fatigue also sets in, especially if the fan's driver (as is my case with Mr. Jeff Gordon) does not stand a chance in the championship chase.  And let's admit it, unless you are a Jimmie Johnson or 48 car fan, you are a bit tired by now of their dominance and their seeming claim to their third championship in a row.

I know I'll get over it.  As soon as the weekend arrives and qualifying is set for the next race at Atlanta, I will easily be back in the groove and my fan fatigue will magically disappear.

But for now, I'm just tired, so tired...tired of playing the NASCAR game.  Ain't it a crying shame...I'm soooo tired.

PS: If you're also tired, check out the great performance of Madeline Kahn in Blazing Saddles at the following link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-pmpgrYQgs.  Enjoy and WAKE UP!