JR Ewing There are many reasons why NASCAR has declined in popularity. For some, it's all those changes to the cars. For others, it's the entry of foreign power into the racing. Still others just think it's become more a circus. In the beginning, it was men and machines vs men and


machines vs various tracks. Each with its own set of peculiarities. Racing back then wasseriously more lethal and at the same time, intoxicating to both young and old. It was truly an American sport. No foreigners and none of this Toyota crap. Just good ole American


hardware flying around the track at nearly 200 mile per hour. Noisy and dusty. Of course, it was big business back then, but now that business has eclipsed the racing itself. The carsare so perfectly alike, anyone in front or near the front, if they stay in it, could win the race. Back in the day, Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet, Plymouth.......all of them created seriously fast cars. Each with their own set of dynamics. Today, everything is


so perfect. So sterile...... The drivers. No doubt Richard Petty was indeed the King, but even he acknowledged the manin the black car. Yea, Dale Sr. was the man. No other brought so much to the sport. Such was his popularity. Everyone either liked him or hated him on race day, bu


no where, he took NASCAR to a whole new level. Onethat set the bench mark so high, that to this very day, no one in NASCAR has ever gone as high or as far. Yet, he retired on top. As one should. Many upon many drivers have come and gone, but in my opinion.....Petty, Earnhardt and Gordon did more for NASCAR vs any other drivers in the history of the sport.


There are others, but those three collectively created an amazing following throughout the decades starting in the 70's.