Santa Baby, A Few Things I Really do Need

Originally Posted on December 22, 2005 on Foxsports.com

Santa Baby,

Just a few things I really do need.   I know I'm running late with my Christmas list this year, but I don't think any of these things will be too much trouble.  And I don't need delivery on Dec. 25th either.

1.  Less hysteria for Nascar Drivers.  Don't get me wrong, I know I am a contributing factor to the media frenzy that encompasses this beast called Nascar.  But some of these "fans" are out of control.  Reports of an actual life for the drivers i.e. dating, medical issues unrelated to driving, vacations, and eating habits are all fodder for the masses.  The reaction of the fans is not always pleasant.  And besides, does anyone really need to see pictures of Jeff Gordon's semi-nude girlfriend?  Do we need Elliott Sadler's family macaroni & cheese recipe?  Help us all to remember these people have lives and respect their privacy to some degree.

2.  More access but less hassle or cost.  Santa, I know this sounds contrary to what I just asked for, but it really isn't.  Nascar prides itself on the access fans have to the competitors.  However, with the explosion in fans, the teams have become increasingly reclusive (with good reason, see above).  Drivers are scurried to the car surrounded by PR men, bodyguards, friends and family.  Fans who want access have to pay a fee - in the form of fan club membership, or loyalty to a sponsor.  While the fees are not outrageous, this lack of "free" interaction creates the risk that Nascar will  lose what makes it unique in the arena of fan support.  A suggestion would be to have more online interaction via chats.  I know nothing compares with person to person contact, but online chats would also give those fans who can't get to the track the chance to "meet" their heros.

3.  More teams with wins.  Domination by definition kills competition.  This year saw several teams (Roush, Hendrick and Gibbs) post multiple wins; several other teams only had one win (Evernham, Yates, Childress, DEI).  Certain drivers had king's ransom in winnings due to multiple wins (Biffle, J. Gordon, Stewart, Johnson, Edwards).  Let's spread the wealth.  Parity for all!

4.  Diversity in the Chase.  Santa, I'd love to see more teams involved in the chase.  And by that I mean, more team owners involved.  I'd also like to see diversity in the tracks - could we add a road course? 

5.  Safer barriers for every track.  Progress on installing safer barriers has been made at many tracks.  However, it is not installed at every track, nor is it installed all-around the walls where it is in place.  I know it can mess up the racing groove, but I'd rather have my drivers around next year, than deal with the other alternative.

6.  A Great Race for Rookie of the Year.  This year's crop of rookies is amazing.  It could truly be a race to the finish.  Wouldn't it be great to have several of them have their first Cup wins this year?

7.  Part-timers show they can get it done.  I'd love to see wins for Bill Elliott, Terry LaBonte, Ricky Rudd (if he races), or Boris Said, to name a few.  Some prior winners, some prior non-winners, but how cool if they could come in and win?  Who says retirement has to be boring, right? An Old Guy like you, Santa, should appreciate that.

8.  Uniform penalties, or at least the perception of uniformity.  Nascar has typically had problems making penalties uniform, or at least appear uniform to the fans.  The penalty to Mark Martin of 46 points a few years ago, or Richard Petty's oversized engine, or Jimmie Johnson's win at Dover come to mind.  To the average, non-techincal minded fan, these penalties aren't fair (and I'm not sure they made a lot of sense to the technical minded fan either).  Nascar needs to explain them better to avoid the fan's flack or they need to devise and publize a penalty scheme that everyone can understand.

9.  Good drivers would find good rides.  It is a travesty that several good drivers are without employment - with Daytona less than 2 months away.  Ward Burton and Ricky Craven come to mind.   There's also Travis Kvapil and Bobby Hamilton Jr (although it looks like Travis now has Bobby's old ride). Santa, can't we find another couple teams to help these guys out?

10.  Victory Junction Gang Camp.  If you can only grant one item on my list Santa, this is it.  Help the Pettys to continue to make  Victory Junction Gang Camp a success.  Funds, volunteers, afghans, teddy bears, and medical equipment are in constant demand. The benfits to children and families helped by their experience at the camp  cannot be underestimated.

So, Santa, that's it.  All I want for Christmas.  I'm sure the elves can drop hints to the Nascar powers that be - and in a pinch a visit from Rudolf wouldn't hurt.

I'll leave out the usual cookies and cream ice cream and a glass of eggnog. Have a safe flight.

A very good Iowa Girl