Top five most significant moments of the decade in NASCAR

Following the 2009 season, I decided to take a mini-reprief from the old pin and pad.  My fingers were tired from all of the typing throughout the story-filled 2009 season.  However, I have returned with a series of articles to close out the season, as well as the decade.  In January, the 2009 season will be left in the dust, and the 2010 previews begin. 

We begin the decade in review with some of the most significant moments in NASCAR throughout the 2000’s.  Remember, just because something was significant does not automatically indicate that it was good for the sport. 

5.

Long-time series sponsor R.J. Reynolds departs NASCAR

In 2003, it became apparent that a major change was looming.  In June, the departing of R.J. Reynolds and the Winston sponsorship became official.  Nextel, a wireless communications provider, assumed the role as the title sponsor of NASCAR’s premier division in a deal that was reported to be ten years in length.  R.J. Reynolds and its Winston brand was the title sponsor for NASCAR since 1971.  After thirty-three years, the Winston Cup Series became the Nextel Cup Series. 

In 2007, Nextel merged with Sprint.  In 2008, the Nextel Cup Series became the Sprint Cup Series. 

4.

Jimmie Johnson wins four consecutive championships

When Cale Yarborough captured three consecutive titles from 1976 to 1978, it was an unprecedented feat that many assumed to be unrepeated.  In 2008, exactly thirty years later, Jimmie Johnson defied standard logic by winning his third successive championship.  In 2009, Johnson continued his prodigious rampage through the record books as he cruised to a fourth consecutive Cup championship. 

Johnson began his Cup career in 2002 as Jeff Gordon’s protégé.  The California native has finished no worse than fifth in the championship standings throughout his career. He amassed 29 victories throughout his four-year ascendancy, and 47 career wins since 2002.  Much to the chagrin of his detractors, the dominance is still in effect, as Johnson is the early favorite to win a fifth successive championship in 2010.

3.

Brian France replaces his father Bill France Jr as CEO

Many illustrate the 2003 season as one of noteworthy changes, not all for the good of the sport.  Just months following the exit of R.J. Reynolds and Winston as the title sponsor of NASCAR, the sport encountered another momentous change.  Bill France, Jr, son of NASCAR’s founder, handed over the CEO position to his son Brian after administering the sport for thirty-one years.

While Bill Jr elevated the sport out of its regional status, Brian expected to expand national interest.  Unfortunately, many old school traditional fans have grown disenchanted with the bold changes, and no longer follow the sport.  Under Brian’s leadership, the sport drifted too far from its southern roots in their desperate attempts to become this national phenomenon.  Thus far, Brian has not earned the respect, admiration, or trust from the fans.  That has been his main downfall.

2.

Chase for the Championship

As the 2003 season drew to a conclusion, whispers of an alteration in the championship arrangement began swirling throughout the garage and cyberspace.  Matt Kenseth had the 2003 title clinched following the next to last race of the season, leaving the season finale in Homestead in the category as ‘just another race’.  The powers that be must have forgotten the tight championship battle of 2002 between Tony Stewart and Mark Martin, and were ready to abandon the system the had been in effect since 1975. 

In January of 2004, NASCAR introduced the Chase for the Championship format.  From 2004 to 2006, the top ten drivers in the standings following the 26^th race would vie for the championship, as they were seeded accordingly.  In 2007, NASCAR expanded the championship field to twelve drivers, this following the 2005 season when Dale Earnhardt Jr and Jeff Gordon missed the cut, and 2006 when Tony Stewart failed to qualify for a spot in the top ten. 

The playoff-style format has far more detractors than supporters, as the format’s flaws are manifest.  The inaugural Chase was thrilling as Kurt Busch edged out Jimmie Johnson by eight points.  However, since 2004, the format has failed to provide exhilarating championship battles.

1.

2001 Daytona 500: The tragic death of Dale Earnhardt

It did not matter that Dale Earnhardt was in the twilight of his illustrious career, the forty-nine year old driver was supposed to be the face of NASCAR as we entered the 21^st century.  Following supbar seasons in 1997 and 1998, Earnhardt proved that he was still a force on the track in 1999 and 2000, leading many to believe that he could finally capture his elusive eighth championship in 2001. 

The 2001 Daytona 500 was the first race broadcasted by FOX, and it provided some fascinating racing, as well as a violent wreck that saw Tony Stewart land on the hood of his teammate Bobby Labonte during a twenty-car pileup.  As the race reached its closing laps, the duo of DEI drivers headed the field.  Earnhardt’s close friend Michael Waltrip led the field while his son circled the track in the second position.  Earnhardt’s black No. 3 was in the third position. 

There was no doubting that Earnhardt wanted to win his second Daytona 500, but when it became apparent that he had to play defense to the cars behind him as opposed to attacking his son and employee for the win, he widened his bumper.  Heading into the final turn of the final lap, Sterling Marlin inadvertently tapped Earnhardt, sending him head first into the outside fence along with contact from Ken Schrader.   Hours later, his tragic death was official.

Much has changed in NASCAR since Earnhardt’s death.  If you were to rewind back to 2001 and immediately fast forward to 2009, the sport is virtually unrecognizable.  Nevertheless, since Earnhardt’s death, NASCAR has greatly enhanced the safety in the sport. 

Honorable mentions include (in no particular order) the debut of the Car of Tomorrow (2007), Toyota enters NASCAR (2007), Dodge re-enters NASCAR (2001), the death of Bill France, Jr (2007), FOX and NBC assuming broadcasting rights (2001), Retirements of Darrell Waltrip, Rusty Wallace, and Dale Jarrett (2000, 2005 and 2008), addition of Chicagoland Speedway and Kansas Speedway (2001), final race at Rockingham (2004), Darlington losing the traditional Labor Day weekend date (2004), the suspension of Jeremy Mayfield (2009), Jeff Gordon passing Dale Earnhardt on the all-time win list (2007), Dale Earnhardt Jr leaving DEI for Hendrick Motorsports (2008), Hendrick plane crash (2004), Jimmy Spencer punching Kurt Busch (2003), Mark Martin returning to full-time competition (2009), Tony Stewart leaving Joe Gibbs Racing (2009), death of Adam Petty and Kenny Irwin (2000), demise of Petty Enterprises (2009), introduction of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and its inductees (2009), Hendrick Motorsports finishing 1-2-3 in standings (2009), Roush Fenway Racing placing five drivers in Chase (2005)