Pocky's Paddock
A NASCAR BLOG BY Bob Pockrass
Here's hoping 600 isn’t decided by fuel mileage
CONCORD, N.C. – Fuel-mileage victories are still victories and they’re a part of racing, but let’s hope the Coca-Cola 600 isn’t determined by fuel mileage.
A 600-mile race should not be determined by fuel mileage. It just shouldn’t. It’s supposed to be a marathon, and the winner should be the driver and the team whose car was able to go the fastest and last for the grueling race. It should not be won by a calculator or by an engineer who found a way to squeeze a few extra miles out of the tank of gas.
Fuel mileage might add to the intrigue late in the race, but after sitting around for four hours, it would be nice to wonder who is going to win with the best car, not the best fuel mileage.
For some reason, a fuel-mileage win in any other race wouldn’t be as bothersome. But in NASCAR’s marathon, it just doesn’t seem right.
Bob Pockrass
Bob Pockrass began covering NASCAR in 1992, primarily covering short-track racing and events. He has been an associate editor at NASCAR Scene since 2003.
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