Fast Times
A NASCAR BLOG BY Kris Johnson
NASCAR’s regular-season champ should be recognized, but how?
If such a thing existed, Tony Stewart won this year’s regular-season championship.
What he didn’t win was additional points, a few extra bucks, a plaque or home-field advantage in the playoffs.
OK, so that last bonus doesn’t apply to NASCAR.
The point is Stewart should get something.
NASCAR is reportedly considering some sort of recognition for the top driver in the Sprint Cup Series’ regular season.
What do you get a guy who seemingly has it all? Humbly offered are the following suggestions:
A robe similar to those worn by heavyweight boxing champions back in the day when pugilistic pursuits were still relevant. This one should have the requisite nickname - Italian Stallion is off limits - and make it diamond-encrusted because ostentation in a down economy lets prospective sponsors know you’re bullish on our national recovery. If Jerry Jones can build a $1.2-billion palace in Dallas for his highly overrated National Football League team, NASCAR can surely come off the hip for a little bling.
If the diamond robe is asking too much, the sanctioning body could always just customize a Snuggie for the regular-season champ. If NASCAR decides to retroactively award one to Stewart, perhaps it could have two sewn together. Smoke fills out his driver’s suit better than a government office worker fills out forms.
Rings are always a nice way to commemorate an accomplishment. Graduation from high school or college, bowling a 300 game or winning NASCAR’s regular season all appear to be ring-worthy occasions.
Money clips are cool, too. Nothing speaks to a NASCAR driver’s success more than his bulging billfold, but they can become unwieldy in that George Costanza way. (Remember when the thickness of George’s wallet contributed to his back trouble on “Seinfeld”? Of course, you do.)
Enter the money clip. Whether you’re at the casino, on the golf course or in the weekly drivers meeting, it would be a constant reminder to your peers that you did it, baby, you won NASCAR’s regular-season title.
Kris Johnson
Kris Johnson has worked in racing since 1997. He has covered NASCAR full time since 2005 and is an assistant managing editor for NASCAR Scene.
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Comments
5 responses to "NASCAR’s regular-season champ should be recognized, but how?". Post a Comment.
melanschool said:
Oct 13, 2009 at 8:30 AM10 Bonus points and a trophy.
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» Confirm Abuse Reporttinynascarfan said:
Oct 13, 2009 at 1:14 PMLet's put some emphasis on the regular season (first 26 races) and give the person leading the points after the 26th race an extra 50 points for it, plus any 10 point bonus win points. The Chase will still bring the top 12 drivers a lot closer in points but right now, a driver can win all of the first 26 races and still finish 12th in points at the end of the year, and how will people react if Juan Pablo wins the title this year and doesn't win a race?
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» Confirm Abuse Reporttinynascarfan said:
Oct 13, 2009 at 1:18 PMOne thing to make the regular season mean more might be for the regular season champion to be locked in to the chase for the next year also. If you finish first one year you are in the chase for two, would that make for harder racing for the regular season title?
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» Confirm Abuse Reportpapaof4ncrc said:
Oct 13, 2009 at 1:48 PMFirst if you win the regular season,you sit at the head of the class when the chase starts.And you should start with at least twenty point lead to start with.They say the chase is rewarding for highest consistancy,so what they throw that out for regular season.Have to have at the least recognition for it,Jeff Gordon would be at least five time champ with that.Alot say get rid of the chase,well France and company won't do that so step up to the plate and give them the lead.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportSTP43FAN said:
Oct 13, 2009 at 7:00 PMSimple - abolish the Chase concept altogether and reward the FULL season champion.
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