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Fast Times

A NASCAR BLOG BY Kris Johnson

New shootout format needs one tweak for 2009

Aug 29
Unlike many of you who’ve already chimed in with disapproval of the new format for the Budweiser Shootout, I actually like it – if just one small tweak can be made. Allow the guys who’ve earned the right to compete in next year’s event (under the old rules that governed eligibility) to do so. You can’t just slip the rug out from underneath guys like Joe Nemechek, Paul Menard and Patrick Carpentier.
   
The circumstantial exclusion of other high-profile drivers such as Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman, who will compete for Stewart-Haas Racing next year, doesn't bother me as much as the "little guys" getting shuffled out. In fairness to all, though, anybody who had qualified under the old rules should be given special dispensation for 2009.
   
If you want to change the eligibility requirements, that’s fine, but have a one-year grace period in place for the sake of fairness here.
Seemingly every pole winner not already qualified has gotten out of the car and said something to the effect of, “Man, that’s cool. We’re in the Bud Shootout next year.” Obviously, drivers were operating under the assumption that this was still the deal.
   
In the future, I’ve got no problem with the top six teams from each manufacturer (in the final owner points) competing in the non-points event.
   
Anheuser-Busch and its Budweiser brand formerly sponsored NASCAR’s weekly pole award. With Coors Light now in that space, it didn’t make business sense for A-B to incorporate pole winners into future shootout events.
   
For all the wailing and gnashing of teeth about how tradition is further being compromised in NASCAR, the bottom line is the sport’s financial backers have to do what is best for their business when it comes to activation. You can’t fault Budweiser for that.
    
What you can find fault in, though, is the decision to exclude drivers who earned the right to compete in next year’s race based on merit.
 
 

Average Rating: 4.7

Comments

9 responses to "New shootout format needs one tweak for 2009"
  1. 1
    Roush Fenway 17 said:
    Aug 29, 2008 at 9:58 AM

    I agree with you 100%. It's unexceptable that NASCAR is changing the rules on the fly (I know this isn't the first time they have done it). Changes are going to happen and they need to happen for the good of the sport but don't do it when the season is more than half over and people have work hard all year and earned the right to be in it. NASCAR needs to make this exception to allow the competators that have earned there right to be in it and for there fans who have earned there right to see them in it.

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  2. 2
    Peter Reiser said:
    Aug 29, 2008 at 10:13 AM

    Johnson, You are the voice of reason. I work in education. I would not change graduation requirements, eligibility criteria, or the like, without plenty of advanced notice, or without a transition year to make certain no one was unfairly left out.

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  3. 3
    Sally Baker said:
    Aug 29, 2008 at 1:03 PM

    Since the COT has reduced the 'differences' in the Cup cars to what decals they slap on the car, I suppose it was inevitable that Nascar had to throw a bone of some kind, pertending that the manufacturers are still relevant.

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  4. 4
    Worm Dirt said:
    Aug 30, 2008 at 10:29 PM

    Honestly, I really have no idea why this is even an issue. The Bud Shoot-out is a teaser..... It's 100% hype..... It's a half-naked woman parading around the ring with the 'Round 1 Sign' before the boxing match starts! When Nascar starts changing the rules mid-season to handicap certain teams because of their success, THEN and only THEN will I start getting OUTRAGED..... wait a minute!!!!! ......hmmmmmmmmm .....didn't that ALREADY happen???..Funny how many fans can SELECTIVELY apply their RIGHTEOUS outrage. Whatever......

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  5. 5
    Anonymous said:
    Aug 31, 2008 at 9:53 AM

    NASCAR and Brian do the most idiotic things . Wonder what granpa would think???

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  6. 6
    Jay said:
    Aug 31, 2008 at 3:40 PM

    We already see the top drivers from the manufacturs battle it out, all year long, plus the winners in the All-Star race. There gave those lower tier teams to at least possibly get a shot at running with the big dawgs, some exposure/press, little extra track time. Go with the old time quote: If it ain't broke, DON'T FIX IT!

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  7. 7
    Scott Baker said:
    Aug 31, 2008 at 5:38 PM

    So what if they change the qualification rules and a few drivers will be shuffled out. A few will also be shuffled in. I bet they're not complaining. There is no way if I were Budweiser that I would let the "COORS Pole Award" determine the entrants, ABSOLUTELY NO WAY!!! Everyone at NASCAR, INCLUDING THE DRIVERS, knew the guidelines were going to change for the shootout, they've known all year. The drivers don't try to win the pole each race just so they are now "in" next year's shootout. The shootout doesn't count for anything, relax.

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  8. 8
    clem zahrobsky said:
    Sep 2, 2008 at 8:43 AM

    NASCAR is trying to please the all auto companies because they are afraid if just one company pulls out NASCAR is in a world of hurt. there may be no dodges in the "chase"

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  9. 9
    beth emerson said:
    Sep 4, 2008 at 8:35 AM

    I like the new format. At least give it a chance. As far as nascr being worried about the auto companies that is a crock. Drivers have more imporant things to worry about than winning a pole to get into the shootout. People who ever told ya all life was fair lied to you it is not. Grow up change is good.

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