Last Sunday’s All-Star race at North Wilkesboro Speedway was arguably the best short track race fans have experienced for a long time. Take out the odd spring race at Bristol from last year, it is hard to pinpoint one short track race that pops out. Multi-groove racing, beating and banging, late race chaos, it had everything. To cap it off, we saw Christopher Bell and Joey Logano battle hard for the race win, all thanks to the promoter’s caution.
This is the same promoter’s caution that was criticized by many as an unnecessary gimmick that will manufacture thrill and action, like the stage races. As mentioned, without the promoter’s caution, did came as there was no natural caution after Lap 220, and it set up the stage for the tussle between Bell and Logano, which was won by the JGR driver eventually, thanks to a fresh set of tires. And, he was pumped after the race, “North Wilkesboro, how about that one? That right there was absolutely incredible. North Wilkesboro is the best short track on the schedule. Let’s go.”
What followed was a wave of requests and messages on social media demanding a points race for North Wilkesboro. But, on the flip side, Jeff Gluck wasn’t sold on the idea and his gripe with NASCAR was how gimmicky and lame the promoter’s caution was. He wasn’t even at the track, rather, he was covering the qualifying rounds ahead of the Indy 500. Now, in comparison, open-wheel cars going 230 mph do hold some weight against an exhibition NASCAR race. And this is where Gluck feels NASCAR should do a better job of promoting the race and drivers, rather than relying on a stunt or a skit, which failed miserably, thanks to Michael Waltrip.
Gluck said on the Teardown, “Don’t make it into a skit. Don’t make it into like some little WWE thing where they’re dancing around in the ring. Let’s take this seriously, okay? I just watched these guys at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which we’ll get into. The sheer bravery, guts, courage! You watch these guys and you’re like, ‘Damn! This is fricking bad a–‘, and this is one car at a time, going all out. This is so pure, so incredible.”
NORTH WILKESBORO, NC – MAY 21: Josh Berry 48 Hendrick Motorsports Ally Chevrolet leads Ty Gibbs 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Monster Energy Toyota during the running of the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series All-Star Open on May 21, 2023 at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, NC. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: MAY 21 NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon230521647
Image Credits – Imago
Talks about gimmicks, the race in itself is an exhibition. Right from the pit crew challenge to over-complicated qualifying rounds. Not to forget, there’s also a fan vote, which allows a non-competitive driver, who hasn’t won a race or championship in the previous year, to race in the main event. Then there is the million-dollar prize, which only adds to the drama on a short track like North Wilkesboro. The only way this event could’ve been serious was if the team agreed to ‘rung what you brung,’ proposal by NASCAR. It would’ve recreated the memories of Jeff Gordon‘s T-Rex car from the 1997 All-Star race. But, instead, the fans saw Michael Waltrip’s theatrics, and he even dropped the yellow flag on the racetrack.
“I think NASCAR should be talking about what great talented drivers they have. Let’s make this serious, this is the All-Star Race. I know it’s an exhibition and it doesn’t matter. We don’t have to make it into a joke, though. Doesn’t have to be a clown show, doesn’t have to be a circus. Why can’t we take these guys seriously? These guys deserve to be taken seriously.” Glcuk concluded his rant. As it turns out, not just Gluck, there was one more person who didn’t like the idea of the promoter’s caution and how it was implemented.
Joey Logano wants to have a word with Marcus Smith
The defending NASCAR Cup Series champion had a chance to go back-to-back, winning the All-Star race. But the promoter’s caution ruined his chances. Without the caution, Logano felt that he was in command of the race, but he was forced to decide whether to hold on to his lead or pit, and he chose to defend his position. He was among the five drivers who opted not to go for fresh Goodyear tires, meanwhile, Christopher Bell got a two-tire stop and was sixth as the field went to green again.
Despite the aggressive blocks put on by the #22 car, Bell was able to get past the defender and claim the million bucks. But, Logano, on the other hand, couldn’t believe how an unnatural caution ruined his race. “I’m p—ed off right now. Just dang it, we had the fastest car. I’m trying to choose my words correctly on the caution situation… Yeah, I’m all about no gimmicks with the caution. I am all about that. I’m a little — me and Marcus Smith aren’t seeing eye to eye right now, okay? I’ve got to have a word with him.”
It is indeed tough to make the All-Star race a serious affair, but like Gluck suggested, maybe NASCAR can tone down on the gimmicks and promote pure hard racing. Where do you stand on this topic, and can NASCAR do things differently with the exhibition races?
The post “Don’t Have to Make It Into a Joke” – Insider Calls Out NASCAR’s ‘Clown Show’ at All-Star Race Despite Best Racing in Ages appeared first on EssentiallySports.
