My Introduction

Well, this is my first blog! I am calling this blog Krabby Ken's NASCAR comments because, first, I've been a fan of NASCAR since the days when Fred Lorenzen and Fireball Roberts were rubbing fenders together, and second, I can't say that I really like what's happened to "my NASCAR" since Brian France has taken over from his father, Bill France Jr. NASCAR has become too bland these days. The cars are all similar, the drivers have become too "vanilla", and the races are not as competitive as they once were. Or are they? Well, the races are quite competitive compared to what they used to be! Look back at the races from forty years ago. For example, when Ned Jarrett won the 1965 Southern 500, he finished 14 laps ahead of the second place car. 14 laps! Today, it's not uncommon for 25 to 30 cars to finish on the lead lap, unless it's a demolition derby at Bristol, or a no-passing-allowed track like Martinsville. As for the drivers, are they as bland as I think? Yes they are, and I blame both NASCAR and Corporate America for that. Let a driver show too much emotion and wham! Here's a nice penalty for you. Can you just imagine what Brian France and Mike Helton would have done to Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough if they had been in charge when the 1979 Daytona 500 was run? And don't even think about criticising NASCAR, or you will be losing points. As much as I can't stand Tony Stewart, at least he makes it somewhat interesting as we wait to hear him shoot off his mouth.

Which brings me to "The Car Of Tomorrow". As much as many say they don't like this monstrosity, I say, give it a chance. After all, a race car fashioned after the Craftsman Truck can't be all bad! And let's face it, the most competitive NASCAR series is the Truck Series. But, yes, this new car is different, but, overall, it takes the control out of the crew chief's hands and puts it back in the driver's hands. And while that rear wing looks kind of dorky, is that any more so than what you see kids putting on the back of their hopped-up Hondas these days? The only criticism I have for the new car is the splitter. It sticks out way too far. I'm sure that Tony or Jeffy have figured out that it would be so easy to just slide up and lean that splitter against someones rear tire enough to cut the tire down. in fact, wasn't at Phoenix where Jeffy tried to do just that to Tony? Anyway, that splitter should follow the profile of the front end of the car and extend out no further than the upper part of the fenders and grill area. And for now, I'll reserve any further judgement on this car until I see it up close when I get to Richmond in September.

In the C.O.T. races so far, it has definitely been a Hendrick benefit, but that's quickly coming to an end. The one team that appears to be behind is Roush. However, looks are deceiving. Matt Kenseth has had good runs in the car, as had Carl Edwards, Jamie McMurray and Greg Biffle, with Edwards gaining the most ground lately. Sure Johnson and Gordon have won the most C.O.T. races, but both of them better look over their shoulders. There's a red and black Ford, or a yellow and black (or whatever scheme Matt's running) Ford that's about to change the running order. Once Roush gets that first C.O.T. win, look out!