NASCAR has done tremendous things within their rules restrictions. The reliability of the motors run that long at that high of an rpm with those rules on capacity are remarkable.
PJB’s point is that the RULES have limited them to 60s/70s technology (carbs, 4 speeds, etc) where other series have progressed with the times. F1 is using kinetic energy recovery systems and LeMans prototypes are running on ethanol. They are at the frontier of technology, NASCAR is stuck doing the best they can with the same stuff they’ve had for years. What they’ve done is impressive, just not relevant to the age we live in. Dirtbikes even have electronic FI now.
I dont hate NASCAR nor is this post meant to insult them (in fact I complimented their accomplishments twice), but you’re still supposed to say “you’re superiority complex bla bla bla my penis” and we move on.
Who cares about the carbs and 4 speeds though, really? Does that make the race any less, or more exciting to watch? I’m sure the cars are more reliable with a carb than if they had FI, plus the lack of technology can actually make the race more fun to watch, which should be all that matters to us at home.
Does newer technology make the racing better? Maybe…maybe not. It does however drive faster development of technology. If there was a popular alternative fuel racing series (keyword being popular) then there would be all sorts of new technology popping up way faster than any gov’t funded shit.
If Ferrari and McLaren can develop a high performance version of what is essentially a hybrid engine in 1 offseason just imagine what could be done if all of NASCAR had some newer technology requirements with the tons of cash that is thrown at the series.
Really the only stuff that NASCAR has provided to the mass public (aka Joe Blow that drives a stock civic or a taurus) is safety related. I’m sure provides more to you guys with V8 domestics and anyone with a V8 camry(:retardclap). But for the average public other racing series provide more technological improvements to regular cars for non-enthusiasts.
The OP specifically stated stock production cars. What racing do you think is better with stock cars than the runoffs? I struggle to think of a televised racing series with stock cars besides the runoffs.
Clearly there is better racing to watch, but with stock cars? I cant think of any.
I thought it was ‘production car racing,’ to include pretty much everything except open wheel formula stuff and LMP cars. BTCC, SWC, and WTCC would make up some of the best prod car racing I’ve ever seen.
But point taken, the proper national level grassroots stuff is etremely well driven.
SPEED attempts to get some coverage but is far too cluttered with Nascar and Pumpmyride bullshit…but they do air a small amount of the SCCA runoff’s, Speed World Challenge, Koni challenge, Rolex sports car, F1(also a few races shown on Fox this year), GP2 and I’m sure I’m forgetting some others.
Versus just signed a deal with Speedcast TV and will start airing some NASA races. First race aired yesterday actually…was a Spec Miata race from Miller motorsports park. Speedcast TV claims that by next year…Versus will air “the most enhanced video coverage seen to date”. I haven’t watched the race yet…but it’s on my DVR.
There’s also word of BBC America to start broadcasting some BTCC by next year.
