More highlights than lowlights in 2002

With the 2002 season wrapping up, the question has been asked via e-mails and radio interviews several times.

"What are some of the highlights for you this year?"

	Tim Packman

The biggest highlight is that we didn't have to write an obituary on a driver who lost their life in action this year. That is something I absolutely hate about this business -- always have and always will.

As much as I got tired of hearing the term "young guns," I did enjoy watching guys like Jimmie Johnson and Ryan Newman step up and represent. If nothing else, it brought forth many a barstool conversation debating whether it was driver or car that won races.

I will always say both, but that's just my two cents.

Another great moment was watching Johnny Benson finally get that elusive victory. It couldn't have happened to a nicer and more deserving driver.

He's paid his dues and been through enough crap that it was great to watch him hold off a competitor like Mark Martin for his first checkered flag.

Let's just hope it's not the last.

It looks like Dale Earnhardt Inc. might be in position to step it up next year. Steve Park had a bad beginning, Dale Jr. a bad middle and Michael Waltrip is on the verge of having one of his best finishes in seven seasons.

If all three could get on the same page, it would make for an interesting story.

Roush Racing certainly has shown they are capable of bouncing back from its troubles of last season. One driver is contending for a championship in Winston Cup, three of four have won races and are in the top-10 points spots, as well.

Greg Biffle locked down the Busch Series championship with one race left and will be joining the others in Winston Cup competition next year. If they can carry this year's momentum into 2003, watch out.

As far as disappointments go, I'm going to have to go with the all the post-race infractions that were handed out. It's nothing against the teams or accused, it's just that I hate to see anyone lose points when allegedly wrong on some mechanical rules infraction.

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There is one rule, among a few; I would like to see changed. Unless the part was used in the race, then there shouldn't be a penalty of championship points deducted if it's found in pre-practice inspections.

But the best highlight of the year, by far, has been the points battle.

Each week the race got tighter and tighter with several drivers just about giving the points lead away at one time or another. The 36-race schedule with one 20-week stretch is intense enough. Toss in a tight points battle and you've really cranked up the intensity a few notches.

One of the best things to come out of all of that is that we are going to have a new Winston Cup Champion this year. Instead of seeing a familiar face receiving checks and accolades in New York City for the banquet, we get a refreshing take on the deal.

A new pair of eyes to see everything through, if you will.

It was 10 years ago on Nov. 15, 1992 that one of the most intense races in NASCAR history took place at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It all came down to the championship between Alan Kulwicki, Davey Allison and Bill Elliott.

That was also the day The King, Richard Petty, made his final on-track appearance. We also welcomed a Wonder Kid named Jeff Gordon to his first start.

This weekend's race at Homestead-Miami Speedway won't contain the same amount of drama. But, the battle for the championship and the logjam between positions three -eight in the final points standings will keep it interesting.

All in all, if we can end the year with the same number of drivers we started it with -- then it's been a good year.

Tim Packman's column appears every Saturday on NASCAR.com

The opinions listed here are solely those of the writer.