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Richard Petty and Jeff Gordon represent the past and present of stock-car racing.Head2Head: Golden Age
By NASCAR.COM
August 29, 2007
02:45 PM EDT
August 29, 2007
02:45 PM EDT
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This week's hot-button topic focuses on NASCAR's recent statistical analysis in an attempt to prove that "racing since 1970 has become more competitive and more unpredictable than ever."
Read NASCAR's contention that the sport is engrossed in a Golden Age of stock-car racing, then read Mark Aumann's opinion -- and weigh in with your take.
Is NASCAR in the midst of its Golden Age?
| YES | NO |
|---|---|
Present-day NASCAR Nextel Cup Series races offer closer competition than anytime in history, a NASCAR statistical analysis has shown. Taking into account such statistics as cars on the lead lap, average leaders per race and margin of victory, racing since 1970 has become more competitive. Comparing the close racing between now and 30 years ago is one thing, but a comparison between today's racing and racing just 10 years ago shows how the competition has improved in such a short period of time. |
So what are the factors that play into why present-day racing appears to be more competitive? Certainly from a standpoint of cars on the lead lap and average leaders per race, there's no comparison. Twenty cars finished on the lead lap at Michigan. In 1974, only 12 drivers finished on the lead lap at any point in the season. However, consider these three points:
• Increased cashflow |
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