Head2Head: Is all the fighting good for NASCAR?

In today's society where reality TV rules and drama is the fuel, NASCAR is benefiting all over the place from on-track antics like the recent display between Carl Edwards and teammate Matt Kenseth.

Edwards, affectionately dubbed "The Carl," became a You Tube phenomenon and increased NASCAR's pop culture cred.

The very same thing happened during the road course race at Watkins Glen earlier this season when Juan Montoya and Kevin Harvick resembled Rock'em, Sock'em robots after a shoving matched ensued between the rival Cup drivers on live television.

My point is; even if you're not a NASCAR fan, or perhaps loathe NASCAR, you still tuned in to highlights of the fight on "SportsCenter" or downloaded the You Tube clip because everyone was talking about it.

But I can go even further in history to better prove my point. My point being that NASCAR needs the drama, the fighting, the scandals, etc. It keeps mainstream fans and viewers glued to the story lines, not just the point system, which can become quiet boring ... wink, wink!

Anyway, in 1979, NASCAR experienced a turning point in its popularity when CBS broadcast for the first time the Daytona 500 live, flag to flag. Meanwhile, a huge snow storm was sweeping the East Coast and residents were homebound with no where to go.

Fortunate for NASCAR, Daytona was virtually the only sporting event on TV that day so millions tuned in.

That?s great and all, but it was a fight after the race that some argue kept the viewers coming back week after week. On the last lap, Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough tangled going into Turn 3 and were left crunched up in the infield.

Brother Bobby Allison stops to check on Donnie only to end up in a fist fight with Yarborough. Viewers and fans were so transfixed by the brawl; they completely forgot that Richard Petty won the race.

But they didn't forget to come back next week hungry for more!

At Atlanta Motor Speedway, fans couldn't stop talking about The Carl and Matt the Bratt! They wanted to see another fight. Why? Because drama and infighting is a guilty pleasure we all enjoy. That appetite for destruction keeps fans and non fans alike fixated on our sport.

And from the ratings and empty seats at some tracks recently ... well let's just say Tony Stewart better come to blows with someone soon or at least shove a photographer -- something! Just not a reporter, please! Thanks!

The 2007 season is in the middle of one of the closest finishes in history, yet it seems like it is taking a back seat -- to immature, childish behavior. This year, it seems we have seen more than enough on-track drama to last the writers of "Days of Our Lives" at least three seasons of material.

There's Kurt Busch vs. Tony Stewart which led to a 100-point deduction for Busch when he decided to take matters into his own hands and almost hit a crewman with his car in the process.

Not to be outdone, Kevin Harvick and Juan Montoya decided to push each other around on the track at Watkins Glen after a crash. More road-rage in the Busch race at Montreal which saw Robby Gordon and Marcos Ambrose spin each other under caution leading to Gordon getting parked, despite the fact he crossed the finish line first.

We've had Tony Raines throw his helmet at oncoming traffic and David Stremme and Kasey Kahne in a war-of-words between the pretty-boy drivers.

Then in the Chase we've seen Tony Stewart and Paul Menard go at each other in multiple races and of course, the now infamous footage of Carl Edwards thinking he's a seventh grader and playing the "Made You Flinch" game with teammate Matt Kenseth.

I have just two words for all the drivers -- GROW UP!

Sure, NASCAR loves drama and the fans eat it up too, but we are to the point where there is too much ridiculousness, and it's making the sport look stupid. There's a reason NASCAR gets compared to the WWE, and don't for a second think it's just because the races seem fixed at times.

Not every rub requires a reaction. Yes, you're in the heat of the moment when you get out of your torn-up racecar, but that doesn't mean you need to say the guy doesn't know how to drive or better yet, ignore the officials and wait for him to come around so you can point your finger in disgust or throw your helmet.

It reminds me of my two-year-old throwing a tantrum, except she isn't a millionaire.

I'm all for a good rivalry, NASCAR needs them and it makes things interesting. But we've come to the point where people think we need one every week and the truth is, we don't.

Crashes are a part of the sport and drivers are going to make mistakes. Save the pushing and shoving and name calling and helmet throwing for the times it's necessary. Let's remember you're a professional athlete -- not a whiny, little brat just embarrassing yourself and the sport that has made you successful.