Smack: On a bright stage in Music City, standing alone (cont'd)

3. Well, it's almost official -- the Sprint Cup banquet is bound for Las Vegas. Good move, or not?

Raygan Swan: Seemingly the drivers are happy about the move, and fans should be too considering the fan element possibilities. I just don't know why the decision wasn't made sooner. But personally I prefer New York over Vegas, despite what New Yorkers say about the cars driving through Manhattan.

David Caraviello: OK, I love Vegas. It's really the city that never sleeps. But I don't like this move. Having attended the event twice, there was something about New York that made the banquet feel almost regal. And besides, if everyone who didn't get enough media attention left NYC, the Mets and Islanders would have been gone long ago.

Dave Rodman: Like a lot of things, time will tell. But you can only hope that NASCAR has really, really considered the long-term ramifications of this, because I think that once they leave New York, there won't be any going back -- at least, not to the Waldorf-Astoria. I'd have to think what they built up in equity over the last 30 years will go poof in terms of people snatching up the rooms and dates.

Raygan Swan: Yeah, but I do respect the cost aspect of the trip in light of the economy. But still, it's New York, and we're not getting a track there anytime soon, so it's the one time the sport gets to be covered in the No. 1 market! Also, I feel that Bill France Jr. would not be happy about the decision to move to Vegas.

Bright light city ...

The Sprint Cup postseason awards banquet, a fixture in Manhattan since in 1981, will be moved to Las Vegas this year.

• Complete story, click here
• Weigh in with your take

David Caraviello: I will completely back the idea that it's unfair to ask teams to drop $600 a night on New York hotel rooms in this economy. The rates there during the holidays are truly ridiculous. But does this mean NASCAR is abandoning New York? Like Raygan said, there's no track there. Now no banquet. I really feel the sport needs some kind of presence there given its business and sponsorship ties, and I don't think a one-day, pre-Chase swing through town is going to do it.

Raygan Swan: Right, and these sponsors all headquartered in New York deserve a week of NASCAR's time considering the cash they drop for the sport. They enjoy the fancy parties and the ability to see the drivers outside their firesuits.

Dave Rodman: Look at it this way. If they get noticed more in Las Vegas, who the hang cares? It's Las Vegas. What is that? David's right about the notoriety of being in New York City. That was a special time of the year and a special place. Paying for it was tough, but it was special. I can think of a lot of memories from NYC banquets that Vegas could not even dream of replicating -- as dreamlike as that place fancies itself to be.

David Caraviello: Well, the fancy parties are being severely curtailed these days. Vegas will be less expensive. It will add a sense of excitement and unpredictability to the ceremony itself, at least the first year. But I wonder about the longevity of going out there after the novelty wears off. A little Vegas goes a very long way.

Dave Rodman: And look at it this way. The champion will be thrilled. No champions week media responsibilities. What in the world is based in Vegas? Breakfast at the MGM Grand? Come on. It would be the ultimate joke if they flew the champion to New York or L.A. for champion's week media, then flew him into Vegas on Thursday morning for the banquet. Then we'd know it's all about the money.

David Caraviello: Dave, I've wondered about that myself. I wouldn't be surprised to see them flown over to L.A. for a media day, given how close that city is to Las Vegas.

Dave Rodman: Obviously, no one's going to complain after they've won the championship -- it just comes with that burden. But NASCAR has proven many times that tradition means little to nothing. And Raygan, per your comment about Mr. France -- yikes. Not thrilled doesn't even begin to register how he'd feel, even if a million-dollar payoff was involved.

David Caraviello: Maybe they should have spelled "NASCAR" using the window lights of the Empire State Building or something. Who knows. I just feel like they're leaving New York for the wrong reasons, because fans didn't like the place and felt they had to be somewhere NASCAR was more accepted. I thought this event was all about the sponsors and the competitors. Shouldn't the fans understand that?

Dave Rodman: I thought it was outrageous that anyone other than NASCAR would suggest that the event would become more fan-friendly. Unless they make a quantum shift, that would be the last thing NASCAR would want or advocate. Then again, they may take advantage of blowing up 30-odd years of tradition by completely redesigning this event. Man, the nut they'd make on ticket sales alone might make it worth their while.

Raygan Swan: OK then it's settled, we are not going to Vegas! Ha, I'm not at least. I was supposed to cover the banquet this year, and I won't be able to considering I'll be home with a newborn. So which of you gets to do the honors?

David Caraviello: Well, far be it from me to turn down a trip to Sin City.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writers.