The Side Line
Ending a race before the predetermined number of laps has been reached completely removes any strategy and also screws the fans out of the drama the last few laps provide. The final lap insanity often makes or breaks a race, and to simply take that out of the equation is just wrong.
Imagine a marathon being stopped a mile from the finish. Of course the “winner,” the person who was in first at the time, is happy, but what about the guy who saved himself for that last mile and was passing runners left and right? It’s not fair and does not determine a true victor.
Sporting events can usually be broken down into beginning, middle and end segments. The beginning is important because one athlete or team can come out and establish dominance early, and/or set the pace of action. The middle is important for making adjustments, and setting up for the finish. The most important part, the finish, is why sports are so awesome in the first place. Heroes emerge, legends are made, and underdogs come through to beat giants, all in the final laps/minutes/seconds. How can the ending simply be removed from any sporting event? Do whatever it takes to complete the event, no matter what.
How can NASCAR decide they can stop a race before regulation is over? It is exactly these type of decisions that make this organization the most inept of the major sports in America. They have such a great product, but can’t seem to make the correct decisions to keep drivers and fans happy.
This edition of the “Great American Race” is certainly one to forget among a history of great finishes.
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Feb 20 2009. Filed under Sports.
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