Jeff Hammond- real fans won't abandon NASCAR

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Parkfan

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N. Stew from Virginia Beach, Va.: Jeff, you say we should give the new points system a chance. Well, I disagree. Maybe NASCAR should give the fans what they want. NASCAR started to lose me when they moved the SOUTHERN 500. Now they want me to buy into their hairbrained idea. Sorry, don't buy it and won't watch it either. I have already canceled my season tickets to Richmond and will stick with IRL, WOO and NHRA for now.
Jeff Hammond: Don't tell me that you are a fan if that's what it's going to take to run you away from the television set and the race track. You're not a true fan of this sport because the sport hasn't changed.

They are still racing out there. You've still got 43 cars. You've got guys who are laying their lives on the line to put on some great racing for those who choose to watch. I've basically given my life to this sport, and I'm willing to give it a chance because I think I understand what they're trying to accomplish. It doesn't in any way, shape or form deter from the racing. It does not mean the Daytona 500 will be run any different than it was last year. It will not mean that races at Richmond will mean any less.

To me, your response just shows you are not a true fan. If that's the way you feel, maybe we're better off that you are over there watching IRL because they don't have anywhere near the kind of excitement that NASCAR does with door handle to door handle racing. Sorry, buddy, but that's just the way I feel.

http://www.foxsports.com/content/view?cont...ntentId=2095048
 
Half the time I think Jeff Hamond is on some kind of wierd drug drived from BS. :D
 
Hell yeah, I'm not going to abandon NASCAR, even though the head honcho in charge Brian France is an idiot.
 
I don't think that it is the fans that are abandoning Nascar as much as Nascar is abandoning them.
 
So we have another talking head toeing the party line and appealing to the fans who built this sport to continue shelling out their hard earned money to support a sport sanctioning body that has demonstrated time and again that they don't care what their audience wants. Nice move, egghead. You were a pimple on the face of auto racing when you worked with Jaws on the track, and you are still a waste of internal organs as far as I'm concerned. How's that for a real racing fan, pal?

This sport was built by four parties working in conjunction with one another. The France family, the fans, the teams, and Winston. With a nod to ESPN for the coverage they provided in the 80s. Now one of these parts has completely deserted another part, while a third part has packed up and left town. The teams are becoming more like mega-merger Donald Trump conglomerates. Roush has his hands on every Ford on the track I think, the Chevies are merely a handful of multi team packages, Dodge is about the same, and there are maybe 10 other cars fighting for the crumbs. NASCAR clearly heard the outcry from the fans and summarily dismissed it like a parent telling a child, "Trust me, you'll love asparagus if you just try it. And even if you don't like it, you're still going to eat it because that's what we put on the table." Well, I'm calling Dominoes. I don't like asparagus, and Jeff Hammond is not going to peer pressure me into eating it.

Hammond's nose and France's butt are a perfect fit anyway. Who's really surprised to hear him lead the cheerleading? Here we have a guy employed by a network that carries NASCAR racing, imploring the fan base to watch the races anyway. Gee whiz, who'd a-thunk it? Same goes for Benny "I Can't Believe I Ate The Whoooooole Thing" Parsons.

Watch it if you want to. That's your business. If that makes you feel like more of a "true race fan", by all means knock yourself out. I choose to send a message to NASCAR in the best way I know how. I'm keeping my money and I'm not going to be a part of their TV ratings. If any business in your home town treated its customers the way NASCAR has treated its "true race fans", that business would be gone in three months time. The customers wouldn't stand for treatment like stock car racing fans have been subjected to. So here's one lamb who refuses to be led to slaughter.
 
Jeff Hammond is a yes man. He will say anything that Nascar wants him to say. Did anybody see D. Walltrip on Wind Tunnel last night, He ask what if the 11-13 place driver got hot and won a race or two . It should put him up in the top 10 but the higest he could get is 11th. Are they going to put the shaft to him. He never got a staight answer. :angry:
 
Damn. EMP beat me to the draw on this whole nonsense. Back in the day I would have made that kind of response. :(

Anyhow, I once read in a popular motorsport press release how 'you either like a certain driver..or you are jealous of him'......How incredibly presumptious are some of these folks? Hammond belongs in the same category as that unmentioned writer(Bones Bourcier).

To tell the person that provides you with a living(as the fans are the backbone of this sport after all) how THEY should act is arrogance to a ridiculous level. Mark my words: These shallow idiots will destroy this sport if the average fan allows them to.

Sure they have seventeen Kid Rock inspired demographically perfect replacements for guys like me.....but in the end, the chickens are always gonna come home to roost. When Nascar is falling like a rock in popularity and attempts to regain the once devoted former fan base they might just learn a little lesson. Doubtful sure...but still possible. ;)
 
Im for the new points system, I mean I never thought that Ward Burton would ever have a chance at a championship, and now its possible with the new system, if he makes the top 10 or within -400 or whatever, he has as good of a chance as anyone else...the same for other drivers, I like to see new winners in the races, but I haven't had the chance to see new winners in the championship, usually we see the same faces every year, except for one every now and then. I did like the old system, but since we are changing fuel companies, sponsor, we might as well change/update the way we crown a champion...this may also bring in new fans. I think it is a good thing, but that is just my opinion...I would never leave NASCAR at the drop of a dime, and If they are going to make the change, we might as well like it and get used to it. :)
 
Sorry to disagree with you ward22.
we might as well like it and get used to it
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Tolerate it maybe. But like it and/or get used to, no I don't think so. At least not for me. And I don't understand your reasoning as to the cup sponsor and the fuel company changing having anything to do with changing the way a champion is crowned. One has nothing to do with any of the other changes.
 
I was against the "playoff"(sorry Brian France-LOL)sytem when I first heard about it,the more details that came out about it the more I disliked it,but I will watch and try to give it a chance,even though Everyone will be keeping track of Whom the rightful Champion would've been under the old points system,if indeed that driver is different than the Champion crowned by NASCAR in NYC.,the driver will probably be different,of course that'll fuel the fires and controversy even more,but then again NASCAR seems to love controversy overall :lol:
I did like adding 5 more points to the race winner and raising the minimum speed limits at tracks so as to keep down on the number of wrecks running around the track.My only real gripe is the "Race for the Champion" section,still sucks IMHO :p
 
I know I am not the brightest person that ever lived. There is only gonna be one to be champion. But for Nascar to tell 4 or 5 drivers thay are not worthy to be in the top 10 and be brought up on the stage at the Waldorf just don't seen fair to me. I haven't liked it from the start. :angry:
 
Originally posted by ward22@Feb 3 2004, 06:41 PM
Im for the new points system, I mean I never thought that Ward Burton would ever have a chance at a championship, and now its possible with the new system, if he makes the top 10 or within -400 or whatever, he has as good of a chance as anyone else...the same for other drivers, I like to see new winners in the races, but I haven't had the chance to see new winners in the championship, usually we see the same faces every year, except for one every now and then. I did like the old system, but since we are changing fuel companies, sponsor, we might as well change/update the way we crown a champion...this may also bring in new fans. I think it is a good thing, but that is just my opinion...I would never leave NASCAR at the drop of a dime, and If they are going to make the change, we might as well like it and get used to it. :)
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That's fine. But there are some serious holes in the logic you're using to convince yourself of what you're saying.

First off, what series have you been watching? The NASCAR I saw last season crowned not only a first time championship driver, but a first time championship owner as well. Maybe you've heard of them. Matt Kenseth and Jack Roush.

Did Tony Stewart not win his first championship just a season before that? Maybe I missed something, but it seems that way to me.

As to your "might as well watch it and learn to like it" sentiments, all I can say is it was forward thinking like that that led to the demise of the Roman Empire. Now, if you want to fiddle while Rome burns, have at it. Me, I can find other ways to spend my money and my time where both are welcome and appreciated. I'm not the kind of tree-dwelling mammal to allow someone I financially support to dictate to me what I will and will not accept.

Nothing personal against you. I'm sure you're a fine citizen full of potential and God given talents. And I for one hope that ol' Ward can find his way into the top 10 at season's end. I'd love to hear him from the Waldorf Astoria stage. NYC would never be the same. But your argument needs a little work.
 
How can anyone give the new system a chance? Fabrication is Fabrication, no matter how you slice it.
 
Here's my take on the mess. :huh: The old points system worked pretty good for quite a few years......some bumps and dips with a driver winning more races than the Champion did (most recently, Ryan Newman eating everyone's lunch in the win department last season). But overall the system worked well. But, think about it...........last year, that is!! The Championship hunt was really over by race number 26.....there was only hope for us Jr, Jeffy, Johnson or any number of fans. Matt Kenseth had a comfortable lead and he drove to protect that lead. I don't blame him.........the way the rules were, that was exactly what he should do. He won, fair and square (and he deserved his Championship for what he did). But, was it an exciting, suspenseful Championship run? I don't think so. I can remember only a very small handful of seasons where the Champion was determined on the last race day. I hate watching the last 3 or 4 races (sometimes 6 or 7 races) and rooting for a guy to move up to second, third, fourth, or whatever because I already know who's got the top seat at The Waldorf Asteria. And that happened a lot with the old system. Am I thrilled with the new system? Not really. But, it's worth a try...........I see a lot of pluses in pure excitement. I also see quite a bit of minuses (as in the guy that just misses getting to the table and he started 450 points behind at race 27). But, it's a sport and every driver and team in it know what's at stake up front. I really don't think this system will survive without some tweaking.........let's just hope NASCAR doesn't change rules mid season like they've done in the past.......tweak at season's end. I'm going to give it a chance.

And I'm no Jeff Hammond fan (and even less of a DW fan), but they are spokesmen for NASCAR.......they very well may have sold their souls to NASCAR and are just speaking the "Company line". But, in a way, I have to agree with Jeff on this one. A real, true fan will not bail quite so quickly as many are saying they will.

Just my take.
 
Originally posted by DE_Wrangler_2@Feb 3 2004, 10:39 PM
Here's my take on the mess. :huh:  The old points system worked pretty good for quite a few years......some bumps and dips with a driver winning more races than the Champion did (most recently, Ryan Newman eating everyone's lunch in the win department last season).  But overall the system worked well.  But, think about it...........last year, that is!!  The Championship hunt was really over by race number 26.....there was only hope for us Jr, Jeffy, Johnson or any number of fans.  Matt Kenseth had a comfortable lead and he drove to protect that lead.  I don't blame him.........the way the rules were, that was exactly what he should do.  He won, fair and square (and he deserved his Championship for what he did).  But, was it an exciting, suspenseful Championship run?  I don't think so.  I can remember only a very small handful of seasons where the Champion was determined on the last race day.  I hate watching the last 3 or 4  races (sometimes 6 or 7 races) and rooting for a guy to move up to second, third, fourth, or whatever because I already know who's got the top seat at The Waldorf Asteria.  And that happened a lot with the old system.  Am I thrilled with the new system?  Not really.  But, it's worth a try...........I see a lot of pluses in pure excitement.  I also see quite a bit of minuses (as in the guy that just misses getting to the table and he started 450 points behind at race 27).  But, it's a sport and every driver and team in it know what's at stake up front.  I really don't think this system will survive without some tweaking.........let's just hope NASCAR doesn't change rules mid season like they've done in the past.......tweak at season's end.  I'm going to give it a chance.

And I'm no Jeff Hammond fan (and even less of a DW fan), but they are spokesmen for NASCAR.......they very well may have sold their souls to NASCAR and are just speaking the "Company line".  But, in a way, I have to agree with Jeff on this one.  A real, true fan will not bail quite so quickly as many are saying they will.

Just my take.
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I think alot of people here agree with you to a certain degree, but they didnt want such a dramatic change. GIve the winner of the race atleast 15-30 more points. Ryan newman would have came back and gave mr kenseth a run for his money. Also drivers finishing 33rd and back getting the same points could help some things, stop some drivers from fixing there cars and getting back on the track (causing major problems). Drivers who received dnfs wouldnt be as affected as much.

I know I was a bit to specific everyone can debate over and over how the points should have been changed, but the point is I dont think many fans wanted this.

I dont know how nascar got this, when fans were asking for a change. The whole top 10 system is rediculous, whats next a superbowl nascar event? But then again we are talking about a nascar administration who has proved over and over how idiotic they are.

I to will give it a chance on its first year to see how it goes, (cant judge a movie without watching it first) but Im 99% sure no one will be happy with this bs.
 
You know as much as we are complaining about this we will still watch it. EMP you say you are not going to watch any races , give any money to Nascar or buy any merchandise. That is fine, but you can't tell me you are not going to come to a point in the season where you are going to turn on the tv on a sunday and sit down and watch a race. I really don't like it, but i'll watch it,i've been a fan since i was 4, so i'll reserve my complete judgement until the season is completed.
 
i really don't like J. Hammond, nothing more than a puppet for nascar, man thinks he knows everything just like his buddy DW,
guys i'm tellin you things are getting worse everyday when it comes to NASCAR and their bonehead ideas. but then again i'm just a fan, i don't know what i like, nascar needs to tell me.

:blink:
 
A friend of mine had to compose a questionnaire for her critical thinking class at school & she decided to do it on the point system changes. I'll post the questions she asked and my responses...it kind of fits into this thread.

What is your initial impression of the new points system for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series?
It will solve the problem of a run away championship, but it really penalizes the guys that are in first, second & third place after race 26. They should have used a wider margin than five points between postions.

Do you feel this change in the points system will have a significant effect on the championship standings and end of season results?
Yes, there is a great chance for the driver who just skirts in to the top 10 after race 26 (insert Michael Waltrip here...hehehe), to win it all.

Do you think that the change was NASCAR’s idea, or do you feel that Nextel is trying to erase all former association of the sport with Winston?
Nascar's idea. I believe it's Nascar trying to erase the Winston association, but it was the media and a lot of fans that spent all last season complaining about the current point system. They got what they asked for. Seems to be the same ones complaining now about the new point system too.

What do you think the overall affect on fan support and race attendance will be? Will the result be positive or negative?
Neither. The fans will still watch & come to the tracks.
 
Originally posted by Mopardh9@Feb 4 2004, 06:13 AM
You know as much as we are complaining about this we will still watch it. EMP you say you are not going to watch any races , give any money to Nascar or buy any merchandise. That is fine, but you can't tell me you are not going to come to a point in the season where you are going to turn on the tv on a sunday and sit down and watch a race.
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No, I won't watch it. Yes, I can tell you I won't turn it on. Yes, you are welcome to come by any Sunday you choose and see if I'm watching it.

I flat out refuse to have the sport I've followed for almost 30 years be degraded to this point and continue to support it. Telling NASCAR what we the fans wanted and did not want got us squat. So since they don't care, why should I?

This sport is being transformed into a spectacle that holds zero interest to me. If I want a travelling road show full of clowns and predictable outcomes I'll go to the circus.

But do as you wish. I challenge you, however, to find one post from me this season that indicates I saw one lap of Nextel Cup racing, with the possible exception of the two Darlington races. And I am not even sure about those.
 
Originally posted by 17_Fan@Feb 4 2004, 10:56 AM

Neither. The fans will still watch & come to the tracks.
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Not sure if this is a sad commentary on the society of "instantaneous gratification" which surounds us now, or a very funny joke.
 
Originally posted by EatMorePossum+Feb 4 2004, 02:57 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (EatMorePossum @ Feb 4 2004, 02:57 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin--Mopardh9@Feb 4 2004, 06:13 AM
You know as much as we are complaining about this we will still watch it. EMP you say you are not going to watch any races , give any money to Nascar or buy any merchandise. That is fine, but you can't tell me you are not going to come to a point in the season where you are going to turn on the tv on a sunday and sit down and watch a race.
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No, I won't watch it. Yes, I can tell you I won't turn it on. Yes, you are welcome to come by any Sunday you choose and see if I'm watching it.

I flat out refuse to have the sport I've followed for almost 30 years be degraded to this point and continue to support it. Telling NASCAR what we the fans wanted and did not want got us squat. So since they don't care, why should I?

This sport is being transformed into a spectacle that holds zero interest to me. If I want a travelling road show full of clowns and predictable outcomes I'll go to the circus.

But do as you wish. I challenge you, however, to find one post from me this season that indicates I saw one lap of Nextel Cup racing, with the possible exception of the two Darlington races. And I am not even sure about those. [/b][/quote]
Ditto, except I refuse to watch/condone/promote any part of it.

I will pay attention to results, rules and technology.
 
"Do you think that the change was NASCAR’s idea, or do you feel that Nextel is trying to erase all former association of the sport with Winston?
Nascar's idea. I believe it's Nascar trying to erase the Winston association, but it was the media and a lot of fans that spent all last season complaining about the current point system. They got what they asked for. Seems to be the same ones complaining now about the new point system too.

What do you think the overall affect on fan support and race attendance will be? Will the result be positive or negative?
Neither. The fans will still watch & come to the tracks."

From 17 Fan

Pretty much my thinking too!


EMP and Windsor may not watch, but I'm pretty sure they are in the minority. I remember when the pit road speed limit came about.....there was an uproar about NASCAR. And last season the racing back to the flag during a caution......another uproar. Both rules were implimented to address a safety issue but there was a lot (and on the racing back to the flag, still is) of a rather vocal group of fans who think NASCAR is ruining the sport. I honestly don't think NASCAR is ruining the the sport.........maybe some of the fans are but NASCAR is trying to do what the majority of the fans want. Or in the case of pit road speed limits and racing back to the flag what safety dictates. What other sport do you know of that is willing to make a change that many (I know, not all) fans say they want? Hell if the NFL wanted to please me they would take away the forward pass..........are they even interested in hearing my idea? At least NASCAR listens. Though, sometimes I wonder who they are listening to. :D I don't know if the rule is good or bad............and dispite all the "what ifs" or "yeah, buts" one can come up with I doubt many of us know either.
 
There is no comparison betwen the impact of the 2 safety rules vs. this new points "structure"

I would love to see a close points battle IFF it was real. This new proposal is a fabrication. Plain and simple. No more. No less. If all the fans continue to condone this farce, then it is here to stay.

The only way to make the champioship real again, is to not support. Otherwise, we are stuck with VASCAR (Virtiual Association of Automible Stock Car Racing) or FASCAR (Fantasy Association of Automobile Stock Car Racing).

It's up to you. The fan.
 
PS. Screw the scenarios. Regardless of the outcome, it is a farce.
 
I'll keep you updated Windsor!! :D

Hey, we need another restrictor plate discussion like a couple years ago................I learned a lot from you!! :cheers:
 
Deal! I'll keep my ears on!...hey check out some of the "sticky stuff" on the Drag Race area and Vintage area. Strap in. You'll go for a ride!
 
I'll check it between my chicken frying..........cutie says I have to clean up the mess so I need to keep a close eye on that pan!! :D
 
One third of this country watches Nascar....i'm willing to bet that statistic does not go down, but up this year. I don't agree with all the changes, but i am going to be open minded about it. If after the season we all feel this point system really sucks that is when we all should stop contributing to Nascars' wealth. I will reserve my judgement to the last race,then i will decide. I really think a lot of people will change their minds....just my 2 cents. B)
 
Why all the fuss about the points system? Give it a while before you all start to whine about it!
Racing is Racing, yes, but you can't expect to have the same stuff around for century. The sport of NASCAR is growing, which calls for drastic changes, and there isn't anything we can do about it. The only people who will hate this system will be the ones whos driver doesn't make the "Chase for the Championship."

The others, especially the fans of the champion, will love it.
 
That's what I was trying to say...........Morpar and Slick Nick!! :cheers:

BTW...........how the heck are you Mopar? Still an Awesome Bill fan I see..........and wouldn't be great to see him do great in his limited schedule this year? :cheers:

Slick Nick.............I don't know know you yet but anyone who like Kevin is okay in my books!! :D :cheers:
 
I have been cheering for Bill since 83, it will be tough not seeing him out there for every race. I hope that he does run the Daytona 500 in Everhams' R&D car, but not betting on it. Not sure who i will pull for now, kind of leaning towards Brendan Gaughn. I saw him race out here in Colorado at a small local track and was really impressed with him.
 
Man..............so many people!! :eek: It's great to be back!! Hope all you folks know I take almost nothing personal as far as drivers are concerned. I have only maybe two or three drivers I really don't care for and two team owners I wish no luck at all for!! Y'all figure it out in time!! :D

Thanks racer8.............and Slick Nick, I'm going to be honest, I don't remember the name!! :cheers:
 
Brendon Gaughon.............he's not the back flip kid is he? Sorry haven't been watching the CTS much.........but that's going to change with Toyota in it now!! :D
 
He ran the 62 truck , his family owns a casino in Vegas i think,full of energy and very personable and a hell of a racer.
 
And always the happiest guy.............you can't beat that!! :D
 
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