Californian Jimmie Johnson made NASCAR history by becoming only the second driver to win three consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (2007 – 2008). The 33 year old has dominated the second most well-liked and the second richest motorsport after Formula 1, claiming 42 race wins in his career.
Johnson is part of the highly productive Hendrick Motorsports team and he and his trusty Lowe’s Chevrolet Impala had to wait patiently until the tenth race of the season, the Subway Fresh Fit 500, to claim his maiden victory of the year.
It appears he only discovered his fighting form in the latter part of the year when it truly counted. He claimed 3 of the ten 2008 ‘Chase for the Championship’ events, putting him in an unassailable lead for the NASCAR crown yet again.
Johnson’s 2008 Victories
12 April – Subway Fresh Fit 500 – Phoenix International Raceway
27 July – Allstate 400 at the Brickyard – Indianapolis Motor Speedway
31 August – Pepsi 500 – Auto Club Speedway
7 September – Chevy Rock ‘n Roll 400 – Richmond International Speedway
28 September – Camping World RV 400 – Kansas Speedway
19 October – TUMS QuikPak 500 – Martinsville Speedway
9 November – Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 – Phoenix International Raceway
NASCAR under threat
As with most sports, NASCAR has joined the long list of casualties of the recent economic meltdown. Sponsorships have begun to fade away with unenviable speed and some of the single drive teams have even been forced to throw in the towel.
Fortunately some of the bigger teams have been able to form relationships with financial partners who are not under the proverbial money whip but the most recent victim, Chip Ganassi Racing, closed its doors permanently, adding 70 a lot more workers to the lengthy list of unemployed Americans.
Sponsorships fade and fans dwindle
The financial troubles have also had a marked effect on the number of race fans able to support the races live. Dwindling crowds are creating concern for race organisers who are trying everything to seduce their mainly blue collar fan base back to the tracks with all-inclusive ticket packages offering discounts on hotel rooms and even food.
It is going to be interesting to see whether NASCAR survives the horror of the 2008 economic meltdown. If you consider that cars have to be transported around the States, covering vast distances in semi-trailer trucks, it is surely only a matter of time prior to the high diesel fuel costs bring this hugely well-liked sport to its knees.
Formula One also on the endangered list
Formula 1 racing is also under the microscope, with the powers-that-be thinking right out the box in an effort to make it far more economical and environmentally friendly. Detractors are determined to close the doors on motor racing in perpetuity in the hope that it will spare the fragile planet, so if you’re a motor sports fan, your weekly race fix may possibly be under serious threat.
Drive an F1 automobile even though you can
The 1 way to temper the will need for speed in South Africa is to flag down your quite own F1 racing auto and take it round the track a couple of times. There are dedicated racing companies in South Africa that permit you to drive an F1 automobile….best make for the tracks just before the endangered motor racing becomes extinct!
