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10 in '10
2/8/2010Happy New Decade.
Well, actually, because there was no year 0000, it’s not a new decade until next January. Somehow we let the hype of 1999 changing into 2000 obscure that fact. But that stuff is too technical for me, and since Chad Knaus isn’t handy to explain, let’s just go with it.
I’m not into predictions. There are, however, 10 things I’d like to see happen in 2010.
Mark Martin wins the Sprint Cup championship. He merits this ultimate achievement on a Hall of Fame resume. The fans want it to happen. Let it be so.
Mark Martin wins the Daytona 500. Just in case No. 1 doesn’t work out, this is my fall back hope. You always have to have a backup in racing. The same reasons apply.
Jeff Gordon wins the Brickyard 400. Count me among those stunned Gordon hasn’t won the Cup since ’01. And one of those who doubts the Drive to Five will ever be reality. But becoming the first driver to win five times at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway would be a very special bit of history. NASCAR’s inaugural Indy winner could make it happen with a better qualifying run, good pit stops, and another great drive.
Dario Franchitti wins the Indianapolis 500. I take nothing away from his rain-shortened 2007 victory, but history demands all the legends take the checkered flag after a full 500. Besides, it would mean Ashley goes to an Indy winner’s circle two years in-a-row.
Jack Beckman wins NHRA’s Funny Car championship. Drag racing is in a never-ending race for mainstream news coverage and respect. Fast Jack’s story as a cancer survivor and his media-friendly personality could put him on Oprah before she goes off into the talk-show sunset.
Scott Pruett wins the Grand-Am championship. Nice-guy Pruett has won in Trans-Am, IMSA, CART, IROC, you name it. To me, though, he remains one of America’s All-Time Underappreciated Racers. Maybe yet another title would help fix that injustice.
Michael Schumacher wins the world championship. Then quits for good. What on God’s green earth does a seven-time champ and the man who resurrected Ferrari have left to prove? I have no answer. All I know is I hate it when a driver stops, and then, starts again. There are always good and valid reasons to get someone to get out of the car in the first place. Once out, he should never get back in. But Schumacher has chosen to do so. Maybe a title for Mercedes, which helped launch his career, would provide Michael with the final satisfaction.
Jimmie Johnson wins Sonoma or Watkins Glen. The four-peat Cup champ has no road-course trophy to display. He seemingly has everything else, so it’s time to add this to the list.
Juan Pablo Montoya wins Bristol. Just because it would be fun to see how much pinball he’d be able to play and make it to victory lane. And what Bernie Ecclestone would have to say about it.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins Talladega. With no cars taking flight like Blue Angels’ jets. Junior winning a sane race would make millions of fans insanely joyous. NASCAR and TV executives, too.
[ Next column: February 22 ]
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(I.N. Sider is the pen name for an independent motorsports business-person who has a quarter-century of professional experience working in almost every major North American racing series. The writer is not an employee of Valvoline or Ashland Inc. The column is intended to inform, entertain, and stimulate thought on the contemporary motorsports scene. The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of Valvoline or Ashland Inc.)
About I.N. Sider
I.N. Sider is the pen name for an independent motorsports business-person who has a quarter-century of professional experience working in almost every major North American racing series. The writer is not an employee of Valvoline or Ashland Inc. The column is intended to inform, entertain, and stimulate thought on the contemporary motorsports scene. The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of Valvoline or Ashland Inc.