BACKSEAT DRIVERS VOLUME 43
Many teams use the All-Star Race as a type of testing ground since it is a non-points event. Several cars, most notably those of Joe Gibbs Racing, did not perform as they normally do because of parts failure. How does this affect the event and fan experience as a whole?
Arianne: I think the Chase format has been the motivating factor behind the changes to the All-Star Race. It appears that drivers who sit inside the top twenty in points use the race as another test session for the Coca-Cola 600 and October's Lowe's event. The rest of the guys treat the race as a chance for the spotlight and an extra million in cash. This may take away from the fan experience if your favorite driver runs competitively every weekend but I can't blame the top guns for changing things up a bit when precious points aren't on the line.
Kris: I was disappointed that Kyle Busch was not able to continue in the All-Star Race. I'm sure if he hadn't had mechanical issues, he would have dominated all four segments of the race. So yes - his team's experimentation dampened the race experience for me because I was rooting for him to win it all.
Kimmie: Even in points races, it is normal for teams to try new things. Sometimes they work; sometimes they don't. If I owned a team, I know I would be using events like this for the same purpose. However, I really do feel badly for the fans who put out their hard-earned money on tickets just see their favorite driver have a DNF after just ten laps simply because the race doesn't matter. It could eventually affect tickets sales and the sport as a whole.
Brianna: I loved the race, Kasey won! Need I say anything more? All-Stars are just that, the best in their sport. I think an effort was made to win by all and if they did other testing, then good for them. Nobody said you couldn't but then shame on them as well. Each week teams learn. Competition is so close that every opportunity that comes along to do better should be taken. It didn't phase me a bit.
Heather: While I think it's great the teams are using the All-Star Race as a practical test session, I really don't think it's fair to the fans
to have a team try something new and go out with parts failure. I understand most of the teams were gearing up for Coca-Cola 600, but I
think an extra $1 million is better than a glorified test session any day.
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