Trouble in Turn2

Every summer when the Sprint/Nextel/Winston Cup tour nears the Brickyard, the debate is renewed. That debate of course is the one centered around which is the best track and race in NASCAR. The Daytona 500 and has the most prominent history in stock car racing while Indianapolis Motorspeedway is the most famous track in North America. While NASCAR has only raced at the Brickyard since 1994, the race has quickly grown in popularity (thanks in part to the disjointed state of open wheel racing until this year). The Daytona 500 is still the sport’s biggest event, but for the casual fan Indy represents another marquee race at a marquee location. On that note I thought it was time for a list of my personal top ten favorite races. The beauty is that while you might disagree, there isn’t a wrong answer.

• Daytona 500 (Daytona) The race with the richest history, largest purse and greatest prestige. The way it kicks the season off with two weeks of buildup makes it a great way to break out of the winter slumber. While some might complain about restrictor plate racing, it does ensure tight racing with wild finishes.

• Allstate 400 at the Brickyard (Indianapolis) The actual race itself isn’t always filled with passing and a few drivers tend to dominate. It’s still one of the most prestigious venues in the world of motorsports and teams tend to spend a little extra time massaging their cars and getting everything just right for this race. Unlike Daytona where a good restrictor plate car only translates to three other races, The Brickyard 400 goes a long ways towards speedway bragging rights.

• Rock and Roll 400 (Richmond Fall Race) The final race before the Chase has placed greater importance and attention on the Richmond race. The fact that Richmond features passing anywhere on the track, is run at night and contact is guaranteed, makes it near perfect for a NASCAR fan.

• Dodge Challenger 400 (Darlington) The Southern 500 race may have experienced a sudden death in 2004, but the new Mother’s Day weekend tradition at Darlington is a success. The first paved oval speedway in NASCAR, Darlington is still widely regarded as the most challenging track in the sport. It’s a race where, at the end of the day, every driver is physically and mentally worn out, and most cars are too.

• Bank of America 500 (Lowe’s Fall Race) The Coca Cola 600 gets more attention, but the race is unbelievably long. Lowe’s does feature great racing (well except the 2005 levigating fiasco) and has played a critical role in the Chase outcome several times.

• Aarons 499 (Talladega spring race) Arguably the best 499-mile race in NASCAR. Whether you like to admit it or not, crashes are fascinating. Teammates drafting with each other, rivals bumping one another and it’s almost as certain as Alabama being hot that there will be a big crash involving at least five to 25 cars.

• Subway 500 (Phoenix Spring Race) The tight, flat one mile track has special meaning because it’s the only track where I’ve seen a race in person. Personal feelings aside PIR puts on a great show that is filled with close racing and passing is usually possible.

• Kobalt Tools 500 (Atlanta Spring Race) Forget this year’s race, that was an anomaly. Usually Atlanta is filled with intense speed and close finishes.

• Sharpie 500 (Bristol Summer Race) All you need to know about Bristol is to picture Terry Labonte crossing the finish line while wrecking twice. Saturday night short track racing.

• Centurion Boats at the Glen (Watkins Glen) True drivers, like ninjas, are masters of all environments. When it’s time to navigate the road courses not everyone is equally skilled which makes for some interesting and sometimes comedic wrecks, not to mention the post wreck festivites.

Let’s hear your top five or ten favorite races on the current schedule.