Did Nascar show its best or worst side in Canada?

I can't speak for my fellow Canadians, but I don't think Gordon's actions are going to cause many to jump off the Nascar bandwagon up here.

It's funny that they'd even worry about it so much, given that there are many of us who are already more than a little familiar with Nascar. You're not going to find Jeff Gordon on any Pepsi machines here, but it's not like we don't get coverage of every race the same as you do (I've noticed little dropoff, really, since moving back to Canada).

For fans who are on the fence about Nascar in Canada, it's tough to determine which way they'll go. So many of my Canadian friends love F1 that it will be hard to convince them that racing three wide is the better choice, but I just try telling them that it beats the heck out of watching an F1 race where the first-lap leader is usually the guy who wins the race.

That article was so biased towards the stereotypical view of NASCAR (think Talladega Nights).

I caught myself saying 'Yessss!!!' when Robby Gordon did what he did, but the whole thing wasn't really what racing is all about. Real fans hate it when the racing is slowed by cautions (whether its for debris or a wreck). But the incident won't have any effect on these fans.

As far a non-diehard fans, I think it will probably excite people and turn people off in equal measure. I don't think it will hurt the sport though.

I have to say I enjoyed the short battle between Harvick and Carpentier at the end much more than the incident everyone is talking about. Stick to the real racing - everything else is just froth.

Without guys like Smoke, Juan and Robby NASCAR would be a vanilla bland collection of sponsor friendly clones. I don't always care for what some of those drivers say and do but what a boring forum this would be if they didn't give us these gems to talk about. Drama means interest and there aren't many sports that can compete with NASCAR in that department. You are right that NASCAR needs to understand their interdependence on these controversial drivers and not target them for needless penalties. It was great to watch but how the situation was handled was a joke. The crowd was going crazy for their countryman and they will line up for tickets the next time NASCAR comes to town.

Hey Scoob, I agree, the worst was the best and the crowds next year will be bigger...And NASCAR does owe Robby a little thanks !! (maybe they know that and that's why the fine came down the way it did..??)

Now,

If you combine Steevo & CharlieP's answers ..that would be my mine. Then add what fourbarrels said about the race to the finish between Harvick & Carpentier..there hasn't been much discussion about that..it's been drowned by the NASCAR/Robbie debate. It was an exciting finish for sure!

Your right and Nascar is smart enough to realize,after they made that bone-head call (no offense Scooby),what Robby would do next.Its almost as tho Nascar scripted the whole thing.Now I'm not a grassy knoll conspiracy nut,but Hollywood couldn't have done better.If none of us fans were suprised about what Robby would do when the green flag dropped,do you think Nascar was? Your right tickets for next year will be a hot commodity.

Hi,

In a way they did show their best and worst sides! The best was putting the race in Montreal and acting to Gordon's misbehavior. The worst was not knowing where to put Robby Gordon and getting everyone confused in a way.

Ryan9

Yes, I guess you are right about that. It definately was entertaining wasn't it? Robby Gordon is just a regular guy and doesn't succome to being molded into anyones Yes man! Takes his consiquences and moves on. He is definately a down to earth not one of those NASCAR guys who is to good to come and hang with the guys in a lower division of racing. I know from experience, he came and hung out with the Legends group @ the Infineon race in 2006. And was rather entertaining that night as well. As he & his buddies did wheelies in his souped up golf cart... Just one of the guys who happens to drive a NEXTEL Cup car.

Very well stated. I think you are probably right. They will fill the stands with people who want to see what these guys will do next! They wanted a show, they got a show!

Great observation...

Go JR.>>>>

I was only able to watch the last 14 laps of the race and I thought it was awesome!

Robby was robbed!