The only bright spot in 2001-except for the exceptional on-track competition-was television ratings. FOX Sports and sister cable channel FX saw ratings go up 29 percent for 19 races. In 20 races on NBC and TNT in the second half of the Cup season, ratings were up 34 percent over 2000's telecast.
Last year's Daytona 500 drew a 10.0 rating on FOX, 19-percent higher than on CBS in 2000, and the best for the race since 1979. NBC will telecast this year's event. FOX has the first half of each season, while NBC and TNT split the second half. FOX and NBC alternate airing the Daytona 500.
But even within that story, the good news is fleeting. Nearly every stakeholder expected the ratings to rise because of the increased reach the major networks have. Although the increase was beyond network expectations, the challenge is to see if that audience increase is maintained-at least to the extent to keep the networks, NASCAR and sponsors happy.
Yes, this upcoming season will be again long and brutal for NASCAR competitors, especially for Cup racers with that nasty 20-race stretch from July until November. Competitors in Busch and the Truck series will be taxed with races from Miami to Pikes Peak. By November the "road warriors" will be gasping for breath.
And in the stands we will be waiting for the best four words in the English language: "Gentlemen, start your engines!"