Wishing for old times...

This past weekend in Martinsville was bittersweet for the NASCAR purest. It is one of the few remaining tracks that just ooze stockcar history; it’s the polar opposite of everything that NASCAR has been evolving into over the past decade or so. As opposed to venues such as Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with corporate suites and neon all over the place, Martinsville Speedway is pure, old time racing. There is nothing pretentious about this place, the fans come for one reason – the best short track racing around. Part of what makes Martinsville so great is the history, as the oldest track on the tour, the names of those who have raced there are a ‘who’s who of racing’ list. Even the sponsor of the spring race, Goodys Headache Powders, with their spokesman – King Richard Petty – is a reminder of NASCARs past.

Sadly, there was something missing this past Sunday when Kyle Petty, already sitting outside the top 35 in owners points, failed to qualify. A Martinsville race without a Petty running was rare indeed, and there was certainly something missing. Sadly, I’m afraid this is rapidly becoming the norm, as Petty Enterprises has slowly become a second rate team on the track. Since the tragic day almost 8 years ago in New Hampshire when Adam Petty was killed during practice, Petty Enterprises has lost its competitive edge. Kyle Petty has driven the number 45 Dodge, and has been a virtual non-factor on the track. In fact, the entire identity of Petty Enterprises has become a fund raising organization for the Victory Junction Gang; certainly a worthwhile cause, but not one that would translate into success on the track.

That lack of success on the track appears to be taking its toll on the organization. On Monday, it was announced that NCTS driver Chad McCumbee will pilot the car for the Texas race. One has to wonder if this will be the first of many races and with Kyle soon to be stepping out of the car permanently. On Tuesday, General Mills announced that they will be moving their sponsorship of the legendary 43 car to a new, fourth team at Richard Childress Racing. Current driver of the 43, Bobby Labonte, is in the last year of his contract with Petty and is speculated to make the move to the new RCR team.

It is indeed a sad time for NASCARs historic teams. Wood Brothers Racing is barely alive, making races using the past champions provisional with part time driver Bill Elliot. Yates Racing has dropped from being a NASCAR powerhouse with the 28 car of Travis Kvapil running the majority of the season unsponsored. Morgan Mclure is in hiatus, failing to secure any sponsorship at all and therefore not fielding a car. And now the mighty Petty Enterprises may be going down the same path. Lets hope they can find a new sponsor and possibly a partner to help return NASCARs greatest team to victory lane.