Hatin Since 87
Bacon Hater
I would agree if we didnt have stages. If they could run them and strategize green flag stops and not knowing when a caution is coming out, thatd be amazing. But, knowing you can count on a caution every 100 laps takes the tire/fuel saving out (there is exceptions on occasion).I would push back and say it requires more ingenuity & creative thinking. When the cars are closer, it shifts to strategy and the drivers. I don't think the gap in driver ability has ever been closer. Instead of trying to figure out how go get more lead in the roll cage without getting caught, they focus on different stuff. PhD computer scientists running simulations to determine pit strategy. Physical therapists and nutritionists trying to squeeze every ounce of performance out of a driver. Every week, you have 30+ drivers who legitimately have a shot to win. I don't remember it that way 25 years ago. NASCAR hasn't lost casual fans because of the short track package or composite bodies.
The sport is living, breathing, evolving.