A Fresh Start

My apologies. As stated in my last post, my goal was to post something during the week and that didn't happen. I'm sorry; I can't guarantee it won't happen again.

This week I find myself in Daytona Beach, Fla. for the start of the 2010 NASCAR season and the Great American Race - the Daytona 500.

Speedweeks are always an exciting time for any race fan. There is plenty of action during the two-week span starting with the Rolex 24 and culminating with the Daytona 500. I have only been in Daytona for a few hours and already there is an excitement in the air, and for good reason following an exciting Bud Shootout last Saturday.

Sitting in a local coffee shop for only about an hour I have seen 30 or so people come and go wearing NASCAR gear. The fans are out in force and it is the Monday before the 500 and that is the great thing about NASCAR fans.

NASCAR fans have a passion for their sport. They root for their driver unconditionally - win, lose or wreck. This time of year is great for a NASCAR fan. The point standings are even and the Sprint Cup could be won by anyone.

There is optimism in the air that can only be rivaled by Detroit Lions fans on NFL Draft day. This could be the year Junior wins the Cup. What about McMurray and Montoya at Earnhardt Ganassi, can they get EGR back to victory lane? Will this be the year Mark Martin finally gets the Championship he deserves? Who will step-up and challenge the No. 48 team?

All of these questions will be pondered and debated by fans, writers, broadcasters and experts until the green-flag drops this Sunday. By the time the checkered flag falls and we have crowned the 2010 Daytona 500 champion a whole new set of questions will emerge and that is what makes NASCAR great; a fresh start after every event that makes for endless hours of debate.

That is why I love NASCAR.