I know comparisons are odious but the contrasting attitudes between the the drivers in our Supercar series and NASCAR is so different I have to make the point.
Last weekend at Surfers Paradise the championship round consisted of two races over the weekend, on a circuit that is not one I would care to drive, a 'concrete canyon' street course which features the hardest braking in the series and (usually) very warm weather.
As part of the 'Enduro Cup' series within a series, two drivers are required and the number two must drive for a minimum of 30% of each race.
IIRC there would have been only a couple of driver related incidents resulting in penalties, one being a drive through for the winner of race 1.........and I have a very poor opinion of the CAMS officials, but there appears to be some common sense filtering through.
One or two contact incidents were just regarded as that, 'racing incidents', and unlike NASCAR, there were no punch ups, abusive screaming or payback threats, most of the drivers get on very well off track and show great respect for one another.
I can't say for certain but I know there were three safety car periods on day 2 and maybe the same number on day 1 as I had 'stuff' to be doing on the first day so it was on in the background.
The driver duo leading the championship raced from the front over most of the weekend, winning on day 2 (again I think day 1 was a podium finish) with an almost unmarked car.
The Supercar Championship is decided on total points over the season, and at the moment there are two rounds to go with four of five contenders, and it will go down to the wire.
I suppose what I'm saying is the series is highly competitive and has no need of 'Chase' style gimmicks, while most drivers get on very well indeed, rivals or not, a very 'Australian' attitude.
The NASCAR 'Dodge City' culture (a word I use loosely!) is apparently aimed squarely at an audience who (I can only use this as an example) might be enthusiastic followers of the stage managed 'Ultimate Fighters'(?).
It certainly is not Motor Racing and the lack of sportsmanship diminishes the entire show.
