NASCAR is FINALLY Considering Changes to Busch (Nationwide) Series

This is a subject on which I have written many times, in many venues, over the past 10 years. NASCAR is finally considering making significant changes to the 'feeder' series (Busch Series, which will become the Nationwide Series in 2008). So far, their tentative thinking is to disallow Cup drivers receiving points for competing in the races (probably limited to those in the top 35 in Cup points).

They could take it a bit further. How about disallowing the prize money?? That should go to the Busch/Nationwide regulars. It would afford them a better payday, and they certainly have been shafted in that area particularly in the past 5 or so years. If a Cup team wants to do their R&D in the companion race, why is NASCAR paying them to do that? Seriously, this is something that should be thrown on the table.

The Busch Series was developed and intended as a developmental series, not as a practice round before the Cup race. It's about time that the AAA-leaguers were given priority in their own league. Watching a Kevin Harvick or a Carl Edwards come in and run the Series with their Cup money, development and team members, while amassing 800-900 point leads is disheartening to those who are trying to get the proverbial foot in the door.

Hopefully NASCAR will make some better decisions for the future of the new Nationwide Series. Going to what are termed 'pony cars' (Mustangs, Camaros, etc.) would also be a good way to separate the two Series. Perhaps we'll actually be able to applaud NASCAR on this one someday.

Torre Rejects Yankees Offer -- Off Topic!

Let me be blunt. I am a lifelong Yankees and and I love Joe Torre, but it's easy to see why he turned down the offer. First of all, it was a pay cut with 'incentives' to reach the postseason. It's hard to believe that Steinbrenner tried to scapegoat Joe with the media threats the way he did, but well, that's George for you. I have a feeling that Riviera, Posada and A-Rod will likely not be back, if Joe isn't. It was an insult to this truly great manager to try and get him to take a pay cut after dissing him in the media during the Cleveland Series. I hope Joe gets another, good deal somewhere he wants to be and although I'm a diehard Yankees fan, I'll also be a fan of whatever team he might decide to manage for.

Joe got the Yankees into the playoffs every year he's managed them. Even this season, which started so poorly and had folks writing the team off -- well, Joe got the boys to the wildcard position.

Joe will be in the HOF as a manager; that's a given. As usual, he has managed to out-class George Steinbrenner. Look for the Bronx to be burning once again...