The "Bush Clash" is the most insignificant race on the NASCAR circut. A throw away race that gives team's a chance to test aerodynamics for the upcoming 500. Less importantly, a race to log some much needed seat time for the drivers who have been sun bathing for the past 2 months in South Florida. (Wait until the geo blog hits, I see you Kurt Bush.) In his victory interview, Eric Jones (#20 JGR Dewalt Toyota Camry) admitts that he missed his pit box early in the race and needed to "knock the rust off".
So what are we racing for? One would ask. Well that is what makes the Clash trash! A measly trophy that looks just like my first insurance sales quarterly award for most door knocks. This is NASCAR, mother fuckers! We are here to bring home something brag worthy.
The trophy isn't the only reason this race is a drag, because there are no points awarded for finishing positions, so there is no incentive for championship contenders to actually try.
How does NASCAR fix it? Create a specialized trophy, something prestigious, something that demands attention from even the top teams and drivers.
My suggestion, leverage an existing relationship with Penn National Gaming and Barstool Sports. Create a pizza trophy and make the race a prop bet hot bed. Every DRIVER will covet the pizza trophy and the betting exposure would draw in a large gambling audience. I am sure that the marketing geniuses could come up with pizza sponsors and livery for each car.
