Ian Freas

When you read a book, you don’t skip chapters, or just read the ending. Through 2003 NASCAR seasons felt like reading a good novel. In 2025 I’ve still watched every single Xfinity race. But… it doesn’t feel like a novel anymore. Storylines are ripped out from under us. Chapter 1-20? Don’t sweat it too much. Everything can change in the final couple sentences of the final chapter. Constantly reminding myself “I watch this for the love of the game - the actual racing and seeing who gets to victory lane on any given week”. Not a points format. But it’s increasingly harder every year. It’s jarring to be a NASCAR fan. We’re told to focus on these final 10 races as if they’re sacred. I don’t get it. I just want my novels back. The back and forth between elites. Superstars under immense pressure for 36 weeks. Every moment matters. Riding along in 20th in the DAYTONA 500? Better not get swept up in the big one. Bad qualifying run on week 4? Loose lug on week 8? Crash on week 14? Blown engine week 21? All of that should freakin matter. You cannot pack the emotional weight of the entire season into 10 races. We should stop trying to. Otherwise you end up with frustrated fans and drivers who guard their hearts, trying not to get too emotionally invested in the outcomes. Give me 36 weeks and reset the points in the offseason.