At the beginning of 2010 fans and teams were told that was NASCAR loosening the reins on the drivers. Fans were still unsure of what to expect if a driver took pay back into their own hands.
With Jimmie Johnson and his team attempting to make it five Championships in a row; he was for many the outright favorite.
From the very first laps of Daytona to the final laps of Homestead NASCAR fans saw the very best in this sport battle it out for the title.
In sports, there are no guarantees that you will ever win a title; let alone four.
In NASCAR, every driver knows that this race could be their last. That one mistake could put title hopes up in smoke.
Every win this season, whether it was one, like for Ryan Newman and David Reutimann or eight wins for Denny Hamlin, could decide your fate.
In some ways the more shocking moments this sport experienced in 2010 were ones that were least expected.
Jeff Gordon and Jeff Burton’s fight out on the back stretch at Texas Motor Speedway. Carl Edwards taking pay back into his own hands against Brad Keselowski. Or watching Hamlin come into his own this season and become a leader, not only for his team but at Joe Gibbs Racing.
With Johnson winning his fifth championships in a row in stunning fashion, his name continues to be etched among the greatest of all time.
From pot holes, rain delays and wild wrecks, the 2010 season has had its share of moments we won’t forget in this off season.
Disappointment in November can be filled with questions by teams and drivers. Questions like what happened? What changes are needed? What can we do better?
For drivers and pit crews, the off season is a chance to regroup and refocus and prepare for the next big season.
Drivers will take much deserved vacations and make up for lost time with family. The season in NASCAR is the longest in sports. The few days in between each race leave little time for family. It is a sacrifice every spouse makes to let their partner live out their dreams.
For fans the countdown begins after the final lap at Homestead. Focus will turn to the holidays and family time.
Still, on a lazy Sunday afternoon, fans will wish there was a race on. A race so they can cheer Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Tony Stewart or Regan Smith to victory.
Some fans will flip on old races but nothing is like being there or watching it live.
As the calendar turns during this offseason, fans begin to find new hope that for their driver, it is finally their year.
The three month off season goes quickly but for some fans not quick enough. As January rolls around, excitement fills the air.
Testing at Daytona International Speedway will come and soon Speed Weeks. The snow will begin melting and the off season that seemed so long will finally come to a close.
On a cool, Sunday afternoon in February, NASCAR fans will settle in and wait for the words they have waited 90 days for: “Gentlemen start your engines”.
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