Backseat Blonde - NASCAR Braces for Veteran Exodus

July 5, 2004

NASCAR Braces for Veteran Exodus
By Allison Wagda

They represent the ghosts of racing’s past. They are the
hopes and dreams of future drivers. They’ve taken
NASCAR from a regional racing series in the south to
the national stage.

They are the veterans.

While most sports shove stars out of the spotlight to make way for a new generation,
NASCAR has always revered its veterans. These intrepid men spend years, nay
decades, racing for the coveted checkered flag.

Many have long passed their prime, while others remain highly competitive. But
regardless of their ability to win, they play a key role on the track.

NASCAR has three distinct groups of drivers on the Cup circuit: young, hotshot
rookies, proven stars, and enduring veterans. By having several generations on the
track at once, there is never a shortage of unique stories unfolding.

But now, NASCAR is facing a new era without legendary racers. Starting with last
year’s semi-retirement of long-time fan favorite Bill Elliott, many older drivers are
considering hanging up their helmet. Just last week, Terry Labonte, 47, revealed he’
s considering an exit as early as the end of this season.

Labonte’s career in Cup racing has spanned more than 25 years, with his first debut
in NASCAR’s top series in 1978. But with 18-year-old Busch league phenom Kyle
Busch waiting in the wings, he’s taking a serious look at life after NASCAR.

While Hendrick Motorsports may want to open up Labonte’s #5 car for a rookie,
Labonte hasn’t ruled out one more year at another team. Fans can only hope.

Labonte isn’t the only top veteran closing in on retirement. Seven full-time drivers are
over the age of 45, including legends like Rusty Wallace, Ricky Rudd, Mark Martin,
Sterling Marlin, and Dale Jarrett. Within the next few years, most of these will be gone.

Normally, this would simply be the natural cycle of racing. But this exodus of veterans
will likely permanently change the face of NASCAR. Right now there are few obvious
replacements in the pipeline. And there never may be again.

Things used to be different. Experience used to be in demand, and teams reserved
their best equipment for proven drivers. Rookies had to earn their stripes in the
Busch series, and even after the jump to Cup racing it often took years to hit full
stride and make the big bucks.

Of course, there have always been the occasional rookie standouts. In 1993, a 21-
year old Jeff Gordon took stock car racing by surprise by being an instant contender.
But young stars like Gordon were few and far between.

That’s changing fast. Sponsors have taken note of the meteoric rise of stars like
Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jimmie Johnson. In just a few short years, their popularity
eclipses almost everyone on the track. While both Dale Jr. and Johnson had
extensive racing experience, their appeal to the MTV generation hasn’t been lost
sponsors. Now, instead of developing drivers for a long, sustained racing career,
teams are forced to promote untested kids into established Cup rides in order to put
sponsors on the front page. Youth now trumps maturity.

The result will disappoint fans for years to come. Rookies will have to show more
than promise to stay in Cup racing. If they aren’t an instant success, they’ll be out.
The turnover in racing will increase dramatically. One or two bad seasons could cost
a fan favorite, and possible future legend, their ride.

Will any of NASCAR’s current stars ever become true legends like some of their
predecessors? Richard Petty raced for almost 40 years before retiring in 1992, the
year before Gordon made the jump to Cup. Dale Earnhardt was 49 years young and
in his 26th season when he passed away. Cale Yarborough spent over 30 years on
the circuit. Indy legend AJ Foyt, born in 1935, raced Indy cars until 1993, and even
competed in a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event as late as 1995. Almost 50
years racing. These men are what legends are made of. Not drivers who spend 10-
15 years on the track, make millions and retire to Florida.

In the short term, after the current veterans retire, fans will have at least a decade to
wait to see if any elders emerge. While Gordon has certainly made an indelible mark
on racing, he’s still clearly at the top of his game. And he’s only 32. Will he stick it out
for another decade or two? Will Tony Stewart or Dale Jr.? Will current rookie
sensation Kasey Kahne have the fortitude to drive 38 races a year into his late 40s?
Or will he decide to take his money and run after several years?

Only time will tell. In the meantime, enjoy the veterans while you can. Soon, they’ll be
gone.

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