The IRL and Versus could learn a thing or three from the NASCAR Nationwide series

[Jag_Warrior]

I'm not trying to stir the pot or beat on the IRL, but as I watch the victory celebration after the Nationwide series race at Texas, I'm struck by how much fun this is to watch. Edwards does his patented backflip off the car and then runs up into the stands to celebrate his victory with the fans. And Keselowski does an extended victory lap with flags attached to his car.

The race itself wasn't all that memorable; not bad, but nothing special. But I think ESPN did a very good job of sticking with the post-race celebrations, and capturing the buzz of the moment. This led me to recall the IRL finale at Homestead. Surely the IRL could work with Versus to make future finales more exciting! Especially when the points championship goes down to the wire, like it did this year.

All I'm saying is, if they want and expect more people to watch IRL races (finales or otherwise), the IRL and Versus need to do things that make people glad that they did. I'm just talking about the Nationwide series here. I imagine the Sprint Cup finale will be off the hook!

[NaBUru38]

After the race is over, drivers should first celebrate (donuts, Spider-Man fence climbing, wing kissing, whatever), then go to the podium in front of the crowd, then answer questions from the media. Just like F1, but with the drivers talking to each other in the pitlane / paddock like usual.

[Lousada]

This makes me think about Helios third 500 win. He wanted to climb the fence, only to be forced down by an indy official who tried to drag him to victory circle. And that of course live on screen in the only race that people watch....

I don't think any driver except Helio does actual victory celebrations with the car? Can't recall any by Dixon or Dario anyway??
If you catch a commercial free broadcast, on the internet or otherwise, you see just how fake the Indycar celebrations are. Often they have to force the driver to remain in the car until the commercials are over. Of course after that all spontanious impulses have faded away.

[NaBUru38]

Many do burnouts. Dario certainly did a few times in the final oval races. Zanardi used to celebrate spinning the car.

[call_me_andrew]

Many do burnouts. Dario certainly did a few times in the final oval races. Zanardi used to celebrate spinning the car.

Can't do burnouts in IndyCar or Nationwide Series anymore because the engines have to last multiple races.

[Mark in Oshawa]

The Burnout is a cliche. As for people thinking NASCAR is spontaneous, often it is staged too. They keep the driver in the car until TV is ready in that one too...

All this stage management is so TV can get their commericials in and it is wrong. The tail is wagging the dog at the end of races. Cover the guys coming out of the cars and then the winner and then end the broadcast. Simple, the winner has the last word.....

[Anubis]

The Burnout is a cliche. As for people thinking NASCAR is spontaneous, often it is staged too. They keep the driver in the car until TV is ready in that one too...

Must admit, that does get on my nerves - almost devalues the achievement of winning the race. Follow the money I guess.

[Mark in Oshawa]

Must admit, that does get on my nerves - almost devalues the achievement of winning the race. Follow the money I guess.
OH ya, and if I sponsored a series, I would demand that NASCAR just let the guy out of the car when he wants to. He won, quit managing him, the people at home know it is face and stilted and phoney and it really kicks the joy of the guy winning right in the jewels. Let TV adapt.....

[nigelred5]

I've been in or around victory lane and the winners circle numerous times at NASCAR races and generally it is the most manufactured rehearsed and artificial thing you have ever seen. Every once a while a driver is really genuinely excited and goes off script, but NASCAR is just as tightly planned as F1. INDYCAR still worries about fitting into the TV time block. I've never seen a NASCAR broadcast end without the winner interview. Hell, most NASCAR winners are provably in bed asleep before the NASCAR broadcasts are wrapped up.