Racing Fan Dilemma

Racing fans' dilemma: World of Outlaws at I-96 Speedway or Sprint Cup All-Star on TV?
By Steve Kaminski
The Grand Rapids Press

Don't tell me that a fifth consecutive championship is a given just because he has dominated the past four years.

Check out the points standings, and you will find him fourth overall heading into this weekend's action, 130 points out of first. He's hardly on the ropes, but he is Floyd Mayweather in the second round versus Shane Mosley.

I'm telling you right now, though, don't ever count out Donny Schatz, because he is a great driver with a great team behind him.

Gotcha, didn't I? You thought I was talking about Jimmie Johnson, right?

It's funny how closely the World of Outlaws and NASCAR Sprint Cup seasons parallel each other as the weeks unfold this spring. Johnson, who is Cup's four-time defending champion, also is fourth after struggling lately and is 131 points behind leader Kevin Harvick.

The Outlaws are coming to I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa on Saturday night, and unfortunately, that's when the Sprint Cup is holding its annual All-Star Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

It's a race fan's worst nightmare, and the way NASCAR has moved so many races to Saturday nights, it's a dilemma we have to face more and more.

Meyers heads into Saturday's World of Outlaws action at I-96 Speedway third in the points standings with a series-high five wins.Cue The Clash. Should I Stay or Should I Go?

I always will take a night out at the local track over a night in front of the TV. But this is the All-Star Race. It's Dale Earnhardt's 1987 "Pass in the Grass." It's Rusty Wallace and Darrell Waltrip in 1989. It's Kyle Petty and Davey Allison in 1992.

This is a tough one.

I'm torn.

Go: The Outlaws is making its only appearance in the state this season, so you'll have to travel if you want to see them. There is nothing like watching those cars roar out of the fourth turn to take the green flag. My hair would stand up if I had any.

Stay: You can't miss the All-Star Race because anything goes. No points are awarded, but the winner gets $1 million.

Any driver who has won a race last year or this year gets to race. All-star winners from the past 10 years are in, and so is any driver who has won a championship. They also have a qualifying race, and the top two advance.

It does have short-track appeal because it is broken into four segments. The first is 50 laps, 20 laps for the second and third legs and a 10-lapper at the end to settle it.

Go: Goodyear has become the official tire of the Outlaws this season after years of running on Hoosiers. The new tires have brought new challenges for teams, and it should provide a new wrinkle when they hit the I-96 dirt at 7 p.m.

"We have had to come up with a new setup package, and I think that has leveled the playing field," said Jason Meyers, who is third in points with a series-high five wins.

Stay: It appears that the change from the wing to the spoiler has shaken up things a little bit in Cup, too. Johnson has slumped since the change seven races ago. Meanwhile, Joe Gibbs Racing, with drivers Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin, are flying. The two have combined to win five of the seven races with the spoiler.

Go: Indiana driver Joey Saldana has proven to be one of motorsports' most inspirational stories this spring considering he broke his left hand in a race in March in Tennessee. Saldana had surgery March 26 in which 10 screws and a plate were inserted into his hand, and not only has he competed in every race, he is leading the points standings.

Stay: You want tough and inspirational? Let's talk about Denny Hamlin, who has won two races since having knee surgery March 31. Hamlin will go for his first All-Star win Saturday.

Go: Steve Kinser, who is the Outlaws' version of Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt all rolled into one, is looking like this might be the year he wins his 21st championship and first since 2005. Kinser has joined car owner Tony Stewart and is second in points, 13 behind Saldana.

Stay: If you want to see Stewart, catch him in the All-Star Race. Stewart is the defending winner.

Go: Come January, when it's 5 degrees out, you are going to be wishing you had gone to I-96.

Yeah, that's a good enough reason for me.

Aren't DVRs great?