Why I Love NASCAR: Holidays by Chief 187™

What I enjoy about NASCAR is the observance of special days throughout the season. With Easter being this weekend, all three of NASCAR’s top tiers are on an "off weekend."  As a NASCAR fan, NASCAR writer, and parent observing the holiday, I truly appreciate that.

As I often cite, NASCAR is a family sport. No matter the tempers that flare on the track, the competition that heats up throughout the season and the careful planning that occurs to win races, the teams are comprised of people who have families; NASCAR itself is a family, and NASCAR honors that.

I find it a positive thing to have a break during the season to reassess how the season is going. For some teams it is time to change bad luck – teams like the JGR No. 18 Kyle Busch team and the HMS No. 5 Kasey Kahne team.

For other teams it gives an opportunity to focus more on what they are doing right like the SHR teams of No. 14 Tony Stewart Team and winner of the Goody's Fast Relief 500 Ryan Newman. Also doing well are the HMS No. 88 team of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the Roush-Fenway Team of No. 16 Greg Biffle. The Michael Waltrip Racing organization must be quite pleased currently having Martin Truex Jr. one of four drivers in a three way tie for third in points.

Having time off can only be helpful for the drivers, teams, and families of the NASCAR teams we so enjoy. Pursuing personal passions, hanging out at home, bonding with the family, must be the positive side of off weekends for most of these people.

As for the fans, I believe time off creates a sense of urgency for the next race on the circuit. With that being the Samsung Mobile 500 at Texas Motor Speedway under the lights on Saturday, April 14th, only good can come!

What do you do with your “off weekend” from NASCAR? Do you watch old races, rent movies, or spend time outside pursuing some of your non-racing passions? I’d love to read about all you do on NASCAR’s first off weekend of the 2012 season!