89 days remain until they fire the engines at Daytona, so the focus today is on a number that has seen scarce use compared to others in NASCAR’s top series. Car no. 89 has only been used in 266 races.
As 2011 wraps up and Tony Stewart enjoys his third Sprint Cup title, many teams are already looking to Daytona and the 2012 season, hoping they’ll be the team seated at the champions’ table next year.
The past two Sprint Cup Series seasons the driver entering the finale in Homestead-Miami as the championship point leader, as well as fan and driver favorite, left that Sunday night empty handed.
Over the course of the season it became evident that there was not a significant difference between the old points system and the new system, save for a stronger reliance on consistency over victories.
Rarely can you point to a singular moment and declare that history had been made. Even more rare is when said point can be recognized as transcending merely making history.
