If I were the president giving the State of the NASCAR Address to 75 million fans in regards to the Nextel Cup Series, I would have to say - the State of NASCAR is confusing, boring, and in a stage of redesign. In one word - struggling.

Fans, drivers, owners and sponsors of the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series have swallowed a huge pill called "Change." The 2004 season has brought to the sport a new title sponsor, new fuel provider, new points system, a change in tires and many other technological changes. NASCAR officials seem to be confused with their own rules during races with a "make them up as we go" attitude and NASCAR and track owners are dealing with boring racing. No wonder the TV ratings have dropped!

The broadcast partners seem to be in comfort zone by adding little to no enhancements to their presentation of the race. Also, the only real drama fans have been able to find so far during the first full month of the season are the two spectacular wrecks involving Michael Waltrip at Daytona and Carl Long at Rockingham.

I would recommend to all those critics and drivers who complain about the "field fillers" to visit NASCAR.com and read about the history of NASCAR. I admit, I have been one of those critics, however my criticism has been geared more toward having the best 43 drivers on the track. I understand that people want to pursue their dreams by racing in NASCAR's top racing series, however isn't the goal of racing to win? On this subject my emphasis is on talent. I do believe many of these drivers labeled by the media as "field fillers" have the talent to run in the Nextel Cup Series. However, I also think many don't. My definition of a "field filler" never changes and even many top drivers can be weekly "field fillers" if their cars aren't up to speed. Look at Dale Jr. in Atlanta, he certainly wasn't running for the win.

Under the current rules established by NASCAR, if you can meet their requirements - you can run the races. Listen, my problem is with the guys who run a few laps then pack up and take home the money, week after week. Those drivers, who are working their tails off, I respect their efforts. Some of those drivers need to look in the mirror and decide if they are one of the best, but if they feel they are - then go for the win! Keep trying!

I've learned that drivers are a slick group of individuals. They know the season is only 26 races long before the Chase for the Championship starts. They see these "field fillers" as an obstacle in their efforts. So, I believe that they believe that if they scream loud enough, NASCAR will make changes to the eligibility of these "field fillers." Ultimately if this happens, more money and points are available to the superstars of NASCAR. This will make it easier on them getting through the field during the races eliminating the risk of being slowed or wrecked by a "field filler." It's about the superstars people!

It's been reported that NASCAR will make some type of an announcement on the "field filler" issue soon. I only hope that they do not cave and make a decision that only favors the NASCAR superstars.

I would like to see a way for NASCAR to prevent drivers from going out and running a few laps only to get the cash. However, they need to make it where all drivers, even the superstars are on the same playing field. Consider this - implement a rule where a driver must complete a specific number of laps or they do not get paid. This rule would work for everyone - even our beloved superstars! Let's say the benchmark is 75 laps, if you drop out before 75 laps for whatever reason - no paycheck. This would create an environment where only those serious about Nextel Cup racing would enter a race. It's a pretty simple solution - race and get paid!

There I am watching Kasey Kahne, the 23-year old Nextel Cup rookie and driver of the #9 Dodge Dealers Dodge on Speed TV's Wind Tunnel. Last weekend, Tony Stewart the driver of the #20 Home Depot Chevrolet spun Kasey out. Dave Despain the host of Wind Tunnel questioned Kasey about the incident and Kasey brushed it under the rug. Instead of showing any emotion about what Tony had done to him, Kasey went into the other direction and credited Tony for his opportunity in Nextel Cup racing.

This is all too familiar. Something has happened to the sport where MEN were MEN and boys were sent home. We saw a sign of rivalries coming back into the sport last year, however NASCAR did everything in their power to stop it. Yes, the Jimmy Spencer and Kurt Busch rivalry was all out war - but instead of NASCAR keeping it under control, they allowed it to boil over. NASCAR loves selling rivalries, they love the replays of Kurt's bump and run on Jimmy - but if a rivalry happens in reality, it's met with suspension or probation.

Kevin Harvick is one driver that has seen his share of penalties. All from him expressing his emotions toward someone who has done him wrong! Last year, Kevin and Ricky Rudd shared heated words after Ricky punted Kevin into the wall. This would have been a great Chevrolet versus Ford rivalry - but NASCAR put Kevin on probation thus tying his hands where he had to change his driving style.

It is true with Tony Stewart. One would think Tony would have several rivals, but we see nothing! After the race, he's mad and runs back to his motor home to hide from NASCAR officials and the media. Resulting in rivalries! NASCAR has taught them - no showing of emotions toward a rival equals any probation! Get it, got it - good!

What's wrong with NASCAR? Why are the ratings going down? One idea would be because there are no rivalries! Everyone loves everyone. The wrath of NASCAR has turned these hard charging drivers into buddies! Almost all drivers have two or more teammates or alliances and the day of finger pointing, bumper to bumper, showing their emotions days are gone. They race with each other, not against each other. Then after the race they catch a plane together to go home.

You know I hear how NASCAR wants to follow the NFL blueprint that made their sport so successful. However, I do not think the NFL blueprint calls for taming a rivalry. If NASCAR wants the type of ratings that the NFL receives then let these guys race and leave the rivalries alone!

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Anheuser-Busch the world's largest brewer renewed their contract to sponsor Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his DEI #8 Budweiser Chevrolet. In the meantime, the brain trust at Anheuser-Busch has implemented a marketing ploy to gain an even greater market share by employing the services of rapper "Ludacris."

You may remember this guy. Pepsi hired him last year to do their commercials, but after millions of you found out that his music was based on glorifying criminal activities including gun crimes and degrading women, your outcry brought an end to his tenure with Pepsi. They fired him.

Picture this, Dale Jr. and his marketing partner "Ludacris" in a new Budweiser commercial. That is a scary picture! By hiring this guy, A-B and their associates and representatives will automatically be associated with "Ludacris" and the perception will be that they promote his agenda. This means they are associated with his music which contain lyrics like these: "Hollow bullets I pull it. I'm about to live in vain. And then I drill 'em, refill 'em. Make sure they feel the pain. My shotguns are cold and hard, and my triggers are always talking about some squeeze me, squeeze me. I smack bit--es with 'no. Just get a couple of girls that shake their thang."

Anheuser-Busch is a long time supporter of NASCAR and they are a great company. They do more for charity than most corporations and go above the call of duty in supporting their local communities. However, this marketing strategy is out of line and DEI and Dale Jr. should make it known that they do not support this type of association.

Granted the Budweiser/Anheuser-Busch relationship is buried deep in NASCAR from the support of the Bud Pole Award to the Busch Series, but if NASCAR is dedicated to family, tradition and promotes role models, then they must stand with the millions of people who believe in corporate responsibility. No amount of sponsorship money is worth the promotion of criminal activity, hate and division.

I have a few questions. Sure, they may be somewhat ignorant questions, but it seems like no one is asking them and every once and a while someone needs to ask stupid questions, right?

Let's seriously try to open the door and look past our favorite drivers. With the subject of field fillers taking stage over the last month, all of us need to question the ability of some of these Nextel Cup drivers. Here we have a hand full of them running a few laps and then packing up and going home. Not because of engine problems or misfortune, but because that was all they needed to do to collect thousands of dollars just for entering the event.

Also, in addition to field fillers - what about the "back fillers?" You know the ones who are always running in the back of the field. Yes, the ones who never finish a race in the top 10 or finish the season in the top 20 in championship points. Are all these "fillers" just entered into a race to be obstacles for those top drivers running for the championship?

Sponsors must be asking these same stupid questions. As a sponsor, you have to ask why would "we" sponsor a "filler" when all the top drivers are taken? Maybe the talent pool and ownership competitiveness are the true reasons NASCAR is having sponsorship attraction and retention problems. Sure, economy excuses are valid, but most corporations still have major marketing budgets. To pay out the big bucks for a "filler" is not a great return on their investment. NASCAR must change more than the point system. Obviously, we are not seeing the best 43 drivers as we have been sold.

Dave Despain is the host of Speed TV's popular show - Wind Tunnel. Wind Tunnel airs every Monday - Thursday at 10pm eastern. Dave is well respected within the racing industry and seems to know all about anything racing including motorcycles and stock cars.

Like many NASCAR fans that starve for information, I began watching Wind Tunnel from the very first show. Since I do not follow other racing series outside of NASCAR, I have learned about other racing venues from watching Dave. However, if the Red Wings are playing hockey or the Wind Tunnel topic is really stretching my reach of racing interest, I find myself changing the channel. I will hit the previous channel button on my remote control to see if they've changed topics and if so, I find myself back in the Tunnel.

Those of you who have read my columns over the years know that I call it like I see it. My goal of this column is to hold drivers, owners, sponsors and fans accountable for their actions in relation to NASCAR. That's what I like about Dave Despain and his show. He seems to do the same thing and when his show was introduced, from my perspective, it was nice to finally see someone in the elite media not kissing the royal rear-ends of NASCAR personalities as we have seen with other TV and radio shows. I wish Speed TV would use the same format that Dave uses, except geared totally toward NASCAR. To be honest, I love hearing from a mix of NASCAR insiders and fans. Wind Tunnel does this, however on a part time basis.

With all that said, I think Dave and his microphone holds a power that can plant seeds in the minds of NASCAR insiders. Recently, Dave used his power to speak about his take on the NASCAR points system. In his view, Dave would like to see NASCAR follow the NFL and their blueprint of success. As he stated in his column located at http://www.speedtv.com/commentary/10057/ he would like to see two NASCAR racing leagues with a real playoff to determine NASCAR's champion.

I do not disagree with his opinion, but I don't see it happening now that NASCAR has already made their change to the point system. We may see them revise a component of the point system if it's warranted at the end of this season, but don't look for a huge change in the way Dave has suggested.

Instead of continued commentary on the point system change, I would like to see Dave use his power to drive NASCAR in a direction that is more realistic. In my view, there are so many hidden issues within NASCAR that needs to be brought out of the closet. Unfortunately, I do not have the size of audience that Dave captures with his TV show. But, if I could sit down with Dave, I would challenge him to challenge NASCAR with the following issues:

Multiple car organizations. How many cars should one owner have? During most races, DEI runs three cars, RCR runs three cars, Hendrick runs four cars, Penske runs three cars, and Roush is running five cars. Forget the ownership scheme of basing two cars out of one garage, NASCAR needs to limit owners to two cars, period! Just image from the above list, we could have four new Cup owners running two car teams each! That alone would increase competition and as fans we would see more rivalries on the track instead of teammates.

Busch Wackers. I know Cup drivers love to race, but is the policy of allowing Cup drivers into the Busch Series fair to full-time Busch Series teams and sponsors? As much as I enjoy watching Cup drivers play in the Busch Series, I must agree with Terry Bradshaw on this issue. This initiative would bring more young talent into the sport instead of filling the field with Cup drivers.

These issues are just a few on a long list of topics that can be discussed on Dave's Wind Tunnel show. So, Dave if you are reading this - you've been challenged to use your power to stir up the pot. These are legitimate issues and as the sport grows even more in popularity, more and more people will wonder what I am wondering - like why do we find in the same series a driver driving for one owner, can own his own car and have another driver drive it? Confusing? I would say so!