"Restricted" Argumentation About Nascar

Racing has been apart of American history for almost 100 years. Race is defined in Webster dictionary as "a contest of speed". Which brings up the question of why Nascar restricts their cars using restrictor plates. The restrictor plate is a thin aluminum plate that fits between carburetor and the intake manifold. But there is also safety reasons behind the use of restrictor plates. When these plates were implemented cars were running laps at well over 200 miles per hour, and with today's technology their was no signs of slowing up. What is more important: skill, entertainment, or safety?

Safety is a huge concern for the Nascar officials and fans. There has been many drivers that have been killed behind the wheel of these 1000 horsepower cars due to the uncontrollable speed, notably Dale Earnhardt. Only four restrictor plate races are run all year, two in Daytona and two more in Talladega. Both of these tracks are over 2.5 miles long and are capable of 200 mph speeds even with the use of restrictor plates. Casualties and serious injuries have greatly decreased since the introduction of these. Many other safety devices have showed up too, including the Hans device and many other head and helmet type restraints. So how much safer is it to hit the wall at 200 mph instead of 230mph?

Entertainment is also a concern. But what is more entertaining: closes wheel-to-wheel restrictor plate racing or the fastest cars with the best drivers running over 200 mph leaving the rest of the field? Many of the older drivers and older fans will say, "Racing is racing, let them go." But the new generation of racers and fans believes in equality among the cars, which makes for closer down to the wire races. Of course, ultimately, the new generation is all that matters due to the decreasing older generation. Even though the restrictor plates are only used in four races, they are the most popular races including the Daytona 500.

Restrictor plate racing also allows for drivers with less racing skills to run better at these super speedways. This allows the drivers to be able to run full throttle the turns and down the straight away. Without the use of