Most of what was said is true but, its all about money. France didn't push NASCAR on the north and west. Promoters with big money fought to get races there and took race dates from traditional southern tracks like Darlington, Wilksboro and Rockingham. That, along with the senseless rules that control everything in the cars, caused old fans to walk away. Dictating gear ratiois? Give me a break. No wonder there is so much pressure to cheat.
NASCAR likes cautions because they provide a great opportunity for commercials but a caution for a little balloon floating over the track was a new low. I recorded the Indy race and had to turn the sound down to get rid of obnoxious talking heads, one in particular.