Should NASCAR rebrand the "All-Star" race?

 

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    Since 1985, NASCAR has held a non-points paying race, every year, which is now best known as the "All-Star race". The name, format, and multiple other aspects associated with the annual event have changed over the years. Some fans have had little to no problems with the "All-Star race", though others have begun to question NASCAR's use of the name "All-Star".

After all, every other sport has an "All-Star" game, race, or something of that nature. Why shouldn’t NASCAR have another name for their special, annual event? 

Let's take a look at the "All-Star" Races' history:

From it's conception in 1985, until 2003, the race was called was called The Winston, as the RJ Reynold's cigarette brand was the sponsor of NASCAR's top series. NASCAR's top series became known as the, Winston Cup Series in 1971. The Winston Cup Series ran until 2003, when R.J. Reynold's pulled their sponsorship due to the increase of tobacco advertising restrictions. When the series’ new sponsor Nextel took over in 2004, it became known as the Nextel All-Star Challenge, which only lasted until 2007. In 2008, Sprint, a company which provides cellular services, became the series sponsor, with it the name change again, to the Sprint All-Star Race. When Sprint ended their parntership with NASCAR in 2016, Monster Energy rose to take its place.

What did that mean? You guessed it.... another name change.

So from 2017 to 2019, the name became the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race. Now that's a mouth full! After Monster left as the series sponsor, NASCAR changed the name to what is most current, the NASCAR All-Star Race.

There is nothing wrong with the name "All-Star" for a popular event, but I think that too many sports use that name, and NASCAR should find another name for this particular event. To be fair, the NASCAR Cup Series consists of the world’s greatest stock car drivers, but they stand apart from the average athlete. It’s noticeable that NASCAR and Motorsports in general are not exactly like football, baseball or basketball, so why should they act as though they are, with name like “All-Star”. I think it’s time that NASCAR steps up and makes the “NASCAR All-Star” race something unique, something that presents NASCAR’s differences as selling point, not something to hide.  

Do you agree with NASCAR using "All-Star” in the races name? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear what you think!