Ok, so obviously the deadline is done and since I couldn’t enter anyway I waited until it was over before having my say…and no, I’m not counting this bit as part of the 250 words.

It’s very simple for NASCAR to appeal to a broader audience...do what every other main motorsport category does; have team colours.

F1 has silver for McLaren and red for Ferrari, so why doesn’t NASCAR? Yes it’s exciting to see 43 different coloured cars but it’s not necessary anymore. HMS could run the Dupont colour scheme on all four cars and change the sponsors on each while DEI could use three Bud cars and do the same…it’s not rocket science.

By all means, change the paint scheme each race to keep sponsors happy, but have NASCAR clear it so no teams clash colours. I had to always look twice before knowing if I was seeing Kasey or Dale Jr fly by in 2004 and 2005 since both raced in the same colours for different teams.

And it will make a far easier sight for fans. Yeah we have favourite drivers...but we also have favourite teams, yet what do you see advertised; 90% driver merchandise and 10% team items?

That’s not the way forward.

Motorsport is supposed to be a team business with the drivers being the face of that team, so make it happen. Red Bull have the right idea…the rest need to take a leaf out of their book and fall in line.

 RBR have become the 'leader of the pack' by using a single team colour scheme

That’s the only way NASCAR will ever appeal to an audience outside of North America...in 250 words or less anyway.