Restrictor-plate racing was instated by NASCAR in 1988, a full 18 years ago, because officials were worried that the speeds at Talladega and Daytona were so wildly fast that cars wouldn't stay on the track - at least that's how I've heard the story.
So after 18 years of the stuff, why is everyone starting to whine about restrictor-plate racing now?
I know - the complaining is a result of the pressure of running for the championship. Seems some people are worried that a wreck will knock their favorite driver out of contention. Sorry, but that argument doesn't fly with me. Look at what happened to Kasey Kahne at New Hampshire. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time and there were no restrictor plates on his car.
Talladega has run NASCAR races twice a year every year since the speedway opened in 1969. The racing is fast, furious, and a blast to watch.
I remember Elliott Sadler's multiple flips on the final lap of the 2004 and 2005 fall races. Scary sights, but they would have been a lot worse had restrictor plates not been on his car.
With Jeff Burton as the current championship leader, he knows full well he, along with the rest of the Chasers and the 43-car field, has to survive 188 laps. Once they do, the rest of the season will be cake.
Into everyone's life, a little challenge must fall. For NASCAR drivers, Talladega is one of the best challenges on the circuit. Let the drivers race and let the restrictor plates fall where they may.