Everyone Loves NASCAR

He's been gone for several year, but for many IndyCar fans it still stings to see former IRL poster boy Tony Stewart tear it up with the Bumping Behemoths. Other fans are proud of his accomplishments, feeling that it reflects well on the league. Still others are just happy to not have to deal with his grumpy mug anymore.

More drivers from the open wheel ranks have followed with varying degrees of success, but the fear of losing quality drivers to NASCAR has been around for nearly as long as the Indy Racing League.

Recent reports that Uncle Sam has begun testing stock cars has brought expected dread, as we've all been down this path before. But if it's any consolation - and admittedly it may not be - know this: we are not alone.

You know that Formula One is losing JP Montoya and probably Jacques Villenueve to NASCAR.

You know that Champ Car is likely losing AJ Allmendinger to NASCAR.

What you didn't know - and I am not making this up - is USAToday is reporting that 15-time motocross/supercross champ Ricky Carmichael is going to NASCAR. Maybe he figures if Jamie Little can make the transition from two wheels to four, so can he. OK, bad comparison.

So while Uncle Sam plots a possible course to the Cup series, know that he isn't alone, and perhaps the greatest hope for keeping him in the IndyCar series may be the possibility that 43 may not be enough to go around for all the drivers clamoring for a piece of the pie.

Sorry, that's as close to good news as this will get.