The Murfreesboro Post from Murfreesboro, Tennessee • 11

July 13,2015 www.murfreesboropo5txxm 11 Solent Mastafille of observers, I become more skeptical with each missed deadline for finalizing the (seven so Dover padlocked the track four years ago after a decade of anemic attendance and rusting turnstiles. Considering that, dismal history, my question from the outset of the NeXovation announcement, was Why would else anyone want it? If Dover, with its decades of racing couldnt make it work, what makes someone else think they could succeed where Dover failed? So far theres been no iVi-They built it but nobody came, and the one-time field of. dreams, a nightmare. 7. '-7 777 la Gordan the greatest? As Jeff Gordon rides off into the sunset, the question arises: Is he best ever or just ONE of the best? -There are arguments both for and against.

With half a season to go, Gordon has 92 wins in NASCARs top series. Thats third behind Richard Pettys 200 and David Pearsons 105, but ahead of the 84 compiled by Darrell Waltrip and Bobby Allison, imd 83 by Cale Yarborough (83). Dale Earnhardt is seventh all- time with 76 wins and about to be overtaken by 7 Jimmie Johnson (74), the only active driver besides Gordon in the top tier. 7 '7; Its easy to become numbed by numbers, and they, dont tell the whole story. Its impossible to compare 1 the accomplishments of athletes in different eras.

How would Y.A. Tittles passing stats compare to Tom Bradys if Y.A. had played under todays NFL- rules? They would probably, have been 7 But weU never know. Tittle was great in his era, under I the rules of the" and Brady, is great in his era underdifferent same goes'for? NASCAR drivers Cynics note that many of Pettys victories were chalked lip back in the days when he raced two three times a often in short races against mediocre competition. Thats true.

On the other hand, Petty didnt have the advantage of jetting to races on a private plane, relaxing in a multi -million- dollar motor infield motor home, and being attended to hand and foot by a legion of PR flunkies, engineers, technicians and others that butter the way for Gordon and other present-day hotshots. no question that racing was more grueling and demanding back in Pettys day. Gordons good, but not the greatest. For my money King Richard will always be NO. 1.

How bout those Buschs? After Kyle and Kurt Busch finished 1-2 at Sonoma, California, a' couple weeks ago, it prompted ihore whos the best chat. Are the Buschs the brother combo in NASCAR history? 77 I dont think so.Jdput. them behind Bobby 7 and Donnie: Aliisonand Terry' and Bobby Labonte. But the Buschs are young, and that could change. They both have -made remarkable comebacks from miserable starts this season.

Kyle broke a leg and missed much of the early season, while Kurt sat out a three- race NASCAR suspension amid a domestic violence-, Now both are back, both; have victories, and both are expected to be in championship contention when the 10-race Chase starts in September. IMlMMlklMIIMMMI LARRY WOODY POST CONTRIBUTOR Over a year ago it was announced that Nashville Superspeedway had been purchased by NeXovation, a global technology company, and new life would be infused into the troubled track. Yet today the multi-. million-dollar facility, sprawled on the Wilson CountyRutherford County line, remains idle and silent. What gives? Npbody knows.

Or at least nobodys Robb Sexton, NeXovation CEO who lives in Hendersonville, has declined repeated requests for interviews. Dover Motorsports, which owned and apparently still owns the track, insists the $47 million deal is still on. Im not so sure. Like lots Ml Visitors move toward tha Complex to attend tha open MURFREESBOROIPA 7 V. I door of ms Adams Tennis house of tha facility.

7 7 iv Gary Arbit, right, Operatkma Coordinator of tha Adams Tennis Complex, talks with Linda Horen kamp during tha facilities open house. i Visitors at tha Adams Tennis Complex opwi houso mova down tha hall and tha behind the windows that face four the Indoor tennis courta during the facilities open house..