Rivalries rarely just happen. They develop over time. Often, competitors become rivals over a single incident – in stick and ball sports, a hard foul, a late hit or lopsided victory may spawn hatred among fans and lead to vengeance sought in the next meeting of two teams.

Long-standing state or city competitors may become rivals throughout seasons. Pittsburgh and Cleveland, for instance, are National Football League rivals. In professional baseball, you can point to the Red Sox vs. Yankees for impassioned competition and in college sports, Auburn vs. Alabama or Michigan vs. Ohio State garner heart-felt cheers and jeers.

What about rivalries in NASCAR?

On the national stage, they seem to be fewer today than was the case “back in the day.” NASCAR’s “villains” were more recognized and long-standing in the day of the “Intimidator.” And, while Kyle Busch may draw a sorted response during pre-race introductions today, the love/hate for the #18 comes and goes with the breeze.

Racing needs its personalities. Drivers have become far too “vanilla.” Corporate influence and the power of the sponsorship dollar have put a damper on post-race fisticuffs and garage area “discussions.” Even the “colorful” driver commentaries following on-track incidents have become, well, muffled.

For the sake of our entertainment (dollar), let’s bring back the “bad guys.” How ‘bout a little more use of the chrome horn. Let ‘em go off over the microphone after being taken out of contention by an over-aggressive lap car – and no, Joey Logano’s tirade after being spun by Harvick at Pocono doesn’t count. It didn’t even carry over to the next race!

Give us a story line to go with the race!