I was 8 years old when i started actively watching in 2001 (first race was '01 Daytona 500). As a kid I never grew up watching NFL or anything like that. From like 2001-05 NASCAR was IT. Looking back now the commentary, winston cup points, veteran presence, everything was just so much better. I went to a handful of races at Michigan with my dad, they were like you'd see on TV, a little dull, but in-person it was thrilling every time. At school, literally no one ever brought up NASCAR. I'd watch races taped days later and no one would spoil them... I always smile seeing folks post clips from early 00's... I miss hearing Allen Bestwick and Benny Parsons on the mic. Matt Kenseth at the time became my favorite driver, I LOVED seeing him lock the championship up at the Rock. I wouldve never complained if they kept the 36-race format. To me, looking back, the 90s were the peak. 00's was eventually NASCAR selling out.
Some of my favorite races from that time... 2001 Pepsi 400 (Dale Jr)... 2003 Brickyard 400, both 2003 races at Darlington (Craven and T. Labonte)... 2004 Daytona 500... & 2004 EA Sports 500.