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With all the new technical alliances, recent mergers and potential ones on the horizon, we could be looking at approximately only eight or nine Cup owners in the near future. I realistically foresee Roush Fenway Racing, Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing having some hand in up to eight Cup teams each one day – whether through technical alliances, engine lease programs or the like. It’s just a sign of the times but it’s detrimental to the health of the sport because the trend will diminish the intensity level of the competition. Don’t expect a driver to race another to his fullest potential if the guy is his teammate or technical partner.

Even if it comes down to eight or nine mega-owners, NASCAR will survive. However, I think the sanctioning body needs to take immediate measures to ensure the continued involvement of as many owners as possible. Make changes to reduce the possibility of burnout. The schedule is too long with an excessive number of races, putting undue pressure and stress on the competitors. When past winners and retired veterans who founded the sport decry the season as too drawn-out, it’s time to heed their advice. We must get back to 32 or 33 races per year, preferably starting with the elimination of a date from Dover, Pocono and Auto Club Speedway and going from there.

Otherwise, the sport continues to be oversaturated and fans tire of following it, much like the competitors. Forget about the money brought in from those additional weekends – look at what drove ticket demand so high years back and base the new model on that. Otherwise, I think NASCAR has a ticking time bomb on their hands that they may never diffuse.

We’ve got to give newcomers a reason to venture into Cup ownership and presenting them a less-daunting schedule is a good start.

The opinions reflected herein are solely those of the above commentator and are not necessarily those of SPEEDtv.com, FOX, NewsCorp, or Speed Channel

Jimmy Spencer calls it like he sees it as an analyst on NASCAR RaceDay and NASCAR Victory Lane on SPEED. He retired from driving with two NASCAR Sprint Cup, 12 NASCAR Nationwide and one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series victory, putting him in an elite group of drivers who have logged wins in all three of NASCAR’s premier divisions. In 478 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts, Spencer amassed 28 top-five and 80 top-10 finishes. He won back-to-back NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championships in 1986 and 1987 on the heels of 15 victories, becoming the first driver ever to earn consecutive titles in the series. He earned the nickname “Mr. Excitement” for his flamboyant and aggressive driving style early in his racing career.