The powers to be in the world's most popular racing series have reported slumping television ratings over the past few years.

The France family didn't ask for my opinion probably because they knew I would give it to them.

But, I think NASCAR has become very vanilla in a double chocolate, strawberry world.

Case in point: I saw a candy bar this week featuring the likeness of Dale Earnhardt. Why not Dale Jr? Jimmy Johnson? Kyle Busch?

"The Intimidator" has been gone since that terrible crash in the Daytona 500 seven years ago.

Not that he wasn't a tremendous influence on the sport. I wasn't the biggest fan of Earnhardt but I thought he was a great competitor. Aggressive at times, but a fierce competitor.

Was he the greatest of all time? I'm a Richard Petty, fan so that doesn't fly here.

Now, back to the ice cream. NASCAR has put a restrictor plate on the sport. Not the intake but the entire make up of major stock car racing.

Characters like the Allisons, Yarboroughs, Waltrips are no longer around. A deceased former champion is the best we can do on a chocolate bar.

NASCAR says we all have to play nice. Wouldn't you like to know what Tony Stewart really thinks about Kurt Busch?

Without characters behind the wheel the focus then turns to the machines themselves. The car of tomorrow or whatever they call it these days.

Remember the old days when you tell a Ford Thunderbird from a Dodge Charger? I challenge you to differentiate between today's manufacturers without that sticker on the front that says Impala or Camry.

I understand the need for uniformity in the name of competition. Don't let one auto maker have an upper hand.

But, sometimes don't you feel like you're watching an IROC race? And, the last I heard, that organization was having an auction of all tools, equipment, cars and memorabilia. Their website says IROC is closing its doors after 30 years.

Is NASCAR heading down the road of the IROC series? Doubtful.

Part of the downward trend in the Nielsen numbers is a long, 36-week season. Diehards will watch week to week. Peripheral fans might "catch the race next week."

A major influence in the television-ratings equation has to be rainouts. Imagine watching a race on a Sunday afternoon and the rains begin. The chances that you'll be around for the end of the race some six hours later are slim.

I've posed some challenges. I'll let NASCAR's think tank come up with the answers.