re: What caused NASCAR to crash and almost burn?

Too many cookie cutter 1.5 mile tracks in favor of places like Rockingham. Drivers became pretty stale as well,big personalities have left and there isn't much backfill.

There's a million reasons, but I think they're truthfully heading back in the right direction with the new guy running the show. Hopefully he undoes this ridiculous under-powered car they're doing this year though.

BTW if you want a fun night of entertainment head to your local short track, asphalt or dirt. You'd likely be surprised how close one is