(UPDATE) -- More close finishes, and more than a handful of contenders for a race win have NASCAR official proclaiming success in building competition within the sport. "Compare apples to apple, I think it's much more competitive today," said NASCAR's Vice President of Corporate Communications, Jim Hunter. "So many drivers are working with good teams and great equipment and that wasn't always the case."

NASCAR stats show that the 1970's saw 110 races won by more than one lap. By the 80's it happened 16 time and in the 90's only two races were won by a lap or more. The last time this happened was in 1994.

Hunter maintains that on any given weekend there are 25 to 30 cars that can contend for a win. "And back in the 60's and 70's that number was probably seven or eight, 10 at tops. There was a big disparity in the front and the back of the pack." Hunter proudly proclaims that today is "the good ole days" for NASCAR.