kenworld
NASCAR Nextel Cup Series 2004


NASCAR Nextel Cup Series 2004
By: UMI
Published: 2004
Reviewed: 5/22/2005



UMI Publications puts out a yearbook for the premier NASCAR racing series, now known as the Nextel Cup, and I have subscribed since 2002. The racing season ends in early November and UMI publishes the books in time for Christmas. As a result, there are always a few typos that drive me crazy. The overall structure is the same each year. There is a quick overview of the season, a section written by that year's Champion, and descriptions of each race. Around six pages are devoted to each event, with about 70% of the space for photos. The pictures are typically high quality, with lots of action shots. The text covers the points implications of the previous race, who qualified on pole, details of the race, and finally who won and how much money they made.
Are the yearbooks compelling reading? Not really. I didn't read the 2004 book until well into the 2005 season, and in some ways it felt like a chore. I followed the entire season rather closely, so I already know what happened. Perhaps looking back years from now I'll find more nostalgia. Whether I subscribe for 2005 will depend on whether my disposable income returns to normal.