What was nascar racing like in the 80's?

May be...

I did not start watching it until 1991.

10 times better than now

Just as ridiculous as it is now.

it was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There were no gay drivers racing back then, only REAL men.

Actual racing. Not this follow the leader , lucky dog crap. You had to qualify for EACH race, not this inane top 35 are automatically qualified. Innovation was the norm, not stifled into all IROC prepared cars like we have now.

I never watched it and wish that I had now. I look at old clips and it was awesome. Sure wish that they could race that way today.

When a driver said he was going to put another driver into the wall, no one got their knickers in a knot over it, that I remember.
It's safer now, that I like. It's just become too darn politically correct.
And some of the fans that celebrated that spirit 20 years ago, frown upon it now.

A lot more of the cars banging off each other for position.

Speeds were getting out of control. Hence, restrictor plates.

I personally think it was much more competitive back then, not so many damned rules.

1979, the fight at Daytona really brought NASCAR into everyone's living room.

In the 80s I was much into the heavy metal seen, ( way to many friends had bands) so I didn't watch to much racing, but i would aspect nothing but good "FAST" rubbing racing, like it always has been!!!

Less restrictions on the drivers and their teams. Safety wasn't a big concern like it is now. Less politics.

Drivers were allowed to be themselves and didn't worry about being "PC", lots of bumping and grinding, petal to the metal and hauling butt!

the racing was ten times better and drivers had a personality,todays rules and such have ruined a great sport
tickets were cheap and drivers wanted to win for the money it paid not getting paid to much first. i sure do miss seeing to guys bang it out on the track and then in the garage or anywhere,most of the guys today would have never made it

Lots of big hair and big mustaches. The drivers had a different personality than they do now. Their wasn't near the money then than there is now. Alot of beating, banging, fighting and pushing the "gray" parts of the rulebook. From what i seen of it in the 80's it was awesome then too.

The driver EARNED their rides, wins and championships back in the 80's . Unlike today $$$$ MONEY $$$$ buy you wins and championships. The racing was better and driver raced hard week after week. None of this coasting to a championship. Now you wonder why the stands are empty and the ratings are down?? No one likes today's nascar. It has become a big time joke.

To me the 80's were the best decade in NASCAR.

Started off with Nationally televised races; the King's 200th win; the rise of the Intimidator; the rise of the speeds and introduction of the restrictor plates; the competition was fierce. And yes even if you had one car, one team, and your shop was a barn you could still run up front and even win consistently. It was a great time in racing. Just an opinion as always.ac collins