OPINION

By Jeff Owens

SceneDaily.com

updated 1:55 p.m. ET Feb. 4, 2010

Excitement is in the air as NASCAR's Sprint Cup teams descend on Daytona International Speedway and fans get revved up for the Daytona 500 and the 2010 season.

But NASCAR faces some serious issues as it heads into a new season.

Attendance is down. TV ratings continue to decline. Souvenir sales are in the tank. And the tough economy is taking a toll on the sport, forcing teams to tighten their belts and making sponsors more difficult to find.

All this means one thing: Fan interest is on the decline.

How does NASCAR address these issues, appeasing disenchanted fans and curbing declining interest?

There are five things NASCAR needs to do, or needs to happen, to spark a revival, reigniting the passion and loyalty that once made stock-car racing America's fastest growing sport:

1. Dale Earnhardt Jr. needs to win
Brian France, much to the chagrin of Earnhardt Jr. and fellow competitors, said two years ago that the lull NASCAR was experiencing could be solved by one thing – a resurgence by Dale Jr.

That's the kind of pressure that's on Earnhardt Jr. Not only does he have a family legacy to live up to and the largest fan base in the sport to please, he has the weight of the whole sport on his shoulders.

But like it or not, France is right. An Earnhardt Jr. victory would do more for the sport right now than anything NASCAR could do.

Earnhardt Jr. has the largest fan base in the sport. His fans are more loyal and more passionate than any others, and their interest in the sport as a whole ebbs and flows with Junior's success on the track. When he struggles, many simply tune out.

If Earnhardt Jr. suddenly turns things around and becomes a consistent winner, and maybe even a championship contender, again, fan interest would soar.

And that would immediately translate into more fans at races and in front of television sets each week.

2. Jimmie Johnson needs a challenge
Johnson is one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history, and his run to four straight championships is one of the sport's greatest achievements.

But instead of reveling in his record-setting accomplishments, fans are tired of seeing him win.

It's no coincidence that TV ratings have declined during the Chase as well as the regular season. As Johnson has cruised to title after title, fans have tuned out. Why watch when you know who is going to win?

Johnson is the overwhelming favorite to win a fifth straight championship this year, but someone needs to step up and present a serious challenge.

It's been two years since he has faced a serious threat in the championship race. Teammate Jeff Gordon, who once dominated the sport himself, gave him a run for his money in 2007.

Tony Stewart led the points standings during the regular season last year, but fizzled prior to the Chase. Mark Martin looked like a threat for a while, but couldn't sustain the momentum.

Slideshow   NASCAR champions Take a look at the drivers who have raced their ways to series titles since the circuit's inception. NBCSports.com

Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards were threats two years ago, but flamed out in the end.

Whether it's Stewart, Martin, Gordon or someone else, fans need to know that there is a driver and a team that can beat Johnson and his No. 48 team.

Either someone needs to step up and demonstrate the type of dominance that Johnson displays at times, or Johnson and his team need to finally have an off year.

There have been a handful of potential threats the past four years, but only Johnson has sustained excellence.

Different drivers pose a threat each year, but, deep down, fans know that once the Chase begin, Johnson will kick it into high gear and take off, leaving all challengers in his wake.

That needs to change. Someone needs to step up and knock Johnson off his throne.

MORE FROM NASCAR / MOTORS

NASCAR / Motors Section Front

Patrick optimistic despite poor IndyCar start   Slideshow: Images of Danica's life on, off track Power wins IndyCar opener, Danica 15th Andretti uninjured after scary accident in Brazil Kurt Busch eliminated in NHRA drag-racing debut Mixed reviews for Schumacher's comeback Keselowski vows not to change after Edwards crash Latest NASCAR videos NASCAR RESULTS, SCHEDULE, STANDINGS Slideshow: Images of NASCAR wives, girlfriends NASCAR / Motors Section Front   Add NASCAR / Motors headlines to your news reader: