This is a big month for race car fans, with NASCAR's 55th season crossing the finish line on Nov. 16.

It's been a notable season, for several reasons. Among them:

Out-of-Control Aggression

One of the biggest stories this year has been the sport's comparison to wrestling, with increased aggressiveness on and off the track.

It got so bad that NASCAR officials, who usually issue warnings or slaps on the wrist, fined and disciplined several drivers.

Perhaps most discouraging, though, is that - like hockey - the fist fights and name-calling on and off the oval are bound to increase the popularity of the sport.

Points Controversy

This season brought up the debate over whether the points system is the best way to determine the championship. It's an issue when a driver with few wins-such as Matt Kenseth-leads in points. Despite what all the good sportsman books say, sports is about winning. That's even more the case in a car race. You hate to see someone who has rarely crossed the finish line first be crowned champion.

Some are suggesting a revamp of the points system, to make it less about strategy and more about winning. Mathematically, a driver could win 35 of the 36 races and still not win the championship; or a driver with no wins could claim the title over a driver with 35 victories.

The points system has been in place since 1975. Maybe it's time to revisit the rules and add more points for first place, to put the emphasis back on crossing the finish line first.

NASCAR Season

Racing enters its home stretch this month

Winston Cup Series

• Nov. 2 -- Checker Auto Parts 500 -- Phoenix International Raceway
• Nov. 9 -- Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 -- North Carolina Speedway
• Nov. 16 -- Ford 400 -- Homestead-Miami Speedway

Busch Series

• Nov. 1 -- Bashas' Supermarkets 200 -- Phoenix International Raceway
• Nov. 8 -- Target House 200 -- North Carolina Speedway
• Nov. 15 -- Ford 300 -- Homestead-Miami Speedway

Craftsman Truck Series

• Nov. 14 -- Ford 200 -- Homestead-Miami Speedway

Where to Park It
Closest TAs to speedways

If you need your racing fix in the flesh, here are the nearest TravelCenters of America where you can park your rig and get to a speedway:

TA: Kenley TA Location: I-95, Exit 106, Kenly, N.C. Distance to Track: 73 miles to North Carolina Speedway, N. U.S. Highway 1, Rockingham, N.C.

TA: Vero Beach TA Location: I-95 & Rte. 60, Exit 147, Vero Beach, Fla. Distance to Track: 150 miles to Homestead-Miami Speedway, One Speedway Blvd., Homestead, Fla.

TA: Eloy TA Location: I-10, Exit 203, Eloy, Ariz. Distance to Track: 75 miles to Phoenix International Raceway, 7602 S. 115th Ave., Avondale, Ariz.