Pistone: Idle Thoughts - Idle Thoughts: big finish memorable enough

Sunday's Auto Club 400 in Fontana has already been called a classic among many fans. The thrilling 10 lap dash to the checkered flag between Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick that ended in a last lap pass for the win was one of the best finishes in NASCAR's recent history.
Notice how I said best finishes in NASCAR's recent history.
Because unfortunately the 190 circuits that led up to that mad run to the finish were about as dull an affair as I can remember.
Unlike last October's Auto Club Speedway race, last Sunday's return engagement to the very same race track featured none of the four and five wide racing that only five months ago had people proclaiming love for the much-maligned Southern California speedway.
But that wasn't the case at all in race five of the 2011 season with a single file parade droning on for about two hours or so before things heated up at the end thanks to a late crash, caution flag, pit strategy and final run to the finish.
The good news is Harvick's daring move and thrilling victory captured the attention of many local market and general media outlets. Sunday night sports reports featured video of the wild ending to the race and talk of another NASCAR last second win without any mention of the tedious hours that preceded it.
So the question is does a rip roaring ending equate to a race being a good one or does the entire event have to be enthralling in order for it to be memorable?
In reality its very rare for a NASCAR race or any sports event to provide non-stop excitement from beginning to end. Games and races all have ebbs and flows, peaks and valleys that play themselves out over the course of two to three hours.
I watched dozens of NCAA basketball tournament games over the last two weeks and although there were several nail biters and buzzer beaters, I'm hard pressed to remember many that kept me on the edge of my seat for 40 minutes of action.
An NFL game that's a snoozer for three and a half quarters could end in a game winning field goal at the gun that instantly makes it a highlight reel candidate.
Just last night I endured watching the Chicago Bulls slop their way to a 20-point deficit in the first three quarters against the 76ers and at times was tempted to change the channel or doze off. But a frenetic Bulls comeback in the last quarter that ultimately fell short grabbed my attention and provided a night's worth of entertainment despite the home team losing.
NASCAR racing isn't any different than any of these examples although it's sometimes held to a different standard.
There's a lot of scrutiny in the sport right now no doubt thanks to the story of television ratings dipping and attendance not of the sell-out variety. So those looking for excuses point to a race - at least most of it - like Fontana as perhaps a reason. Those first 190 trips around the track won't be used in any promotional initiatives to promote the sport.
But on the other hand the big finish certainly will. I've already seen television promos touting Harvick's thriller of a triumph.
That's no different than the buzzer beater or overtime field goal or penalty shot that decides a hockey game getting the spotlight even if the road to any of those exciting endings was a long one.
When Sunday's Auto Club 400 is remembered later this year or seasons from now, only what happened on the way to the checkered flag will stand out.
That's probably all that should matter.
extracted from cbssports.com