Talladega Superspeedway has been known as a lot of things during its long and storied history.
For years it was billed as "The World's Fastest Speedway," and later became "NASCAR's Most Competitive Track."
It has provided unparalleled drama with its three and sometimes four-wide racing and has often served as a game changer in points battles.
The one thing it was never designed to be was boring. But ever since NASCAR officials decided they had to constantly tinker with rules, they've tinkered Talladega almost to death.
It started in the fall of 2009 when drivers were told there would be no bump-drafting in corners.
This led to a 500-mile parade lap, and one of the worst races the track had ever staged.
And last year it was the two-car tandems that ruined 'Dega. This style of competition might set the stage for a fine finish, but people are paying to see the whole show, aren't they?
Fortunately, NASCAR officials might be on the verge of making things right at the 2.66-mile track.
When the Chase heads to Talladega later this month, rules are in place that could bring back memories of the Talladega of old.
As one of two restrictor plate races in the series, changes to the plate usually mean more horsepower will be choked. This time, however, the size of the plates will be 1/64 inches larger, making them 57/64 inch in diameter.
Instead of slowing the machines down, it will actually provide a 7 to 10 horsepower boost.
There seems to be little question that during the course of the event packs of cars will exceed the 200-mph barrier.
Also, the relief valve on the cooling systems will be designed to reduce pressure by roughly eight pounds per square inch -- a change that would punish two-car tandems because it would increase the risk of overheating when vehicles hook up.
They'll still have to do it of course -- they just won't be able to do it all day.
In a perfect race world, there will be much more side-by-side racing and even a return to the slicing and dicing strategy of years past.
"After the last few superspeedway races, we've heard many drivers express their desire to open up the size of the restrictor plate some and we thought the time was right to do that," NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said. "We anticipate these revisions in the rules package for Talladega will help continue to provide competitive and exciting racing for the fans."
Five-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson mostly likes the changes, but isn't convinced they're a cure-all.
"It's a step to make us pass more," Johnson said. "I don't think we're going to be able to stay connected as long. Any time you put a bigger plate on the cars, it allows for a larger closing rate with more opportunities to pass with more power. With that said, I don't think the changes are large enough to have us not push."
Talladega racing is supposed to be the most exciting on the circuit.
Let's hope the changes implemented by Pemberton and company help make it so on Oct. 23.
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