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From my perspective, it all started with the World of Outlaws. The track operator/local promoter paid a sanctioning fee to present "the Greatest Show on Dirt" to his audience, and if one of those stars had a mishap, we were going to wait for him to try to fix it and get him back on the track. After all, that's what the people paid to see. Thus the advent of the "war wagon" with all the spare and standardized parts. It was NEVER a part of a weekly show. You had a problem, you went to the trailer.
Now, you see it everywhere, because the Outlaws did it. I understand the need to make sure the fans get to see the premier drivers, but it is unfair to the competitors who's cars aren't so lightweight that every little bump knocks down a tire, or bends a wheel. Reliability should also be a factor in racing. Otherwise, let's have competition reds at every race to make sure everyone is ready for a green/white/checkered finish (something else I hate...)
And yes, that "two minute" work area clock runs pretty fast when it's "Local Joe", but when it's "Traveling Superstar", the clock never seems to start...
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