The View from Here: The Business of NASCAR

While surfing around the internet for something to write about for this blog entry, I stumbled across an article entitled: “NASCAR needs to look into alternate fuels.”
Being a fan of NASCAR and the loud engines that go along with the sport, I had to read what it was all about. According to Mike Mulhern of the Winston-Salem Journal, NASCAR needs to jump on the “green” bandwagon. Mulhern believes that NASCAR could attract more fans by re-evaluating what runs these cars. He states that “NASCAR can do {more} to appear more in step with the real world.”
However, NASCAR is not the real world. Races are where fans go to watch people battle it out for the checkered flag. Races are where people can race legally at 200 MPH speeds and not get ticketed for going that fast. Mulhern believes that NASCAR could improve its PR and marketing by putting more fuel-efficient cars on the track. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel that NASCAR would lose its die-hard fans if this were to happen.
These cars could be engineered to have more power, but would there still be the glorious roar as the drivers start their engines, or when they pass; would it make the fans cheer for their favorite driver? I, personally, would be terribly bored if the track was quiet with all the hydrogen-cell cars going around the track for three to four hours.
Mulhern also states that maybe NASCAR should use a more fuel-efficient car as the pace car. Aren’t most of the cars now more fuel-efficient than they used to be anyway? Maybe for Dodge, Toyota, Ford or Chevrolet to introduce hydrogen-cell cars to the NASCAR nation, NASCAR should use the manufacturers’ new cars as pace cars, as long as the new car can keep pace with the line of 43 behind it.
I feel NASCAR could do more to keep its fans interested in the sport, like keeping the rules to a minimum or trying to incorporate fans more during races, other than putting more fuel-efficient cars on the track.
But that’s my view from here.
CB

Posted by at 2:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

As some of you who read our blog know, my colleague Mike Pitts and I have been teaching a five-week Honors module on the Business of NASCAR for the past five years. This semester, we started a full-semester class for School of Business majors on this topic as well. As part of their course requirement, all students will write one blog entry to be posted here. We hope you enjoy their comments and insights into the greatest racing series in the U.S.

On another note, it will be interesting to see what fall-out, if any, will occur in NASCAR due to the troubles on Wall Street (and elsewhere). Attendance at New Hampshire looked good on TV yesterday. The race at RIR last week was pretty well attended, given the rain-out on Saturday. However, the Nationwide race attendance was dismal. At least, that’s the view from here. Jon

Posted by at 10:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I remember as a youngster that we had to come up with games to play (especially during summer vacation when it rained). One of those was taking a deck of cards and building a “house of cards”. Of course, the foundation was very strong–often several cards long. But as the “house” was built, tensions mounted. Ultimately, the house collapsed, not because of a weak foundation but because of trembling hands as we added to the levels of the “house”.

I’m struck by how much NASCAR might be experiencing the “trembling of hands”. First, the fall-off of attendance at races. Then, the diminished TV viewership (albeit, better this year–Gas Prices?). Then, the lawsuit brought by a NASCAR official for sexual and racial discrimination and unlawful employment termination. Now, the economy, which has affected so many aspects of NASCAR–attendance at races, gas prices for teams traveling here and there, termination of the Nationwide series race in Mexico City in 2009, loss of sponsors–including auto manufacturers of races at a couple of tracks. And the list goes on. Add to it the debacle at the Brickyard (those in the “know” are still writing about it).

So, is the “trembling hand” perched above NASCAR? Is the “house” about to crumble? Or worse, for NASCAR to lose its ability to say it’s the “second most popular sport” in the Usof A?

I don’t agree with “Chicken-licken”–the sky’s not falling–YET. And that’s the view from here. Jon

Posted by at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

So,what is the public face of NASCAR? Is it the face of the happy American nuclear family? No? How about the faces represented throughout North America? Is it 북아메리카 (that's Korean) or L'Amérique du Nord (French) or even Norteamérica (Spanish)? Perhaps its face is Tex-Mex, Southern, or even Creole. Maybe it is the face of the surfer culture of California or that of the Midwestern farmer or the urbanite deep in the canyons of NYC.

Whatever the face of NASCAR is, it is surely a face that has character and one that has deep value. While the recent lawsuit has yet to show what fruit it will bear one thing is sure -- it can not be taken lightly or NASCAR will slip back into the world of shadowy stereotypes. You know, the stereotype which stunts the acceptance of NASCAR as a 'legitimate sport' and which turns away the 'might-be' fan.

I won't belabor the point here. I hope NASCAR's house is in order. And if not, that it is restored soon.

Because,a good reputation can be fleeting.

"Quella è la vista di qui"

('That's the View From Here' for all you fans of Italian)

Michael

Posted by at 9:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, I finished Mark Yost’s “The 200 MPH Billboard: The Inside Story on How Big Money Changed NASCAR” over the weekend. It was a very good “read” and put me onto several topics that I want to investigate further. Mr. Yost closed his book with an epilogue, “What’s Next for NASCAR?” Some of his observations were off. For example, he suggested that the company taking over the former Busch series could be expected to pay three to four times more than Anheuser-Busch did and we all know that wasn’t the case. Still, he raises some interesting topics.

One that struck me was that he saw NASCAR eventually building the Car of Tomorrow and selling it to the different teams. In that way, NASCAR accomplishes two important objectives: (1) make sure all the cars are the same so that no team has an advantage and (2) make MORE MONEY! NASCAR “owns” a great deal in the sport, including TV rights, merchandising rights for NASCAR merchandise, and even NASCAR Images, which controls photography and film. So, why not own the cars and have rights for building and selling them to teams? Seems like a possibility “down the road”.

And, in case you missed it (and that would be hard to believe), a former black female NASCAR official has filed a $250 million lawsuit for racial and sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, and wrongful termination. If, as they say, “perception is reality,” this will be a major blow to NASCAR’s drive for diversity.

And that’s the view from here.

Jon

Posted by at 3:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Creedence Clearwater Revival would be proud of how well the BIG WHEELS keep on turning (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ProudMary) . Indeed, over the past couple of weeks since I last posted a blog, a lot of wheels have been turning. Some of what’s been happening has been purely racing — take Kasey’s performance the last two weekends. And pity poor Tony for the blown tire with three laps to go last Sunday. And Greg Biffle, second twice to Kasey in races at Charlotte.

But there’s more happening — for example, the retirement of Humpy Wheeler and the promotion of Bruton Smith’s son Marcus as president of Lowe’s Motor Speedway. And, speaking of Bruton Smith — how about the purchase of Kentucky Speedway and his announcement that there will be a Sprint race there in 2009? Still, Brian France noted during a press conference over the weekend that NASCAR would not be scheduling such a race in Kentucky in 2009; indeed, France indicated that there may be a saturation of the market in that area.

And, NASCAR — Brian France specifically—has acknowledged that gas prices are indeed affecting fan attendance. We suggested that when interviewed for USA Today over a month ago. Gas prices didn’t, however, seem to affect attendance at the Indy 500 over the weekend — 300,000 fans in attendance (even if that’s an inflated number, it’s still impressive).

Finally, I have to comment on the All Star Weekend a couple of weeks ago. As I watched the pre-race show, I immediately asked myself the philosophical question: Is NASCAR a sport or a business? I think we all know the answer — and it certainly was loud and clear in Charlotte that weekend.

At least, that the view from here.

Jon

Posted by at 4:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There’s an old saying that there are only two things certain in our lives — death and taxes. Well, in Richmond, there has been a third “certain” — a sellout for Richmond International Raceway NASCAR weekend races. For the past double-digit years, RIR has experienced the pleasure of having a sellout for the Sprint (Nextel/Winston) races for both the May and September races. That sellout has been as certain as “death and taxes”.

Now, however, two days before the Saturday race and RIR has announced that it has yet to sell out — although RIR management is certain it will. Still, rising gas prices and escalating ticket prices — coupled with three-night minimum hotel stays and higher food prices — are having an impact on race attendance. Clearly, it’s cheaper to stay home and watch ESPN or Fox than to venture a couple of hundred miles to drop $1,000 for a three-day weekend.
In fact, in the last ten days USA Today, the Associated Press and the Richmond Times-Dispatch have all featured a story on the impact of the sluggish economy and record-setting gas prices on NASCAR attendance.

I’ll be at the race on Saturday and I’ll do my usual walk-through of the parking lots to identify the origin of the license plates. I’m guessing I’ll see fewer Ohio, New York, New Jersey, and Tennessee plates this year. I’ll let you know. That’s the view from here. Let’s go racin’, boys! Jon

Posted by at 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

USA Today takes a look at the impact of rising fuel costs and the soft economy on NASCAR's bottom line. Dr. Pitts and Dr. Ackley contributed their input for the story.

Posted by at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Other than the welcomed sunshine of Texas, there appear to be three themes
emerging in this young season.

1. Change:

Driver changes and team changes have finally begun -- and in my opinion some
drivers seem to be on the decline (Petty, Sauter) and I really can't say how much
longer survival is guaranteed.
Strangely, the most exciting racing is among the few drivers trying to acquire at
least the 35th rung -- strange because it is somewhat exciting, also strange
because this rule should not live another day.

2. Safety:

Despite other COT issues, real or perceived, Texas showed the positive side of
research -- namely the safer barriers (perhaps time for them to be used on other
walls as well) and the overall COT safety. After all, we just have to ask those who impacted them.

3.Recession:

Not what you are expecting. I'm sure that plans are being bent (to some degree)
by those fans (and near fans) as to race attendance, but I am more curious over
logistics/fuel costs for NASCAR teams as they haul cars, etc. around the country.This
will have a telling marginal effect on the "bottom line"-- of course without more
hard data that effect is hard to calculate; but we know it can't be good. I estimated that to travel to all 36 events is around 56000 miles of driving -- and that is just a 'straight' round trip from Charlotte.

So let's see where these themes take us. Hey,you never know TV viewership may go up.After all, some may be staying home.

-- Michael

Posted by at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The headline on nbc12.com (our local NBC television affiliate) read “Sagging economy could hurt NASCAR ticket sales” (March 28). Even Clay Campbell, president of Martinsville Speedway acknowledged prior to last weekend’s races that the cost of gas plus other economic woes could impact attendance at tracks, especially in light of the fact that many race attendees travel a couple of hundred miles to make a race. Despite the cold weather last Sunday, it was quite evident that Campbell’s assessment rang fairly true, given the sparse attendance. And this in spite of the fairly low ticket prices at M’ville.

Now that TV viewership has improved so far this year, track attendance may indeed take a solid hit — doesn’t cost much to watch from home! And that bodes badly for those tracks where attendance has fallen in the past few years. There are some calling on NASCAR to take a race date from tracks with two race weekends to distribute to other tracks (Las Vegas? Kentucky?) where attendance has been better regardless of the series that is running. I’ve been to M’ville two or three times and it’s one of my favorite tracks. But even driving my compact, gas priced at $3.259 will keep me away. I suspect that many other fans will feel the same way in the next few months.

And that’s the view from here.

Jon

Posted by at 11:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Well, within hours of my writing this, the green flag will fall on the Gatorade Duels, marking the true beginning of the Greatest Race week. We finish with our four remaining NASCAR wishes for 2008. For wishes 10 through 8, see here. For wishes 7 through 5, see here.

Wish #4: Toyota wins. Many will hate that but many, especially in NASCAR, will love it. Why? Because it adds to the fans’ interest in the sport, to the possibility of increasing TV audiences who want to see history made, and simply because NASCAR needs something other than “Dale Jr.” to save its season. If Mikey can pull off something on Sunday, what a turn-around. If hippie-looking Tony wins, he redeems himself for the “fat punch.” Gotta love it!

Wish #3: A New Venue. NASCAR’s efforts the past four to five years shows that it still has intentions of becoming a true national sport, entering all “lucrative” markets. But will a track in Denver be the answer — given the competition with baseball, basketball, and football? Even Seattle doesn’t look promising. So where? Don’t be fooled — NASCAR’s investigating other possibilities. When it didn’t get into New York, it had Seattle and Denver in the wings!

Wish #2: Less boring races. Given last Saturday’s Shoot-out, we may just see more exciting races, even on restrictor-plate tracks. We’ll know much more after today and Sunday, that’s for sure. And, there will probably be far fewer references to the COT — just what NASCAR would like. Suggestion: DW — tone it down; we’re fans. You don’t need to sell us!!!

Wish #1: Danica sees the light. You want new faces, diversity, controversy (see last year’s ending Indy race), and someone who takes away Kasey’s sex appeal. Besides, despite what NASCAR says, it’s still a man’s sport inside the track. If the open-wheelers have the success that some are predicting, and Indy doesn’t hold onto its own drivers, Danica’s move over — especially if she wins an Indy race this year — isn’t certain but can’t be counted out.

Posted by at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Continuing the examination of our “NASCAR’s Wish List for 2008, we explain wishes 5 through 7, keeping in mind the “business” emphasis of the wishes. (Details on 8-10 are here.)

#7: Everyone loves the COT: The Car of Tomorrow is certainly now the Car of Today, at least in the Sprint Cup series. Tests at various locations last week showed that times were fairly comparable to those of the former cars. Most drivers had kind words for the COT as well. If success and happy drivers come out of Daytona, NASCAR’s efforts to create a safer car while minimizing team costs will be an overwhelming success. The fear of IROC style racing will be dissipated, and the fans can turn their attention back to racing and not controversy. It’s a win-win-win for NASCAR, teams and fans.

#6: One of the open-wheel drivers – preferably Montoya – makes the Chase: What better way to show the world that NASCAR racing is truly the best racing than to have an open-wheeler make the Chase. The new arrivals are adding to the diversity of the sport (at least “international diversity”) and can only help to entice open wheel fans to the NASCAR scene. That translates to fuller grandstands and larger TV audiences. And that makes NASCAR happy.

#5: An end to bickering over the 35 rule: We all know the 35 rule was instituted to ensure that major sponsors — doling out lots of change from their pockets — would have representation each week of racing. Despite the many calls — and there have been many calls from a variety of sectors — NASCAR isn’t about the scrap the rule. It’s still about the business of NASCAR, and ensuring happy sponsors is a primary goal. So, let’s get over it and go back to racing.

Remaining four wishes next week.

Can’t wait for Saturday—it’s been a long winter!

Jon

Posted by at 8:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A couple of weeks ago we posted our first blog entry for this racing season with NASCAR’s Wish List for 2008. We want to take this opportunity to expand on various wishes in order to explain why we “hypothesized” the way we did. Keep in mind that the “wishes” are based more on the business side of NASCAR than the racing side.

Here are three wishes.

#10: No “three-peat”. Las Vegas bookmakers give #48 a 4 to 1 chance of three-peating as Sprint Cup champion. It’s only been done once. We think NASCAR would like to see a close championship but with a new face (or even familiar face) in order to stimulate greater fan interest in the Race for the Chase as well as the Chase itself. An analogy would be the Chicago Bulls, UCLA under Wooden and even the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fans of those teams loved their dynasties but others were turned off by their repeated success.

#9: #88 makes the Chase. He’s been the most popular driver the last several years but has had his ups and downs. What better way to stimulate fan interest than to have Dale Jr. make the Chase — or even better, to win it all? Given all the off-season hype about Jr. winning races and making the Chase, fans would be sorely disappointed if after Richmond in September, he’s down in 14th or 15th place.

#8: TV ratings and track attendance improve. Of course, NASCAR wants these to happen but not simply to point to the sport’s popularity. Rather, sponsors and TV network exec’s would be thrilled at the possibility of greater exposure — and that’s why they pay big bucks for television contracts and bright logos on the race cars.

Stay tuned for further elucidation.

Jon

Posted by at 1:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Well, the end of semester is about here so professors are doing what comes naturally—assigning grades. Since I’m in the grading mood, I thought I’d reflect on NASCAR’s “semester” and determine what grade I’d assign. As with all courses I teach, several different elements are assigned grades, after which an overall grade is determined. So that’s the approach I’ll use here.

Races: For the most part, too long, too many different starting times, and too much announcer hype — before and during — the race; unexplained cautions early in the season for “debris on the track”. Grade: C-

Announcers: Early season announcing seemed to be more centered on racing and less on hype. End of season announcing, especially as the Chase was ending, too much hype about “anyone can still win this” when we all knew it was a two-driver Chase. Grade: B-

Driver Performances: Montoya’s win at Infineon, Truex’s win at Dover, Mears' win at Lowe’s, and Bowyer’s win at New Hampshire—firsts for all; last-minute entries of other open-wheel drivers to stimulate interest; Michael Waltrip’s pole effort near the end of the season after devastating season; and Harvick’s win by two feet at Daytona: Grade: A

Driver Performances, Part 2: Drivers consistently “sitting back” to avoid “the big one”, Hendrick’s dominance with 18 wins, and Jr. unable to win a race all lead to less than dynamic racing. Grade: C

Car of Tomorrow and Toyota’s Debut: Just too soon to tell. Grade: B-

Business Dealings: Nationwide and Coors coming on board next season replacing A-B, Bruton threatening to move Lowe’s, continuing lawsuits — settled and unsettled, television viewership and fan attendance down again, New Hampshire being bought with possible race date shift, and ISC’s inability to build a track anywhere it looked. Grade: C-

So, time to fill out the grade reporting form: Overall, 2007 rates a “C+”. NASCAR needs to study a little harder next year!

Posted by at 2:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

So what do Major League Baseball and NASCAR have in common?

They both will probably have the same nightmare. What’s that nightmare? Think about how much trouble the MLB head office went to ensure that the World Series games would not be (1) during the day on a weekday and (2) not up against football at night. So what happens? First, Colorado sweeps the National League pennant. Bosox saves the day by clawing out of a 3-1 deficit to win the American pennant.

Then the NIGHTMARE—a Bosox sweep in four!

So, let’s now look at the situation in NASCAR. The New York front office increased the number of drivers in the Chase (and Jr. still didn’t make it), hyped the change in the points system to reward race winners, and kept talking about how the top five drivers in the Chase are all capable of winning the championship even as late as the Martinsville race. Three weeks ago I wrote that after Martinsville, the Chase would be down to two drivers — no one even flinched. Well, we now have exactly that — Teflon I and Teflon II.

Who even cares now that we know that Hendrick will once again carry home the trophy — just which of the Teflon men will it be? Do Tony’s fans care? Matt’s? Denny’s? Hardly!

Yes, gentlemen (and ladies): we have a repeat of the MLB Nightmare — except now it’s NASCAR’s turn. As Mike said, “twice of one or half of the other”! Better leave the lights on so as not to fall asleep.

Jon

Posted by at 2:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

A couple of months ago I highlighted a new book, "Silent Speedways of the Carolinas," by Perry Allen Wood. I’m currently reading it while on sundry vacation trips. What has caught my attention — and that was early on in the book — was how much the many, many people involved in the early “strictly stock” racing were so committed to the sport for the sport’s sake.

Now when I pick up a newspaper or open NASCAR.com, I’m immediately inundated with news of “the BUSINESS of NASCAR”.

Consider the recent Busch mergers of Hendrick and JR Motorsports and Childress and Harvick. On one of the NASCAR-themed TV shows this past Monday, a discussion was held on the possible sponsorship of Jr. by Pepsico — to the tune of a possible $30 million deal.

We also are reading about Yates teaming with the open-wheel organization of Newman/Haas/Lanigan. And don’t overlook the DEI/Ginn deal, preceded by Jack-in-the-Hat and Fenway. There’s also talk of Evernham getting together with someone with $$$.

I’m beginning to believe that NASCAR may be making the same mistake as F1, becoming the “champagne racing league” instead of remembering its “down-home” roots. My colleague Mike has lamented on several occasions that NASCAR may become a league of five-six multiple teams, despite NASCAR’s limiting to four the number of teams held by an owner.

If you’re interested, look up who has won races the past three years — I think there’s just one winner from a one-car team (I’m writing this while at the beach so I don’t have the statistics in front of me — I’ll publish them another time). So the BUSINESS of NASCAR is alive (and well?).

What do you think — too much BUSINESS and not enough racing?

Is that a good thing?

Jon

Posted by at 9:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I had the opportunity to attend the Indy Car race at Richmond International the weekend before July 4. It had some interesting moments, especially with the sky divers arriving just before the race. Still, 241 of the 250 laps were led by the same race driver. And basically, the race was a run-away for him. At least Danica had a good evening, finishing sixth.

This past Saturday I tuned into the Pepsi 400 from Daytona. I liked the new screen format but was a little distracted by the pop-up ads, especially since the audio of the race was muted. But what impressed me the most was the quality of the racing, the lead changes and most certainly the dramatic finish. I sat back and mentally compared these two races: 19 Indy cars, 43 Nextel cars; 250 laps (3/4 mile track results in 187.5 miles versus 200 laps (2.5 mile track results in 400 miles); around 160 mph for the Indy cars and around 185 mph for the Nextel cars; virtually no lead changes in the Indy race with 27 lead changes in the Pepsi 400 race.

For me, I’ll take close wheel driving versus open wheel any weekend. If you watch both types of races, it’s not difficult to see why NASCAR racing is TV’s number 2 sporting event.

Hope you see it my way as well.

Jon

Posted by at 11:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I hate to be a “Chicken Licken” but maybe the sky in NASCAR Country is indeed falling. Consider the following:

The resistance by the public and government officials in New York and Washington results in ISC dropping its quest to build tracks there.

The request by AT&T for an injunction against NASCAR so that the AT&T logo can appear on #31.

The continuing lawsuit by Kentucky Speedway against NASCAR and ISC in order to be given a race date.

Continuing falling television ratings — viewership for Martinsville was down nearly 4 percent from last year (which also wasn’t a stellar ratings season).

Seats still not sold out at various venues (even Richmond International Raceway is advertising tickets for sale for the Nextel Cup race in May).

Disgruntled Nextel drivers dealing with the CoRN (Car of Right Now, as some have begun calling it).

Hardcore fans lamenting the fact that NASCAR seems to be opting for more and more $$$$ at the expense of good racing.

As my colleague Mike would say, it sure would be more fun to have Jocko Flocko back in the race. That would take our minds off looking up at the sky to check on what’s dropping next.

Jon

Posted by at 2:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Let’s pretend we’re a manufacturer of widgets (School of Business lingo for generic products) that are purchased by the government. The government, however, has decided to grandfather in 35 of its last year’s suppliers of these widgets and any other manufacturer must meet certain minimum specifications on its widgets before the government will purchase them.

Even if our widgets exceed the minimum specifications, the government might not purchase them because the other manufacturers who are also not grandfathered into the agreement have also exceeded the minimum specifications. Even if any of the 35 suppliers that were previously grandfathered in as guaranteed suppliers meet only the minimum specifications and are bypassed by any of the other non-guaranteed suppliers, the 35 still have their products purchased.

Eventually, the stockholders of our company see the “handwriting on the wall” and sell their shares in our company and buy into the 35 companies that are guaranteed to have their widgets purchased, thereby making those companies even more successful because of the increased capital.

Is the government’s policy really fair for all? Why grandfather 35? Why not grandfather only, let’s say, 12? Now, substitute the following in the appropriate places: NASCAR, Nextel teams, qualifying times, sponsors. Get the picture?

Jon

Posted by at 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Prior to the Daytona 500, and then again heading into the California race this past week, several media reporters suggested that NASCAR (and Brian France) had its head in the sand by stating that NASCAR’s off year in 2006 was a glitch.

Well, let’s look at what’s happened so far. Daytona’s TV viewership was down from last year (10.1 rating in ’07 vs. 11.3 rating in ’06) but was still one of the top five ratings in the race's history.

Again there was no sell-out in the stands for last week’s California race — NASCAR estimated the crowd at 87,000 while California can seat 92,000 plus the suites and 2,000 RV spots (sixth race in a row that was not a sell-out) — but California officials are pleased with the crowd size, especially given the weather on Sunday.

Nielsen reports that TV ratings for California were tied with last year’s ratings (6.2 rating) but lower than 2005.

So where does that leave NASCAR? Too soon to tell but Las Vegas might be a better barometer of NASCAR’s performance.

Here’s a thought to ponder: My colleague Mike suggested that NASCAR consider moving one race each year to a track that no longer has a Nextel race — rotating once every three to four years as needed. Might spark some new interest, especially in those areas that have lost their race(s) to other tracks.
— Jon

Posted by at 10:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Top 10 Fearless (but not ones we are betting any cash on ) Predictions for 2007:

10. Staten Island - DOA; Hello, Seattle!

9. The rising cost of attending a race drives fans away.

8. Introduction of Toyota--what will be the reaction, one like Jack Roush or more like Brian France? (We know, we know, it is more of a question than a prediction)

7. New demographics-- Montoya's entree into Nextel and Busch's points race in Canada lead to new viewers

6. COT confuses fans who don’t want IROC-style racing.

5. JPM finishes well and two more F1/INDY drivers follow.

4. New Busch Series Sponsor -- big deal or non-story, and will there be a "target" on the new sponsor?

3. The fines just keep on a coming

2. Toyota wins by seventh race. (Ensuing controversy good for solving item # 9).

1. No one can replace Benny.

Big stories of the Week:
"Just in time for Valentines...The Candymen deliver"

1. David and Lazarus are appropriate monikers for the front row holders of this year's Daytona 500. By providing Yates Racing and Masterfoods, Inc., the front row for this Sunday's classic, perhaps the folks at Snickers can place into their rearview mirror their strange Super Bowl commercial.

2. The only question left to be answered is the "water into wine" miracle for Michael Waltrip (perhaps we should say "mystery liquid into 'oil' "). Hey Matt, that should show you that a few misplaced holes are not that exciting.

3. On the other front we are guaranteed that for the first time since 1963 -- when Smokey Cook ran an MG (yes, you read that correctly) at Bowman-Gray stadium in a 200 lap event won by Junior Johnson -- a foreign entry will run in a NASCAR points race. Wonder what took them so long?

4. James Hylton age 72 looking relaxed and ... well, need we say more ?

5. New life for Chip Gnassi !

Overall: Score a -3 for the Toyotas and a +1 for candy.

--- Jon and Mike

Posted by at 9:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)