Motorsports FanHouse

Sponsorship Woes Shelve Labonte

FanHouse Newswire — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Bobby Labonte, Yates Racing, NASCAR Sponsors, Sprint Cup

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Former NASCAR champion Bobby Labonte won't race this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway, his best track, because of sponsorship issues at Yates Racing.

The team had seven races to sell this season for the No. 96 Ford, and the sponsorship it secured wanted Erik Darnell in the car. The 26-year-old will make his Sprint Cup Series debut at Atlanta, where Labonte has six career victories.

"This is not about Bobby; it's about making sure we have funding for these races,'' Yates co-owner Max Jones said Monday. "If it was about Bobby, I would have just put Erik in the car for the rest of the year. That was hard to convey to Bobby.

"But we have this opportunity to get Erik some races, and that's the business part of this sport. It's challenging.''

Academy Sports & Outdoors will sponsor Darnell for three races, at Atlanta, Talladega and Texas. Northern Tool + Equipment, who sponsored him last season in the Truck Series, will be on the car at New Hampshire and Kansas.

Sponsorship for the other two races Darnell is slated to run was not announced.

Jones said Labonte did not take the decision well.

"I wouldn't have either if I was him,'' Jones said. "He's a class act, he's a professional. I had to explain my side, why I was doing it, and he wasn't happy about it. But he understood, and I respect that.''

Labonte, the 2000 series champion, left Petty Enterprises last season because he was unsure of its long-term stability. He put together a late deal with Hall of Fame Racing, the team owned by San Diego Padres owner Jeff Moorad and president Tom Garfinkel.

Garfinkel and Moorad were able to land a sponsorship deal with Ask.com, one of the only new companies to enter NASCAR since last fall's economic collapse, and then partnered with Yates Racing for equipment and technical support. The Ask.com deal is a one-year deal and covered only 29 of the 36 races.

Jones worked hard to fill the car, but ultimately was able to sell the potential in Darnell over the history of Labonte.

Labonte, who is 45, is in the midst of his sixth winless season. He's 30th in the standings with one top-10 finish this season. Teammate Paul Menard is 32nd in the points with no top-10 finishes. He has full sponsorship from his family's Midwest-based hardware chain.

The team also fielded a car for Travis Kvapil for four races but stopped when no sponsorship was found.

Labonte will return to the car at Richmond, Dover, Fontana, Charlotte and Martinsville.

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=512173&pid=512172&uts=1251978295

http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf

Latest NASCAR Photos

MONTREAL, QC - AUGUST 29: Carl Edwards, driver of the #60 CitiFinancial Ford celebrates by performing a backflip after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Napa Auto Parts 200 on August 29, 2009 at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Carl Edwards

Getty Images

Getty Images North America

Latest NASCAR Images

American Sprint Car Series driver Jessica Zemken works on her car with NASCAR driver Tony Stewart after qualifying for an auto race in Dundee, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/ Charles Berch)

** HAmerican Sprint Car Series driver Jessica Zemken talks with NASCAR driver Tony Stewart before qualifying for a Sprint car auto race in Dundee, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/ Charles Berch)

American Sprint Car Series driver Jessica Zemken is push started by NASCAR driver Tony Stewart during qualifying for an auto race in Dundee, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Berch)

Hendrick Motorsports engineer Richie Parker, center, stands in the inspection line with the crew from Brad Keselowski before the NASCAR Carfax 400 Sprint Cup Series auto race at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich., Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. Richie Parker was born without arms, but that didn't stop him from working his way through college at Clemson _ then combining the engineering degree he earned with his boyhood love of cars to go to work for Hendrick Motorsports, NASCAR's equivalent to the New York Yankees. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Hendrick Motorsports engineer Richie Parker, right, stands in the inspection line with the crew from Brad Keselowski before the NASCAR Carfax 400 Sprint Cup Series auto race at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich., Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. Richie Parker was born without arms, but that didn't stop him from working his way through college at Clemson _ then combining the engineering degree he earned with his boyhood love of cars to go to work for Hendrick Motorsports, NASCAR's equivalent to the New York Yankees. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Hendrick Motorsports engineer Richie Parker, center, talks to a Tony Stewart crew member as they wait in the inspection line with the crew from Brad Keselowski before the NASCAR Carfax 400 Sprint Cup Series auto race at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich., Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. Richie Parker was born without arms, but that didn't stop him from working his way through college at Clemson _ then combining the engineering degree he earned with his boyhood love of cars to go to work for Hendrick Motorsports, NASCAR's equivalent to the New York Yankees. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

St. Louis Cardinals' Albert Pujols exchanges comments with NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace seated above the Cardinals' dugout during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, on Tuesday, September 1, 2009. (Chris Lee/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT)

MCT

NASCAR Nationwide driver Brad Keselowski smiles before the morning practice session in Montreal , Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009. Keselowski signed with Penske Racing on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009, to drive in both the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series next season. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ryan Remiorz)

FILE -- This is a July 2, 2009, file photo showing Bobby Labonte climbing into his car during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Coke Zero 400 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Yates Racing is taking Bobby Labonte out of its No. 96 car for seven upcoming races because of sponsorship issues.(AP Photo/John Raoux, File)

A member of the NYFD signs the hood of the NASCAR racecar custom-designed to commemorate 9/11 during a marketing event Monday, Aug. 31, 2009 in New York. Driver Benny Gordon and North South Motorsports will race the car to commemorate 9/11 on September 11, 2009 at the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Richmond International Raceway. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

"This is a move that will be beneficial to Yates Racing surviving this difficult economic time,'' he said in a statement. ``Of course, I'm disappointed that the sponsorship environment is so challenging right now, but I intend to make the most out of the remaining races that I'm behind the wheel.''

Yates Racing is the sister team to powerhouse Roush Fenway Racing, and Jones said he doesn't expect Hall of Fame to be back under the umbrella in 2010. So he's had to approach future planning with a long-range view, which could include Darnell.

Stuck in the RFR development program because sponsorship issues and lack of available seats have slowed his progression, Jones said Darnell has earned this opportunity. He finished fourth in last year's Truck series, where he has two career wins.

He's raced in just 10 of 25 Nationwide Series races this season, but has five top-10 finishes.

Jones worked at Roush Fenway when Darnell won a seat in its development program.

"He deserves this opportunity. He's a really talented race car driver,'' Jones said. "It's taken a lot of guys a long time to move up because of the funding issues, and the opportunities aren't there anymore. Five or six or eight years ago, you could jump from Trucks to Cup.

"Then everything came to a screeching halt a few years ago.''

Although Labonte has not been ruled out for a Yates ride in 2010, Jones said Darnell is in the mix, as is current Roush driver Jamie McMurray.

McMurray is in the final year of his contract with RFR, which must cut down from five to four cars at the end of this season. The organization would like to keep McMurray by moving him to the Yates side of the team but lacks the funding to offer him a contract.

"We still have that opportunity out there to keep Jamie, but we have to find something and right now he's exploring his options,'' Jones said. "We'd love him to be here. We'd love to be a three- or four-car team, but you have to find someone to pay for it.''

By JENNA FRYER, AP Sports Writer

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Sponsorship Woes Shelve Labonte originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Drivers Under Pressure to Cash In

Holly Cain — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Joe Nemechek, Daytona Int'l Speedway, NASCAR Sponsors

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Joe Nemechek (above) is renting a race crew for his pit stops and driving a hand-me down Toyota with no corporate logo on its hood with only the No. 87 on its doors.

A year ago the 45-year-old veteran was starting on the front row of the Gatorade Duel qualifying race at Daytona International Speedway, a shoe-in for the Daytona 500.

In Thursday's qualifying race, he's desperately competing for one of the four remaining starting spots in Sunday's Daytona 500 and he's doing it with a five-person team using equipment he got only three weeks ago.

But last place in NASCAR's Big Show paid $256,735 last year and that translates into tires and a new engine for Nemechek -- the lifeline to the next race for a driver who once drove for the famed Hendrick Motorsports team and is now trying to go it on his own.

"We've had fans send us a $100 check here, a $2,000 check. ... it's been crazy what's happening,'' said Nemechek, a four-time Sprint Cup winner.

"Fans are really wanting me to do well. And in this day and time, it means a lot. They like the underdog.''

And it's a crowded kennel this week.

A half dozen start-up teams with no sponsorship are vying for a spot in the Daytona 500. Several are like Nemechek, trying it out as an owner/driver. And their fate is tied to the two 150-mile qualifying races, which are typically unpredictable and high-action. It's a tenuous entry, but it could make all the difference to someone like Nemechek who has sponsor interest, but nothing on the dotted line.

Times are tough for the big teams, so imagine what it's like for these organizations.

Latest NASCAR Photos

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 07: David Ragan, driver of the #6 UPS Ford, spins into a gravel pit during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 7, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** David Ragan

Getty Images for NASCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 07: A view of cars racing during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 7, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Getty Images for NASCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 National Guard Chevrolet, races Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M's Toyota, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 7, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Dale Earnhardt Jr.;Kyle Busch

Getty Images for NASCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Crew members work on the #82 Red Bull Toyota, driven by Scott Speed, in the garage are during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 7, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Scott Speed

Getty Images for NASCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Crew members work on the #18 M&M's Toyota, driven by Kyle Busch, on pit road during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 7, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Kyle Busch

Getty Images for NASCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Crew members work on the #29 Shell/Pennzoil Chevrolet, driven by Kevin Harvick, on pit road during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 7, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Kevin Harvick

Getty Images for NASCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M's Toyota, sits in his car on the grid prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 7, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Kyle Busch

Getty Images for NASCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Brian Vickers, driver of the #83 Red Bull Toyota, sits in his car on the grid prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 7, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Brian Vickers

Getty Images for NASCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Denny Hamlin (R), driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, talks with his crew chief Mike Ford on the grid prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 7, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Mike Ford;Denny Hamlin

Getty Images for NASCAR

NASCAR driver David Ragan talks with reporters as he leaves the infield care center after he was involved in an accident during the NASCAR Budweiser Shootout auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009.(AP Photo/John Raoux)

"If they are able to get into the Daytona 500, that is a huge accomplishment for any race team, especially somebody who is underfunded or under-personnelled (sic)," said Clint Bowyer, who is driving for Richard Childress Racing. "If they can accomplish that, and there is a big group of them this year, not just one or two. ... whoever is in the show on Sunday, I think it is going to be awesome.

"I think there are a lot of teams that are going under right now and there is room for this sport to have some new ones. If some of those guys can make the Daytona 500, prove to a sponsor that they can make these races and be competitive, they might be in business.''

Nemechek has two top-10 finishes in the last six Daytona 500s, won a pole for the summer race here and boasts two wins in the Nationwide Series at the track. But none would mean more than making it on his own.

"It's always an uphill battle,'' Nemechek said. "But I'm having fun right now. We've gotten such great response from being here. Everyone in the garage seems to be happy we're here and real helpful. I've been trying to get all the favors I can to get this program going.

"People appreciate a good effort and we're swinging for the fences.''

Drivers Under Pressure to Cash In originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:29:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

NASCAR's Elite Feeling Economic Pinch

Holly Cain — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:15:00 EST

Filed under: Daytona Int'l Speedway, NASCAR Fans, NASCAR Sponsors

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- I went to the race track Thursday and an economic forum broke out. NASCAR Chairman Brian France addressed reporters during the annual season-opening Media Day at Daytona International Speedway and reiterated his concern that his sport be "sensitive'' to the tough economic times.

Drivers were talking about testing restrictions, marketing cutbacks, team layoffs and the future of Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge and Toyota - before getting to the usual nuts and bolts of championship favorites and drafting Daytona -- site of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 15.

Greg Biffle considered the plausibility of racing hybrid cars one day (good idea, but no time soon).

And four-time Cup champ Jeff Gordon shared that he'd been flying commercial when practical instead of using his private jet - joking he may need to borrow his dad's frequent flyer miles for the upgrades.

Gordon paid $69 for a one-way ticket from New York City to Charlotte last month, the day before the same U.S. Air flight ended in the Hudson River.

"I was like, I'm flying commercial more often," Gordon said. "They just landed in the Hudson and everyone walked off. That's impressive."

Unlike Gordon, France didn't offer up a lot of specifics. He's NASCAR's big picture guy trying to manage the family business that is literally fueled by the country's biggest economic worries - automobile manufacturers, corporate support and consumer (fan) spending.

"Our business models are changing, that's what's happening," said France, who took the helm of the sanctioning body from his father Bill France Jr. in 2003.

"We will try to earn everybody's business. ... but we'll have to adjust to what the economy gives us."

That's meant slashing the price of some Daytona 500 tickets in half and offering cheap hot dogs and free parking. Still, NASCAR's version of the Super Bowl isn't a sellout yet and races that come later on the schedule in places like Las Vegas and Los Angeles may be harder sells. NASCAR is a tough draw in those venues anyway, so this year's races will be important tests. And the drivers know it too.

When's the last time a sport's biggest stars voluntarily offered to take a pay cut or forgo a luxury Lear jet in the name of doing "the right thing."

Americans won't have the same kind disposable income to spend on sports fixes. Groceries or a Laker game? Doctor bills or Spring Training? Think Kobe Bryant or Alex Rodriquez feel the pain? These NASCAR guys get it and that's what has always separated them from other pro athletes. Yes, they own private jets, huge homes and big boats - but most of them came from the same kind of modest roots as their fans.

They know that NASCAR's gold rush is still fresh and tenuous -- even 10 years ago it was a different, more humble existence around here. No need for a national media day.

"We've all gotten pretty spoiled over the last several years and with good reason," Gordon said. "The whole sport has grown and you know I've been successful and my salary has been incredible - something I never dreamed it would be.

"But you know, that doesn't mean I couldn't live with less. I could. I'll do whatever it takes. It's tough when you get adjusted to a certain income and lifestyle it isn't an easy thing to do, but it doesn't mean it can't be done."

"Everyone's trying.''

NASCAR's Elite Feeling Economic Pinch originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Stories for '09: Dealing With the Economy

Holly Cain — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: NASCAR Sponsors

Here's what everyone will be talking about as the NASCAR haulers roll into Daytona International Speedway next month for the start of one the most unpredictable seasons in recent memory.

No sport is more intrinsically affected by the economic slowdown than auto racing and, specifically, NASCAR. Corporate America is more cautious with the sponsorship money it had been throwing NASCAR's way for years and the average fan has to really consider if he and his family can afford a race weekend.

More than 1,000 people have lost jobs with NASCAR race teams and it's affected every team from the Mighty Hendrick organization to the little-engine-that-could Furniture Row Racing team.

America's struggling car manufacturers Dodge, General Motors and Ford are the lifeline of the sport and when things are rough for them.

But it's not time to panic yet.

Yes, all three makes - and even Toyota - are scaling back their cash commitments, but the effects on the sport will be more subtle.

They are re-thinking their title sponsorship at race tracks, spending less on marketing and promotion and doling out less cash to supplement their technology and parts.

There was a time, not so very long ago, when NASCAR operated without much factory support at all and the teams adopted and innovated. And the racing was still competitive. The sport's evolution has changed that game. And the current economic crisis has changed it again.

Time to adapt and innovate.

The product -- the racing -- won't suddenly be bad just because Dodge is spending 30 percent less on the sport or Ford is cutting its budget.

For the average fan, the cutbacks mean you won't see Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Chevrolet show car in front of 20 grocery stores in every town the circuit visits. And maybe those full page congratulatory post-race ads in USA Today run half size now (manufacturers still have to get the winning the word out - that's the whole point of participation).

There have been the easy, to-be-expected news reports of people out-raged over Ford, GM and Dodge spending taxpayer's bail-out money in NASCAR. But this sport is exactly how you energize potential customers and develop and show off technology. This is where the bailing out can begin.

All three makes - and Toyota too - will tell you that the NASCAR customer base is the most loyal and obvious way to go.

Want to start selling cars and trucks again? Billy Bob sitting in the backstretch grandstands is your man.

"The last thing that you'll see any of them (car manufacturers) reduce is cars on the race track,'' said Toyota Racing Development President Lee White.

"That is what it takes to gain the hearts and minds of the consumer and the hearts and minds of the fans.''

Stories for '09: Dealing With the Economy originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Sponsors, New Team Shine Light on NASCAR

Geoffrey Miller — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Dave Blaney, NASCAR Sponsors, Sprint Cup

Finally, the NASCAR world is feeling a little bit of good news amidst a backdrop of nothing but bad for both the sport's and the rest of a world's business climate.

Earlier this week, Tommy Baldwin, Jr. -- the Daytona 500-winning crew chief from 2002 with Bill Davis Racing's Ward Burton -- announced he was putting plans in place to field a new race single-car race team for the 2008 season starting with next month's Daytona 500.

The team, Tommy Baldwin Racing, said in its PR that "With tough economic times upon us, the timing for starting this team is right. Our overhead is low and we have a great group of talented mechanics and specialists to choose from. We can offer sponsors the chance to get into Sprint Cup racing at a fraction of the costs [...]."

It sure seems odd that "tough economic times" and "timing [...] is right" go together, but there's a vast amount of resources available in the Sprint Cup market place in terms of mechanics and other crew members who have been laid off, in addition to teams that are probably selling off inventory to gain back some capital.

With the right amount of sponsors and a little bit of help from Toyota, this team could be an interesting low-budget venture. Jayski says the driver could be Dave Blaney from the unsponsored No. 22 BDR team.

Additionally, JR Motorsports, General Motors and Dodge all had a small bit of good news this week.

JR Motorsports, looking to field a Nationwide Series team for the talented Brad Keselowski after the loss of the U.S. Navy sponsorship in 2008, announced this week that GoDaddy.com will pick up the slack for the sponsorship. Keselowski will also run seven Sprint Cup races with the sponsor in 2009.

Also, GM, facing a few problems with the auto industry, announced that they'll continue their sponsorship at Daytona while Dodge indicated that while a 30 percent reduction in their NASCAR budget will reduce some sponsorships and promo displays, they won't be cutting research and development for their teams -- hoping that the lower number of teams in the camp will increase results.

Dodge failed to score a team in the 2008 Chase.

The outlook isn't exactly bright for NASCAR at the moment, but any bit of good news is surely welcome.

Sponsors, New Team Shine Light on NASCAR originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Earnhardt Jr. Sees Value in Shorter Schedule

Geoffrey Miller — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Sponsors, Sprint Cup

Earlier this week, we talked about the possibility of big job losses in the NASCAR industry after the season-finale weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway in November.

Sponsorship is obviously the lifeblood of the expensive sport, and without it, it's tough for teams to pay the bills. Naturally, NASCAR's most popular driver chimed in on the future of sport Friday at Texas Motor Speedway -- site of Sunday's Dickies 500.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., who will be laying off some employees from his JR Motorsports operation thanks to a lack of sponsorship for 2008, feels that shoring up the season might be the best answer, cost-wise and entertainment-wise.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. knows there's too much money to be made in Sprint Cup racing for it to happen, but he believes a shorter schedule would actually help stock car racing.

"What's happened is we have saturated the market with race after race after race," Earnhardt Jr. said. "The NFL does such a great job. ...It gives you just enough to keep you wanting more. The season ends before you want it to. You just get just enough to get excited and then it's all over and there's such a long wait. The model works."

Earnhardt Jr. said NASCAR is more like other sports with longer seasons.

"There are lulls and inactivity between the fan and the sport itself at times," he said. "There's no way to fix that. We're driven by the ability to go make another dollar and make more money, and there's no way we would ever trim it down.

I'm certainly having a tough time faulting Earnhardt Jr.'s logic in this situation.

38 weekends a year, plus the Daytona 500 qualifying races leaves NASCAR fans with a total of 14 weekends that they don't get a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Throw in a few race weekends here and there that only the Craftsman Truck Series and the Nationwide Series race on, and NASCAR fans have less than three months of non-NASCAR weekends.

Put that side by side with the NFL, a sport with roughly 23 or 24 weeks of action, and the country's most popular sport makes it pretty obvious why people keep coming back for more -- they aren't oversaturated with football.

Has NASCAR reached that point? Would more fans tune in if they had less to choose from, and perhaps, a greater variety of tracks to watch?

I certainly think so, and while I'm no economics professor, there has to be a point where the marginal cost involved in racing more and more each season outweighs the marginal benefit involved. Shortening up the schedule to lessen the cost burden on teams may be a step NASCAR has to look at, especially with the way the economy of motorsports is heading.

Earnhardt Jr. Sees Value in Shorter Schedule originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 01 Nov 2008 17:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

The Slipping Health of the Truck Series

Geoffrey Miller — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:47:00 EST

Filed under: Dodge, NASCAR Sponsors, Craftsman Truck Series

Hidden beneath the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and even under the Nationwide Series, sits NASCAR's third-most prestigious national racing series -- the Craftsman Truck Series.

Though next season it's currently in position to take on simply the name of "NASCAR Truck Series" as the Craftsman, the corporate sponsor sits the series began in 1995, will depart. No new sponsor has been found.

Combine that with other factors influencing NASCAR's Double-A league, and the outlook is less than rosy.

Just last Saturday in Richmond, word spread through the garage area that Dodge would be dropping its factory support money of the entire series -- though it only affects one team, Bobby Hamilton Racing. As a result, the team suspended operations of its No. 4 truck and will focus solely on the No. 18 for the rest of 2008.

Dodge's support has been dwindling in recent years, but pulling out entirely truly signifies that the manufacturer feels it can't compete and that it is simply losing money on the attempt to sell more pick-up trucks via NASCAR truck racing.

Dodge, though, isn't the only manufacturer in the series (others are Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota) that have experienced problems selling the gas-guzzling pick-up truck class since fuel prices skyrocketed. And because of that, you can imagine that the rest of the manufacturers are going to look very hard at their spending in the series and if it even is worth it in terms of selling more trucks to the American economy.

Simply, the lack of series of sponsorship is probably very well tied in to the fact that the manufacturers are uneasy and wavering about the series, thanks mainly to lack of demand for brand-new pick-up trucks.

It doesn't look pretty, but here's to hoping that the Truck Series can maintain relevance to the manufactuers that support it because from a fan perspective, the quality of the product is often very high.

The Slipping Health of the Truck Series originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Report: Gibbs Racing Grants Tony Stewart His Release After 2008

Will Brinson — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:30:00 EST

Filed under: Ryan Newman, Tony Stewart, Chevrolet, Joe Gibbs Racing, NASCAR Rumors, NASCAR Sponsors

Tony Stewart will pick up the tempo and take it on home under the hood of Joe Gibbs Racing for the final time this season, as it has been reported that the he will gain his release from his long time racing team and, in all likelihood, take off on his own.

While exploring his options, Stewart was most intrigued in potential ownership opportunities and he's had an offer on the table since April to purchase the fledgling two-car team of Haas-CNC Racing. By owning his own team, Stewart believed he could ensure a spot for himself in NASCAR long after his driving days.

But he first had to gain his release, something owner Joe Gibbs and team president J.D. Gibbs had insisted they would not agree to.

When it became clear Stewart wanted out, the Gibbs' finally relented and will apparently sign off on his early departure Wednesday. The team is expected to replace the 37-year-old Stewart, one of NASCAR's most celebrated drivers, with 18-year-old phenom Joey Logano with Home Depot staying on board as the sponsor.

It's believed that the move would free up Stewart to invest in Haas-CNC. It's also believed that Ryan Newman could join Stewart on his new team, and that he would "gut" the current staffing of the company and bring in his own people.

Stewart and Gibbs Racing have been back and forth regarding contract negotiations, but apparently the outspoken driver stood firm enough to eventually gain his release. The most obvious benefit, as noted, to Stewart getting all entrepreneurial on his next go round, is that he stands to already have a large foot in the door when he decides to step away from the wheel and move into the administrative end of racing.

Of course, all of this is expressly contingent on the announcement that will come tomorrow, and even then, Stewart will still be a "free agent" following the season until he makes his specific plans known. Although based on the report that ESPN issued in the early Wednesday a.m. hours, it is almost a certainty that Stewart joins forces with Haas.

On Thursday at Chicagoland Speedway, Stewart will formally announce a move to Haas/CNC Racing as co-owner and driver, sources close to Stewart said. Haas/CNC, which currently fields the Nos. 66 and 70 Chevrolets, will be renamed Stewart Haas Racing in 2009.

Sources close to both sides told ESPN.com the deal will make Stewart the highest-paid driver in NASCAR.

Sources also said the Stewart Haas cars will carry different numbers. The No. 14, made famous in IndyCar racing by Stewart's hero, A.J. Foyt, is available, but sources would neither confirm nor deny that as his choice.

Sources said Stewart will own a 50 percent stake in the organization, but his financial investment in attaining it was not disclosed.

So, if you believe "sources" (and why not, right?) then this deal is as good as done. But, as we've seen over the past 12 hours, things can change pretty quickly in the world of athletic contract negotiations. Still, the noise that Stewart has made over the past few months -- and the freedom a 50% stake in a smaller company would afford him -- make this seem like a pretty logical next step.

Report: Gibbs Racing Grants Tony Stewart His Release After 2008 originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Craftsman Joins Departing NASCAR Sponsors

Geoffrey Miller — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 10:41:00 EST

Filed under: NASCAR Sponsors, Craftsman Truck Series, NASCAR Silly Season

NASCAR fans have been prepared for this time quite well.

First, R.J. Reynolds dropped their Winston sponsorship of the NASCAR Cup Series in 2004, with Nextel -- and evantually Sprint -- moving in to take it over.

This year, the NASCAR Busch Series dropped its alcoholic moniker in favor of Nationwide Insurance for the 2008 season.

Next year, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will follow the same path of renaming after Craftsman announced they were departing the role after the 2008 campaign.

The move definitely comes as a shock to the racing world given Craftsman's renewed contract in 2005 guaranteed rights through 2010 for the tool company. Additionally, the NCTS was the only NASCAR division to see a general increase in television ratings from a year before.

NASCAR made quite a big deal about the AT&T sponsorship on Jeff Burton's Cup car this year -- including some federal lawsuits -- claiming that it violated terms of the sanctioning body's contact with Sprint-Nextel. With so much emphasis on that seemingly minor situation, it makes you wonder why exactly NASCAR can't have companies sticking to their own contracts.

When Winston left the Cup Series in 2003, there was still time remaining on the deal and with the Truck Series, two years are being left out of the current contract. The blatant allowance of sponsors to not follow a contract completely surely doesn't bode well for how other sponsors view contracts within the sport.

Anywho, you fill in the blank, who will make the best title sponsor of hardest-racing series in NASCAR? Craftsman will be tough to beat -- it's a tough image of the American working class with no negative influences.

Craftsman Joins Departing NASCAR Sponsors originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 10:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Elliott Sadler Electronics Sponsor's Best Buy

tallglassofmilk — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 14:48:00 EST

Filed under: Elliott Sadler, NASCAR Sponsors, Gillette-Evernham Motorsports

I think Best Buy is about to get a lot more out of their sponsorship of NASCAR than they've been used to with the CNC Haas Racing #66 Chevy driven by Jeff Green. North America's #1 consumer electronics retailer has taken their business to Gillett Evernham Motorsports to sponsor Elliott Sadler for 15 Sprint Cup races in 2008.

Sadler is certainly considered to be one of the most likeable, personable characters on the NASCAR circuit. Now his face will be all over Best Buy promoting products he loves. Their marketing department must be in heaven. So is he:

"Best Buy is a brand I've believed in and supported for years, so to represent them is honestly a dream come true. I love all kinds of music and movies, and I've always been a 'gadget guy.' My house, car, boat and even my motor home are all tricked out with stereos, speakers, gaming systems, GPS, flat screens, DVD players, you name it. The employees at the Mooresville (N.C.) Best Buy store already know me by name, but they'll be seeing even more of me now."

I imagine Best Buy will be seeing even more brand loyalty from NASCAR fans. Especially if this video is any indication of the kind of entertaining commercials the Best Buy Sadler sponsorship has in store for us.

Elliott Sadler Electronics Sponsor's Best Buy originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 10 Nov 2007 14:48:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Earnhardt's Daughter Negotiating Her Way Into NASCAR History

tallglassofmilk — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 07:53:00 EST

Filed under: Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Sponsors

Not only is Kelley Earnhardt Elledge a great big sister, she is proving to be a sharp business woman whose own star is just beginning to rise.

As if successfully negotiating on behalf of NASCAR's hottest free agent for a spot on NASCAR's hottest team wasn't enough of an accomplishment for one season, now she's gone and made sports marketing history with a merchandising deal:

Merchandise bearing Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s future sponsor, Mountain Dew Amp, and car No. 88 have hit the market within the past month, thanks to a groundbreaking agreement he reached with his departing sponsor Anheuser-Busch.

Veterans of the NASCAR licensing industry say they can't remember a future sponsor selling merchandise while the driver remained under contract with his old sponsor.

Right on, sister. Move over, Teresa, there's a new Earnhardt matriarch in town, whether under DEI's roof or not.

My #8 Bud camo hat's off to her. Hmmmmph. That's my current favorite hat. And I only have another week and a half to fully enjoy it. I think it's going to be a long while before I find a Mountain Dew AMP replacement that has favorite potential, but I'm gonna give it a shot. Soon. Hmmmm. I've been favoring green lately ... is my subconscious already helping me make the sponsor loyalty transition?

Earnhardt's Daughter Negotiating Her Way Into NASCAR History originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 07:53:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

NASCAR Series Secures Nationwide Sponsor, Leaves Geico and Allstate Uninsured

tallglassofmilk — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 13:18:00 EST

Filed under: Mike Wallace, NASCAR Sponsors, Busch Series

Continuing with less experience is more theme, Robert Yates Racing pulled Kenny Wallace out of the #88 this week at Talladega and replaced Ricky Rudd with Wallace's brother, Mike, instead.

It's not obvious to me why ... Kenny has more Nextel Cup experience and a better record at Talladega. RYR might have done better to put ~~Warren~~ Loren Wallace in the car, considering NASCAR doesn't require experience or anything to run at the super speedway.

Speaking of Mike's third cousin, once removed ... since NASCAR is naming an insurance company as the new title sponsor of the ~~Busch~~ Nationwide Series, does that mean no more Geico sponsorship and no more commercials starring ~~Warren~~ Loren?

Say it ain't so!

And what does this mean for Allstate, the insurance company formerly known as the Official Insurance of NASCAR?

NASCAR Series Secures Nationwide Sponsor, Leaves Geico and Allstate Uninsured originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 03 Oct 2007 13:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Pepsi: It Was Like Hitting the Lottery

tallglassofmilk — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 19:44:00 EST

Filed under: Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Fans, NASCAR Sponsors, The Word

"Six months ago, it seemed like there was no possibility something like this could happen. Then all those dominos began to fall. It was like hitting the lottery."
~ Ralph Santana, Vice President of Sports Media and Interactive Marketing for Pepsi

Let there be no doubt about Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s value to a sponsor:

Fans of NASCAR drivers are far more loyal to sponsors than they are in any other sport.

About 277,000 tuned in to watch the press conference for Dale Jr.'s sponsorship announcement on the Speed Channel ... More than 200,000 more logged on to watch the streaming video of the announcement on NASCAR.com.

That's almost 500,000 people on a random weekday morning. 500,000 people who already knew what he was going to say and tuned in anyway.

It's tough to imagine even the most devoted fans of Tiger [Woods] or Peyton [Manning] taking time to watch a press conference for their next endorsement deal. But for NASCAR fans, the sponsor becomes a big part of their favorite driver's identity.

Indeed. Junior's #88 merchandise is already flying off the shelves:

"It makes sense," [Joe] Mattes [JR Motorsports VP of licensing] said. "There's two sponsors -- it's a double-hit. It's not like a [typical] guy coming out with a new sponsor. It's Dale Jr. with two sponsors. His fans have to have one of each.

"They're shipped and ready to go. We hit it right. Everyone kept quiet about it. By end of weekend, all said and done, there's a couple hundred thousand t-shirts sold. A lot of them are pre-booked. NASCAR.com and dalejr.com are close to record days. There's so much pent-up demand, [fans] are hitting it hard."

200,000. In four days. Got yours yet? How about a #88 Mountain Dew/AMP cap or a #88 National Guard T-Shirt? Or do you want a powerful combination of both?

Hey ... where's the chic gear?

Pepsi: It Was Like Hitting the Lottery originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 22 Sep 2007 19:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Stock Car World Say Hello to Scott Speed

Geoffrey Miller — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 07:56:00 EST

Filed under: Toyota, NASCAR Sponsors, Other Racing Series

First we got Juan, then Jacques, and now it seems former American Formula One driver Scott Speed will make the jump from the open wheel ranks to the stock car world.

Speed, with the world's single coolest racing name, will make his debut at the Oct. 5 ARCA race at Talladega Superspeedway -- the same event in which Juan Pablo Montoya made his just a year ago.

The debut will come with one of ARCA's top teams, Eddie Sharp Racing, in a Red Bull-sponsored Toyota.

Speed lost his ride with Scuderia Toro Rosso in F1 earlier this year, but he never lost his partnership with Red Bull.

"I come from a completely different world of racing, so there's no doubt it's going to be a challenge learning how these cars handle, but I'm ready to get out there and see what I've got!" said Speed.

Speed's connection with Red Bull dates back to 2002, when he won the Red Bull Driver Search, a program aimed at putting an American talent into Formula One.

Speed's venture into stock cars doesn't have a set path for 2008, but it definitely wouldn't surprise me to see the talented driver in either the Busch or Truck Series some.

Current NASCAR Nextel Cup Team Red Bull drivers Brian Vickers and A.J. Allmendinger aren't expected to replace by the new guy, though.

After all, he didn't win support from Red Bull for a lack of talent.

Stock Car World Say Hello to Scott Speed originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 21 Sep 2007 07:56:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Once Again, Dale Jr. is a Bigger Deal

Geoffrey Miller — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 06:13:00 EST

Filed under: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Hendrick Motorsports, NASCAR Sponsors

Follow the Live Blog for Junior's big announcement starting at 1:00pm/ET here on the FanHouse.

Kasey Kahne won't get his allotted fifteen minutes of fame thanks to Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Kahne, of course, announced at the Gillett-Evernham Motorsports shop Tuesday of his plans to campaign a Budweiser car next season. During most weeks, that would be enough to keep NASCAR beat writers busy until the next race.

Well, the trump card to that will be played to that Wednesday afternoon on SPEED, ESPNEWS, and, of course, the FanHouse a little after 1pm/ET.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. will finally end the saga of finding a new team , car number, and sponsor with an announcement Wednesday.

Finally. TGOM can now sleep peacefully. Hopefully.

It will all unfold in Dallas, Tex. on Wednesday and Junior is expected to announce that his Hendrick Motorsports entry will carry the No. 88 (right??) and sport sponsorship from the National Guard and PepsiCo under the brand of Mountain Dew and the energy drink Amp.
Amazingly, there hasn't been hardly a lick of leaked information about the paint scheme. Jayski has a few ideas though:

What Dale Jr's cars will look like? been told the #88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevy's will look as follows: One car is white from the nose back to just past the door, then green with the mountain dew logos the other is white with blue and National Guard decals with the #88 is in red, both have AMP energy drink logos on them.

I think I'm in the majority in wondering what exactly the supposed '88' will look like.

What are those fans going to do with their large No. 8 tattoos? Will they be able to have a little modification and still be current?

And more importantly, will more fans drink Kahne's Budweiser or Dale Jr.'s Pepsi products?

Once Again, Dale Jr. is a Bigger Deal originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 19 Sep 2007 06:13:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

This Budweiser is For Kasey Kahne

Geoffrey Miller — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 21:52:00 EST

Filed under: Kasey Kahne, NASCAR Sponsors, Gillette-Evernham Motorsports

Kasey Kahne, this Bud is for you.

Gillett-Evernham Motorsports announced today that the Anheuser-Busch product Budweiser will be the primary sponsor on Kasey Kahne's No. 9 starting in 2008 with -- coincidently enough -- the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona.

No terms of the deal were announced, but you've got to imagine Kahne is excited to be switching from Mountain Dew and Dodge commercials to the access a Budweiser sponsorship allows.

"I just think it's the coolest sponsor out there. There's so many things from NASCAR to drag racing to sports. You go to a baseball game, a football game, the Super Bowl, the Final Four, it's everywhere. I think that's going to be really a lot of fun for myself to be able to get involved in some more of these sports and be able to get involved with it."

Think he's talked to Dale Earnhardt Jr. about perks at all in the past few weeks?

Kahne is admittedly already a "beer man", too.

"I've been a beer guy for a while," he said with a laugh. "I like Budweisers."

And Budweiser thought things would be easy jumping up just one car number. Think they knew Kahne was a fan of their product, too?

I think the new ride looks pretty good, too. To change up the scheme a little bit from that of Dale Jr.'s, Budweiser has brought back the bowtie behind the main logo on the hood, among other subtleties. It's not a huge change, but it's enough to recognize.

Note: Apologies that the FanHouse can't get a legal photo of anything at today's announcement, but you can check out the GEM website for a little more. Think Kahne gets some of the Clydesdales as well? Also, be sure to come back at 1:00pm/ET on Wednesday for a LIVE BLOG of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s announcement.

This Budweiser is For Kasey Kahne originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 21:52:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Series Formerly Known As Busch to Pony Up

tallglassofmilk — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 21:54:00 EST

Filed under: Dodge, Chevrolet, NASCAR Sponsors, Busch Series

or Why NASCAR Is Better Than Other Racing Series ... They keep coming up with new ways to keep it fresh. We don't always like them, but they do keep it interesting.

Sources are telling Speed that the series that will cease to be known as Busch after this season is planning a major change as early as 2009--a switch to Pony cars:

If plans go according to schedule, the next-generation Busch Series cars will be Chevrolet Camaros, Dodge Challengers, Ford Mustangs and an as-yet-to-be named Toyota model, sources said. Ford overhauled the Mustang as a 1960s-retro model in 2005, to positive critical and commercial results. Chevrolet and Dodge will release similarly retro-themed Camaros and Challengers, respectively, by the 2009 model year.The Mustang, Camaro and Challenger all are two-door coupes with rear-wheel drive and available V-8 engines, a hugely popular combination in the halcyon days of 1960s muscle cars.

I imagine the difficulty NASCAR has had in securing sponsorship for the series has inspired them to shake things up. Short of limiting/excluding ~~Nextel~~ Sprint Cup drivers' participation in the series--and what series should prohibit racers from racing?--NASCAR needs to do something to spice up the series. Firing up the manufacturers can't hurt.

'Course, they might want to do something about the runaway point lead phenomena, too.

Hard to say what not running a "Cup-lite" might do for Buschwhacking. Running another type of race car might inspire even more Cup drivers to compete or it might eliminate some benefit to Cup racing. Would either be a bad thing?

Whether this has been inspired by difficulty securing sponsorship or a desire to improve competition, I don't care. Personally, I think it's inspired by the 2009 retro Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challengers. I know I am, although I'm partial to the Camaros. The sneak peak sent me on a walk down memory lane to my 14-year-old lead foot and my first 160mph leisure drive on two-lane blacktop in Iowa. I don't remember his name any more, but I'll never forget the ride he was brave enough to let me get behind the wheel of--a '67 Camaro SS 396 in Hugger Orange.

Whatever the inspiration, the switch to muscle cars would be a great way to give the Busch--or whatever it will be called--Series its own identity. Even better if the cars have different body styles.

Bring it on!

h/t Full Throttle

Series Formerly Known As Busch to Pony Up originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 15 Sep 2007 21:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

NASCAR and Sprint Come to Their Senses and Other Friday Randomness

tallglassofmilk — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 17:50:00 EST

Filed under: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Crew Chiefs, NASCAR Sponsors

Sprint must have realized that AT&T's presence on one of the 43 cars in the Cup field wasn't going to put them out of business --at least for now.

AT&T logos are back on the car. But for a limited time only. After the end of the 2008 season, their logos will apparently no longer welcome. Wow. How generous of them, considering AT&A's contract with RCR goes through 2010.

After that, I recommend AT&T follow a Fanhouse reader's suggestion and have the following emblazoned on the deck lid:

"Call us. You know who we are."

Why Cheatin' Chad Rules
Because when Knaus cheats, everybody's like, "Damn, why didn't I think of that?" When others cheat, everybody's like "What a dumb a**."

He's Interesting, Deal With It
Recently I've been reading comments in the Fanhouse, my email and elsewhere that people are tired of hearing about Junior. Why does he dominate the news and blogs? Why is he consistently more talked about than the other drivers? And not just when he's not getting his way or not making the Chase, but all the time.

I can't believe this is even a question. Why? Well, besides the fact that he's the most popular driver and it stands to reason he'd be the most talked about, he's also arguably the most interesting and he does the most interesting things. Like this week when he made Brad Keselowski prove he was ready to get back in the race car this weekend by racing him on the go-kart track in his backyard. And like hosting Elvis movie night. And opening a night club. Want us to talk more about your favorite driver? Tell 'em to do something interesting ... like hang out with Paris Hilton. Ok, maybe not that, but you get the drift.

NASCAR and Sprint Come to Their Senses and Other Friday Randomness originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 07 Sep 2007 17:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Toyota Scores Three Top Ten Drivers and Other Manufactured News

tallglassofmilk — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Toyota, Joe Gibbs Racing, Nextel Cup, NASCAR Sponsors

The season's worst kept secret is officially out of the bag--Joe Gibbs Racing is ditching General Motors for Toyota. JGR drivers Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin currently sit 2nd and 3rd respectively in the Nextel Cup points standings. Their future teammate, Kyle Busch, sits in 8th. Score, Toyota!

Who's taking bets on three Toyotas in the top 10 at this time next year?

GM is disappointed. Ya think?

Coors Brewing Co. is disappointed, too. They want more bang for their buck than they're getting from Chip Ganassi Racing driver David Stremme.

Kenny Wallace will fill in for the injured Ricky Rudd in the #88 Snickers Ford. Brad Keselowski has been cleared to race in Richmond.

43-year-old Bobby Labonte will become the youngest driver in NASCAR history to make his 500th start when he takes the green flag Saturday night at Richmond.

How long did Dave Blaney hang onto the Top 35 re-gift? Four weeks. A blown engine in Fontana has him on the outside looking in once again. Heh. And to think that the Blaniacs were trying to convince me of what a nice guy he is. C'mon now ... how nice can he be--he's stealing money from the kids!

Toyota Scores Three Top Ten Drivers and Other Manufactured News originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 16:56:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Subway Not the Official Fast Food of NASCAR

tallglassofmilk — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: NASCAR Sponsors, Busch Series

Sounds like the Subway deal to sponsor the Busch Series is falling apart. Why? Keyword: exclusivity.

I'm probably optimistic, but I like to think that NASCAR, after all the grief it's experiencing with the Nextel deal, will proceed with great caution before entering into a long-term sponsorship that jeopardizes team sponsorship.

Sponsorships liks those with McDonald's, Arby's, Domino's and Jimmy John's ... wait ... Jimmy John's? Where the heck are those?

Anyway, once again I have to point out that there are enough fan dollars to go around. Obviously, I don't know all the reasons why Subway might be getting cold feet, but if it is the exclusivity thing, they're really over thinking it. This isn't like a cell phone service where you typically just have one and call it a day.

The fans gotta eat, but it would be unrealistic to expect even the most loyal of NASCAR fans to eat Subway sandwiches every day. Is it really that big a problem for Subway executives if we want to mix it up and throw down a Big Mac every now and then?

Subway Not the Official Fast Food of NASCAR originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 11:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments