NASCAR in the Next Decade: The Storylines that will Shape the Future
It is not possible to predict the road NASCAR will travel by the time we reach the final 2019 checkered flag, but it will be entertaining to speculate. This decade begins as NASCAR tail spins in the wrong direction it’s a sharp contrast to the beginning of the last decade when NASCAR viewership, attendance and corporate interest were all surging. Today, all of those trends are in reverse, and this decade will truly define whether NASCAR remains as a mainstream sport or becomes another fledgling motorsport series.
End of an Era: NASCAR Scene Ceases?
2009 was a dreadful year for the print publications and it appears a mainstay in the NASCAR industry is also on the brink. It’s no secret that after the boom years of NASCAR earlier this decade, advertisers and sponsors have left the sport in droves – but until now the primary victims were racing teams. But on Monday, this time it was NASCAR Scene and its website, Scene Daily.
NASCAR Teams – Take a Stand!
Everyone is aware that a severe sponsor recession is hitting the NASCAR industry. But many are blaming the broader economic crisis as opposed to examining the dreadful trends eroding the NASCAR value proposition. NASCAR is facing a steady drop in television viewership, race attendance and overall fan interest, and the costs to operate a Sprint Cup team has almost tripled since 2002.
NASCAR in Peril: Victory for Jeremy Mayfield in Drug Testing Legal Battle
But the greater dilemma that NASCAR faces is how to proceed with the ongoing Jeremy Mayfield legal battle. After NASCAR spokesman, Ramsey Poston, made accusations that Mayfield tested positive for methamphetamines, NASCAR would face a significant credibility challenge if they decided to settle the continued legal actions of Mayfield to circumvent continued discovery and future hearings/trials. However, on the flipside, the continued legal battle (Permanent Injection Hearing and Possible Civil Trial for Financial Damages) could expose very damning evidence for NASCAR and other competitors.
The Death Spiral Continues….NASCAR on Fox
According to Sports Media Watch, FOX has its lowest rated NASCAR season ever.
A year of declines has concluded with FOX drawing its lowest average rating for NASCAR since the net began airing races in ’01.
Excluding the rain delayed Coca Cola 600, 12 NASCAR races averaged a 5.1/11 rating and 8.5 million viewers on FOX during the 2009 season, down 11% in ratings and 9% in viewers from a 5.7/12 and 9.3 million last year, and the lowest rated season ever for NASCAR on FOX.
NASCAR’s Business Model Hits the Wall
The Associated Press (AP) has reported Brian France, CEO of NASCAR, has directed his management to work with teams in developing new business models that can help them withstand the current economic crisis. As we are all aware, NASCAR teams rely on corporate sponsorship to fund the majority of their operating budgets, which is substantially [...]
NASCAR’s Statements Require a Willing Suspension of Disbelief
RE: NASCAR Says: Sport looks strong heading into 2009 Quoting the former Presidential Candidate and Senator Hillary Clinton, NASCAR statements on Friday truly requires a “willing suspension of disbelief” if they want us to think the “sport looks strong heading into 2009.” Nothing could be further from the truth and it pains me to see [...]
The Failing NASCAR Economy: A Time for Action!
Most will agree that the current economic recession will have a significant financial impact on NASCAR teams and the sport as a whole – but does it really need to be this way? In 2009, there will be significantly less Sprint Cup teams competing on a weekly basis – and yet, in economic downturns other [...]
Survival of the Fittest? – NASCAR Teams Look to Consolidation
The global credit crisis may be slowing the M&A markets of Corporate America, however, mergers and acquisitions remain all the buzz in NASCAR. Back in July, I wrote Team Consolidation on the Horizon and it appears more likely than ever that Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) led by Robert Kauffman will acquire Chip Ganassi Racing. Additionally, [...]
Dodge Exits the NASCAR Truck Series
The first domino has fallen in the shakeup with the Big 3 automotive manufacturers’ involvement in NASCAR. The exit announcement by Dodge is the latest blow to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series which has yet to find a title sponsor to replace Craftsman in 2009 and beyond. In 2009, Dodge will not provide any financial [...]
BMW Sauber F1 Eyeing Alonso
Unlike, the NASCAR Silly Season of 2008, Formula 1 hasn’t seen any real drama or excitement with driver swaps and changes as the paddock prepares for the 2009 season. But is that about to change? As many F1 enthusiasts know, Fernando Alonso is calculating and plotting his next career move in order to place him [...]
Joe Gibbs Racing 2009 Teammates Could Make Interesting Brew
Looks like Joey Logano will be the ultimate beneficiary of Tony Stewart leaving Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). All signs are indicating that Joey Logano will receive the nod from Joe Gibbs to replace Tony Stewart in the #20 Home Depot Toyota Camry for the 2009 season. The Joe Gibbs Racing plans call for the 18-year [...]
Stewart Haas Racing Taking Shape
Yesterday, Ryan Newman officially announced his departure from Penske Racing. This much anticipated announcement comes days following the unveiling of Stewart Haas Racing. Is this just a mere coincidence? Or will the two Indiana natives be teammates in 2009? All signs point to a Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman duo which ought to light up [...]
The Verdict is In –Tony Stewart’s 2009 Season
Shortly after the official announcement from Tony Stewart about his plans to race under the rebranded Stewart Haas Racing (formerly, HAAS CNC Racing) for 2009 and beyond – I posted a poll question asking my readers about their predication for Tony Stewart’s success in 2009. Personally, I am shocked by the overwhelming predication of more [...]
Team Consolidation on the Horizon
Robert Kauffman is the billionaire hedge fund manager from Fortress Investment Group who last year purchased and secured control of Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) looks now to be leading a movement of NASCAR Sprint Cup Team Owners to survive through consolidation. Personal friendships may even play a significant part in the boardroom discussions. The likely [...]
The Nationwide Series Will Live Another Day – COT on Hold
NASCAR officials have notified team owners in the Nationwide Series that they will delay the introduction of the Car of Tomorrow (COT) in the Nationwide Series by at least one year. According to Ramsey Poston, Managing Director of Communications at NASCAR, the reason for the change is because “testing and development” is still needed before [...]
Survival for Some – Playground for Others
Back in April, I wrote a blog post about “Petty Enterprises Final Days”. Well my friends, that day has arrived and Richard Petty has surrendered control of their family’s storied racing team in order to ensure the team’s survival in 2009 and beyond. This week Petty Enterprises became a part of the growing trend of [...]
Car of Tomorrow (COT) – Friend or Foe for the Nationwide Series?
Earlier this week, Dale Earnhardt Jr. provided a candid team owner’s perspective of the forthcoming change to the Car of Tomorrow (COT) in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. When asked about his future Sprint Cup plans with JR Motorsports, he said: “I used to say no way, no way. But it’s almost as expensive to run [...]
NASCAR Silly Season 2008
Last year, undoubtedly was the most dramatic year for racing fans in NASCAR Silly Season history with Dale Jr. moving from Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) to Hendrick Motorsports. But this year may prove to be the most crucial for team owners, as sponsors and drivers play musical chairs as they navigate through the myriad of [...]
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