Chrysler Bankruptcy: The Future of NASCAR Teams Hang in the Balance
Questioning the future of Dodge’s continuing involvement in NASCAR is nothing new – back in September 2008, I wrote about the pending withdrawal of Dodge from NASCAR and unfortunately this appears to be the plan for 2010.
Is NASCAR Preparing for Their Post Automaker Future?
Sources are telling me that instead of focusing on reinventing themselves, NASCAR is anticipating a future without automotive sponsors. Is this an omission from NASCAR that they lack a value proposition? Regardless of the poor economy or slump in automotive sales – if NASCAR sponsorship has a positive ROI, automakers would not be consider [...]
Crown Royal to Cheerios?
Rumors are swirling that Jamie McMurray, currently the driver of Roush Fenway Racing’s #26 Crown Royal/Irwin Tools Ford, will be the driver of Richard Childress Racing’s 4th team, to be sponsored by Cheerios/General Mills.
Could this be a sign that Roush Fenway Racing is unable to secure a replacement sponsor for the American Automotive Association (AAA); [...]
NASCAR – Is it Still Stock Car Racing?
On Friday, Wired published an article titled – The Car of Tomorrow Has an Extension Cord – a discussion of the future plug-in hybrids coming soon to your local car dealer showroom. This discussion further demonstrates the continued divide between NASCAR and all automakers.
The founding principle and most basic concept behind NASCAR was and is [...]
The Future of the NASCAR Truck Series
When I reflect back to 2004, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series was on top of the world. This resulted in part from unprecedented levels of financial commitments from the Big 3 American automotive manufacturers and the grand entrance of Toyota into NASCAR. Because GM, Ford and Dodge made every effort to fend off Toyota Motorsports’ [...]
Cost-Cutting at GM Racing – NASCAR a Branding Problem?
The day is fast approaching when the automotive manufacturers are going to reign in their motorsports budgets to reflect the current state of the automotive industry. The fundamental issue with NASCAR as a branding tool for the car companies is that it fails to demonstrate the future product portfolio and demands for “green” vehicles.
Even though [...]
The Reality of an IndyCar Champion
2007 Indy 500 Champion – Check, 2007 IndyCar Championship – Check, Superstar Actress Wife - Check, NASCAR Sponsor – Only in his Dreams.
In 2007 Dario Franchitti was one of the most accomplished drivers in American motorsports. When he moved from IndyCar (IRL) to NASCAR in 2008 he was full of hopes and dreams for [...]
Richard Childress Racing (RCR) Tearing Up NASCAR in More Ways than One
Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has much to be proud of these days and is tearing up the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with having all 3 of his cars in the Top 12 in point’s standings; and is currently qualified for the Chase for the Cup. However, the off-the track business maneuvers of this champion contending [...]
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 [...]
Driver’s gamble with first-time owner pays off
By JEFF WOLF
REVIEW-JOURNAL
NASCAR Craftsman Truck series driver Travis Kvapil, left, and 24-year-old team owner Alex Meshkin have teamed to win two races this season.
COURTESY PHOTO
The past year of racing for Travis Kvapil has been so unique it makes the spelling of his last name seem like Smith or Jones.
It started at the end [...]
Toyota launches four-team Craftsman entry
By Gary Graves, USA TODAY
Rarely has a NASCAR entrance generated as much buzz as Toyota’s announcement that it would enter its Tundra model in the Craftsman Truck Series this season.
Mike Skinner, who”ll drive a Tundra, says the engine needs work, but “I’d be very surprised if it weren’t competitive within four or five months.”
By Tim [...]
