Brian France Talks Sponsorship, TV Ratings On CNBC's "Mad Money"

NASCAR Chair & CEO Brian France appeared on CNBC's "Mad Money" Tuesday night and said the sanctioning body's partners are "more cautious now" because of uncertainty in the economy, but "they're making bets and we're very happy that they're making bets with us." France added TV ratings are "going to go up and down," and sponsors "know that ratings are going to be ratings, but the value is always there because they get to brand right into the playing field." France also said driver Danica Patrick has "certainly been a big help" in increasing female viewership and participation. France: "We're the most gender-neutral of all sports."

Cramer asked about NASCAR's next round of TV contracts: "Will you be able to ask for a little bit more money?" France: "Well, we're going to try. That's what we do. No, those discussions are going on now and we feel good about those" ("Mad Money," CNBC, 7/2).