NASCAR PLANS LIVE, MARKET-SPECIFIC EVENTS WITH FOX, NBC

          NASCAR will begin a "major push to sell the sport" in     the country's top 20 TV markets, according to John Consoli     of MEDIAWEEK, who writes that the governing body is planning     live, market-specific events in conjunction with local Fox     and NBC affils.  NASCAR VP/Broadcasting Paul Brooks said     that NASCAR is meeting with the affils to discuss local     events that "will involve" NASCAR car displays, driver     appearances, sweepstakes and giveaways.  Brooks explained     the local focus by saying, "We're one of the few telecasts     that does better in the national ratings (which include all     Nielsen Media Research TV markets) than we do in the     overnights (which include only major markets)."  Meanwhile,     Consoli reports that NASCAR "hopes to lure" more women     viewers to its '01 races by airing promotions on shows such     as Fox's "Ally McBeal" (MEDIAWEEK, 12/11 issue).