Testing Ban Aimed At Cutting Costs

As NASCAR prepares to drop the green flag one last time this season, the sport finds itself in a state of uncertainty in this tenuous economic climate. As part of Brian France's outspoken effort to cut costs, NASCAR will implement a testing ban across all three series for the '09 season. While some believe NASCAR's rapid growth efforts over the past decade have now hurt the sport, France says not to expect a shortened schedule or altered Chase anytime soon. But with Jimmie Johnson all but certain to capture his third straight championship in Miami, some are calling for NASCAR to renovate the "out of steam" playoff. Meanwhile, the merger with Ganassi is raising myriad questions about the future of DEI. This might not be the last partnership in the sport, either, as smaller teams search for new ways to stay afloat during this economic crisis. And THE DAILY's roundtable concludes with our panel analyzing the future of NASCAR, from new media to the fight for sponsorship dollars.