In Charlotte, Caroline McMillan reports NASCAR debuted its first “Business Series” last night in an effort to “connect small-business owners with some of the sport’s official partners.” Official NASCAR partners, such as “Bank of America, Office Depot, Nationwide Insurance, Sprint and UPS, attended the inaugural event, held at the NASCAR Hall of Fame and presented by Bank of America.” Each partner “offered a session on what services and products they can offer to small businesses.” Speakers included former team owner and current ESPN NASCAR analyst Ray Evernham; Small Business Network President Jim Blasingame and Bank of America Merrill Lynch Credit Products Exec for Global Commercial Banking John Daniels (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 10/11).
MADE IN THE USA: SPORTING NEWS’ Bob Pockrass noted Charlotte Motor Speedway “hopes that a new emphasis on selling merchandise made in the United States will prove worthwhile in a business where most products come from overseas and most of its customers are known for their patriotism.” SMI President & COO Marcus Smith, whose company owns CMS, said that he “directed his staff to order as much SMI Properties merchandise as possible that is made in the United States.” The CMS gift shop has a “Made in the USA” section. Smith started the project “two years ago and began selling the merchandise earlier this year at CMS.” The program has “expanded to other SMI tracks” (SPORTINGNEWS.com, 10/10).
DANICAR: SEGA of America, Mattel and Hot Wheels announced a cross-platform partnership for the upcoming release of “Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed” featuring NASCAR driver Danica Patrick. Video game players who choose to race as Patrick will be able to drive a custom transforming electric green Hot Wheels vehicle called the “Danicar,” which also will be available as a diecast vehicle this holiday season with purchase of "Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed" at select retailers (SEGA/Hot Wheels/Mattel).
