SI's Andrew Lawrence profiles Japanese-American NASCAR driver Kyle Larson, who is "embracing his role" in the Asian community. Larson said that he was "surprised by the number of people who knew of him" at a Charlotte-area Asian Festival last spring. Around the same time, Japan-based motor oil ENEOS "sponsored his car" for two Xfinity Series events. Larson "finds the attention flattering, if a bit surprising." Larson: "I didn't think I would even have to talk about being Japanese-American when I got older and higher into racing. But I'm accepting now that I'm here because NASCAR is pushing for diversity and it's great. I've already noticed more Asian fans at the racetrack." Lawrence writes NASCAR's audience has "declined steadily over the past decade, and it has a reputation as the least diverse of the major U.S. sports." A Larson breakthrough might "help with both of these problems" (SI, 2/9 issue). ENEOS is returning as Larson's primary sponsor for eight Xfinity Series races and will be a full-time associate sponsor for the other races (NASCAR).
JIMMIE NEUTRON: In Charlotte, Jim Utter reported Valvoline has "launched its latest product development, Full Synthetic High Mileage motor oil with MaxLife technology" with an "entertaining spot" featuring NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson in the role of “Jimmie the Scientist" (CHARLOTTEOBSERVER.com, 2/5).
WHAT A DRAG: In L.A., Jim Peltz noted Qatar Prince Sheik Khalid Al Thani and his estimated $10M+ of annual sponsorship money for the two-car NHRA Al-Anabi Racing team “suddenly vanished without public explanation” around four weeks ago. NHRA President Tom Compton said, “We had no idea that was coming.” Driver Tony Schumacher said, “It's not good for the sport. Not only do we need more cars but we can't in any way afford to lose any of them" (L.A. TIMES, 2/4).
NOTES: USA Today's Jeff Gluck tweeted “GEICO 500 will be the name of Talladega’s spring race (that was the fall race name last year). Spring race used to be the Aaron’s 499” (TWITTER.com, 2/5)....OrthoCarolina has agreed to provide medical services for Sprint Cup team Michael Waltrip Racing. It also has relationships with Joe Gibbs Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Stewart-Haas Racing, Roush Fenway Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports (OrthoCarolina).
