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NASCAR Season Preview

NASCAR Debuting New Format At Daytona 500, Hopes It Captures Fans' Attention

The "theory behind" NASCAR's new competitive format is that drivers will "race harder, events will be more exciting, viewers will tune in and more fans will come through the turnstiles," according to Brant James of USA TODAY. The new format is a "meticulous plan that includes a modified points system, segmented races and bonus points that carry into the playoffs." NASCAR team Owner Roger Penske during a SiriusXM interview said, "The TV guys have really put their foot down that they want more action because of the money they’re committing to the sport over a long period of time. If you don’t have the excitement on the television, you’re not going to get the viewers, and the viewers of course determine what kind of price they can get for their sponsorships, whether it’s a minute or half-minute." NASCAR Chair & CEO Brian France's "most defining legacy" could be his administration's "ability to secure lucrative television deals while all indications are of a tepid, faltering audience." Although a group of series stakeholders that includes current and former drivers, broadcasters, team owners, track and NASCAR officials "had a voice in the process of deeply changing the way NASCAR races are contested and presented, there should be no mistake that TV had its say." Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage said, "It’s the old story: Follow the money, and the No. 1 revenue stream in the sport is television. (But) I don’t know if they have too much influence or too much impact." James writes it "remains unclear whether the critical formula sold to drivers linking viewership with the need to divide races into three segments will move the chains" (USA TODAY, 2/24).

WEIGHING IN: In Orlando, George Diaz wrote the format change is a "big-time move to re-engage fans." Fox analyst Darrell Waltrip and others said that it will take "about five races into the season" before drivers and fans "sort it out." Diaz wrote the sport "needs a pick-me-up." There has "been a lot of noise from traditional fans over the last few weeks since the changes were announced." That is a "key demographic," and NASCAR "can’t afford to keep losing fans, whether it’s live or in front of the TV set." The sport needs to "get its groove back, not just on the track" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 2/22). Waltrip: "It is a bold change. But look at every major league sport. Everybody is trying to look for a way to make their sport more engaging and entertainment. Baseball, in the minor leagues, will consider putting a runner on second base if they get into extra innings. We're all challenged by the same problem" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 2/24). 

NEW ENERGY: In Charlotte, David Scott writes new NASCAR Cup Series sponsor Monster Energy has "already created somewhat of a ripple at Daytona with appearances by its 'Monster Energy Girls' and their tight-fitting, black outfits." Scott: "The outrage might be justified, but they are certainly no more revealing than what a typical NFL team’s cheerleaders wear." It is "symptomatic of the sponsorship straits in which NASCAR found itself that terms of the deal with Monster haven’t been revealed" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 2/24).

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