Fanatics, SMI Reach Trackside Merch Deal For NASCAR Events

Fanatics has officially struck a multiyear trackside merchandise deal with SMI following months of negotiations that will allow the retailer to do business at the promoter's 13 NASCAR events and eight facilities. Terms of deal could not be attained. The pact allows Fanatics to institute its tent-based system at all NASCAR tracks. SMI's deal, which was complicated by the fact that the company itself is a vertically integrated merchandiser on top of being a track promoter, comes after Fanatics landed a 10-year deal with NASCAR and ISC in a move announced in January.

SMI Senior VP/Business Affairs Don Hawk credited the persistence of Fanatics Authentic President Ross Tannenbaum over the last few weeks as being a key factor in getting the deal done.