Automakers See NASCAR As Worthwhile Expense Despite Economy
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Evernham Feels Car Manufacturers Will Not
Completely Drop Out Of Sport Like In '70s |
Automakers still consider NASCAR a "showplace for its showrooms, which makes racing expenditures worthwhile" despite the motorsports industry's "gloomy economic outlook," according to Nate Ryan of USA TODAY. While GM will "slice some motor sports programs as part of $10[B] in budget cuts," industry observers "aren't expecting manufacturers to desert the sport as in the 1970s." Gillett Evernham Motorsports co-Owner Ray Evernham said of NASCAR manufacturers, "If they stay in business, I can't see any would pull out completely. We didn't have 75 million fans in the '70s." Ford North America Motorsports Marketing Manager Dan Geist said that Ford "claims a 400% return on its marketing investment in NASCAR." Geist: "Racing is a critical piece of influencing consumers. The only reason we race is to sell cars, trucks and SUVs. ... If it makes sense, we continue; if it doesn't, we stop." Ryan notes Chevy at Indianapolis Motor Speedway last week for the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard had an 80,000-square-foot display "featuring 40 vehicles, including many hybrids and more-fuel-efficient versions of the larger classes favored by race fans" (USA TODAY, 7/31).
MOVING ON: ESPN.com's David Newton reported NASCAR driver Ryan Newman, who currently drives for Penske Racing, reportedly has “reached a verbal agreement to drive" the No. 4 Chevrolet for Stewart Haas Racing next season. A deal “could take up to a month to finalize and announce as negotiations continue for car sponsors.” Penske Racing has a list of five potential drivers to replace Newman, including test team driver David Stremme (ESPN.com, 7/30). A Stewart spokesperson said that talks "continue with several drivers and any verbal agreement (with Newman) would be a bit premature” ("NASCAR Now," ESPN2, 7/30).
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