NASCAR Execs Express Optimism For Sport Despite Tough Times
By Michael Smith, Staff Writer, SportsBusiness Journal
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(l to r) Brooks, Siegel, Evernham,
Smith Discuss State Of NASCAR |
Despite the declines in attendance and TV ratings, four NASCAR movers and shakers said this morning that they see brighter days ahead for the sport. NASCAR Media Group President Paul Brooks, team Owner and ESPN analyst Ray Evernham, 909 Agency Partner Max Siegel and SMI President & COO Marcus Smith covered the new NASCAR HOF, sponsorship concerns, diversity and other topics as part of a panel at the Charlotte Business Journal's annual "Power Breakfast." Evernham said, “Things might be down, but we’re still far ahead of other sports when you look at attendance, TV ratings, sponsorship. Dollar for dollar, it’s still the best advertising you can get.” Siegel added, “It’s a tremendous time to reinvent ourselves." The four panelists put a mostly positive spin on the sport’s position, even though the recession has clearly impacted NASCAR on several fronts, most notably sponsorship. “Sponsors are asking for a lot more measurement,” Smith said. “Ten to 12 years ago, I don’t think people were as savvy about measuring everything. But what we’re seeing is that some of the sponsors that have spent the most money in the sport were the ones measuring five, six seven years ago. Considering that there’s more scrutiny on that check before it ever gets out the door, it shows there’s tremendous value in the sport.” Brooks said, “We have over 400 sponsors in our sport and there’s a reason for that." Brooks added that the NASCAR HOF, which is scheduled to open May '10, will be the first Hall that represents not just a sport, but a league. “No professional league has had this,” Brooks said. “That’s a significant point of difference for NASCAR. This facility not only represents the history of the sport, but also its future.” The HOF and adjoining NASCAR Plaza offices will be the home for NASCAR Media Group and licensing office, about 250 people in all.
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