McDonald's, which has sponsored NASCAR driver Bill
Elliott since '95, "is looking at moving its sponsorship to
another team in 2000 or leaving Winston Cup racing
altogether," according to sources of Jim Utter of the
CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. McDonald's deal with Elliott is through
the 2000 season, but contains an out clause, and the company
is "reportedly looking at two other" Winston Cup teams,
including Hendrick Motorsports' third team, with current
driver Wally Dallenbach, and Robert Yates' second team, with
current driver Kenny Irwin (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 4/17).
Elliott, on the reports: "My deal runs through the end of
next year, and that's all I know" (WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL,
4/18). But McDonald's Motorsports Manager Bill Korbus
"disputed the reports." Korbus: "McDonald's is committed to
Bill Elliott Racing with its current sponsorship agreement
through the year 2000" (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 4/19).
BIG NAME BRANDS: The SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL's Tom
Jensen reports that Nike and Reebok are "looking toward
having a major presence in NASCAR next year." Nike is
"turning its attention toward signing top teams and
drivers," rather than becoming an official supplier of
NASCAR. Nike, Reebok and "others" are "looking to supply
footwear and money in exchange" for promotional
opportunities with the drivers and teams. Jeff Gordon's
Business Manager Bob Brannon confirmed talks with athletic
shoe companies: "We've had some offers. We haven't quite
gotten where we need to be" (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 4/19).
