SMI, Fanatics Reach Another One-Week Trackside Merch Deal

As Fanatics and SMI close in on a multiyear trackside merchandise deal, the two sides have reached another one-week pact to allow the retailer to operate during this weekend’s NASCAR races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This marks the second straight week that SMI has allowed Fanatics to operate at one of its tracks despite the absence of a long-term deal. SMI Senior VP/Business Affairs Don Hawk said that this is because the two parties have hammered out the long-term deal’s major sticking points and lawyers are now just finalizing the agreement.

Fanatics, which has already struck a trackside merchandise deal with ISC, plans to start rolling out its climate-controlled-tent shopping experience at races in July. In the meantime, the company is using haulers and kiosks. Fanatics Authentic President Ross Tannenbaum has been on site at both Daytona and Atlanta to oversee operations personally.