In conversation I had the other day, an interesting point was brought up. If the stars of yesterday were racing today, would they be able to afford to race in any of NASCAR’s premier levels? With the advent of multi-million dollar sponsorships, and the necessity of money in order to break down barriers, I thought it an interesting question.
As you may or may not know, breaking into NASCAR as a driver can be a very costly endeavor. Be it maintaining a team in a lower series, or buying rides in the Craftsman Truck Series or Nationwide Series, the costs can spread through the hundreds of thousands of dollars and beyond. In order to get interest from a reputable agent or team, one must inevitably spend money to stay competitive. Without wins and potentially championships across other levels, the chance of moving on to bigger and better things is drastically reduced.
While it is true (in most cases) money can only take a driver so far, it does help getting a foot in the door. As we have said here time and time again, this is a business, and if a driver can bring sponsorship or money with him, teams are likely to at least give him a shot. Take for instance Paul Menard, whose father John owns the third largest home improvement chain in the country. According to Forbes, John Menard is worth an estimated $7.3 billion; more than enough to fund a team. Not to say Paul could not have broken into the sport on his own, but his father’s money has absolutely been an asset to his career.
Certainly there are cases of drivers in the Cup series today who did not start with a ton of money backing them up. Perhaps most notably is Jimmie Johnson, who comes from a working class family. He struggled for years to gain visibility within the sport. After the collapse of Herzog Motorsports and thanks to a relationship with Jeff Gordon he was able to get a deal with Hendrick Motorsports. He made his Cup Series debut in 2002. His case is certainly not the norm, but definitely proof that money is not the be all end all.
This brings me to my point. If a Dale Earnhardt or a Junior Johnson were to come along today, would they be able break into the sport’s top ranks? Sure they had a lot of talent, but neither had the financial resources that would be necessary today. Dale Earnhardt had success in local racing series, and came from a well known racing family, but he had to forge his own path. He got where he got thanks to tenacity and talent. The same can be said for Junior Johnson, a moonshine runner from the mountains of North Carolina. He was not wealthy and had a colorful past. Would these guys stand a chance?
My answer is I do not know. With what the sport has become over the last two decades, the odds of becoming a NASCAR star have become about as good as hitting the lottery. Honestly, it is not necessarily about talent, but what sets you apart from the rest. The easiest way to set yourself apart? A large check.
So now it is your turn. What do you think? Do you believe the guys of yesterday would have had a chance today? Or would they struggle to find someone willing to give them a chance?
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on Aug 26th, 2008 at 10:13 am
I have to admit, your headline sent me off in another, completely different direction. I became very defensive when I immediately thought, of course yesterday’s drives could make it in today’s races, after all, they drove much bigger, heavier cars with no power steering that handled like tanks, and no air conditioned helmets or cool suits. With today’s equipment they’d eat up theses kids and spit them out.
After reading the article I have to admit, you pose an interesting question, and in all honesty I’d have to say, certainly not as many. Today it seems you have to start racing at 11 or 12 years old and then and then drive whatever is available until you reach 18, then you get yanked up to on of the 3 NASCAR touring series. Back in the day, you worked your way up racing something you built out in the garage behind the house until you caught the eye of one of the big owners or factories. Back then you were just catching your chance at the big time at the age that today’s drivers are starting to consider retirement, and why not, you’ve made as much money in one year as most of them did in a lifetime. Also, back then the main requirement was you had to be able to drive a race car and keep your owner happy. Now a days the most important thing isn’t how well you can drive, but that you are good looking enough to keep the Madison Avenue types happy. Many of yesterday’s drivers may have been able to pass every car on the track several times, but they would never pass that “good looks” test.
on Aug 26th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
About this time last year, Kyle Busch was signing on with JGR. At the time of signing, only Norm Miller’s Interstate Batteries was willing to sponsor him, and they could only afford a partial season. Busch had obvious talent, but had some image issues. This was especially true after being shown the door at Hendrick. However, JGR went to bat for Busch with Mars Candy (M&M’s) and got him fully sponsored.
Now see what’s happened!
I guess my point is that even a rough-image, non-P.C. driver from the past like Pearson or Trickle could still find a top ride in today’s NASCAR thanks to their driving talents.
on Aug 27th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Marty - Great points. The ability to work your way up in NASCAR racing has all but disappeared and the corporate side of the sport has, for better or worse, taken over. With that, youth and good looks have become a vital thing within the sport. Compare a Joe Weatherly to a Joey Logano. Joe Weatherly was without a doubt one of the most talented drivers the sport has seen, but he was not the most attractive man in the world. Joey Logano on the other hand has talent and marketable face. If a 30 year old Joe Weatherly were to show up in NASCAR today (as he did in 1952) it is doubtful any team owner would take a second look at him.
You also make a great point about the state of driver development. I am no advocate of the current school of thought. It is one thing to have an 18 year old driver running a truck or Nationwide car, it is another to push him into cup.
Thanks for the post!