Comments on: Recession Proof? We’ll See

By: Monroe on a Budget » NASCAR and the economy

Monroe on a Budget » NASCAR and the economy — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 17:56:24 +0000

[...] NASCAR Insiders: Recession Proof? We’ll see. [...]

By: Kenn Fong

Kenn Fong — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 04:45:06 +0000

The economy has already hit me. I just allowed my 3-year subscription to NASCAR Scene to lapse. I am also considering not renewing my 2-year DirecTV Hot Pass subscription to lapse next season as well. The length of the season and the season of Kyle Busch has taken its toll on me.

Left Coast Kenny
Alameda, California

By: JT

JT — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 21:33:33 +0000

It appears that around 30 Cup teams will be fully sponsored in 2009, with another dozen teams appearing to have partial-season deals. Therefore, Cup looks reasonably healthy.

However, the team sponsorships in the Nationwide Series look pretty shaky for 2009, especially if NASCAR insists on forcing the “new car” on the teams. Rumor has it that, if they have to run the new car, a full season NNS (competitive) team sponsorship could break the $10M barrier. Meanwhile, the “bang for the buck” in NNS is questionable, with TV ratings and fan race attendance on the decline.

The near-term future for the Truck Series looks grim, too, with the loss of Craftsman and Dodge.

By: Bobby

Bobby — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 19:32:14 +0000

Is it really a matter of sponsors ditching the sport, or are they simply not getting enough return on their investment? Look at Burger King and MWR, it would have been insane for BK to keep sponsoring a car that was not even making races.

The military sponsorships stick in my craw as well. It’s out tax dollars sponsoring the cars, I think that money could be better spent elsewhere.

It seems to me nowadays a driver such as Paul Menard that has sponsorship willing to back him no matter what can go just about anywhere. Let’s face it, if Paul’s dad didn’t write out big sponsorship checks would he even be racing in the cup series? I really doubt it.

By: Dave in the Bend

Dave in the Bend — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:19:38 +0000

Clearly there is cause for concern and I wouldn’t approach it lightly.

The question is how deep are the sponsors pockets and what is their business philosophy. Shifting demographics and bang for the buck will determine the short term future of Nascar sponsorships I do believe.

Slightly off topic (ok, maybe more than that) is my growing concern (given the state of the world) of the massive amounts of non-renewable resources the sport goes through each weekend…and I’m not even a tree hugger.