In the Pits With Tia

I have to admit I was a little upset that Rockingham was losing their race with next year's NASCAR schedule. I know several people (fans) and others who share that thought.

Quote from Rockingham's president Chris Browning, "We are a victim of our own success."

Quote from Gary Roberts, a Tulane University law professor, "The folks at NASCAR at least sleep with one eye open realizing that the very fact that they own race tracks as well as govern the sports is [suspect]."

Now for my thoughts on the subject after completely digesting it, and why I think it's good for business.

Let's take a look at this: Rockingham, Darlington, Martinsville, Charlotte, Bristol and Richmond are all within about 250 miles of one another. So you have six tracks that have a total of 12 races. It's no wonder they didn't sell out.

So in moving two more races out west they will more than likely help the sponsors and give NASCAR a financial boost in the process.

Did you know that Phoenix is one of only eight cities in the US that hosts all four major sports -- NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and a major college football bowl game (Fiesta Bowl). Then you can add TWO NASCAR events. I read somewhere that a second race at Phoenix is worth $175 million annually. That's a bundle!

Be prepared though -- If they don't sell out at Phoenix, California or Texas they'll probably adjust the schedule again. Can you say Kentucky?

In closing I'd like to say; NASCAR is no different from any other sport. They are trying to be in business for the next 20 years. Wouldn't you like to see the sport go to another level? I sure would! The only way to do that is to grow and change with the times.

Tell Me What You Think!

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• #1 Comment from msbig6fan 
  5/21/04 11:06 PM | Permalink

  I don't think Nascar will have a problem growing in the future but to make the fast changes to the sport to fast and it will stumble.  It's all based on money which we the fans are paying for now.