I read with interest NASCAR Chairman Brian France’s July 2nd news conference highlights. France responded to several media types asking questions concerning the state of NASCAR and what may be coming shortly within the sport.
Some possible changes that were addressed:
1. NASCAR officials are continuing their exploration of ways to pump up interest in the Chase. Nothing definite was brought forth, but France gave some insight into how
they are approaching any change.
In response to this question, “Just to be clear on what you're saying about the Chase. You like the basic structure of a points reset, but you might look at giving additional points to wins?” France stated, “Yeah, here is the thing. We like a playoff style format for sure. It distinguishes us in motorsports, number one; distinguishes our national divisions number two. And, number three, the big design is to have playoff-type moments that only can be, in any sport, created when there's a lot on the line at any one moment, right? That's what the essence of Game 7s, eliminations and all that are. “
The current Chase point’s structure resets the twelve qualifying drivers to 5,000 points each and then a bonus of 10 points is awarded to each driver for each win during the regular season. The remaining 10 races are then scored by the same points generation system used during the regular season.
So what could be done to change the Chase races that isn’t already being done in the regular season? Remember now, it should meet the “Playoff-type moments” criteria France spoke of…
Anybody?
2. A big concern for NASCAR is the current fan base demographics. NASCAR is sorely 
aware that they have lost market share in the 18 to 35 years of age population group, obviously the lifeblood of any sport in terms of survival. The solutions to this problem are easy to identify and yet difficult to implement. NASCAR needs more young drivers entering the sport, drivers young people can readily identify with. That’s the simple side of the equation. The huge investment team owners put on the line make supporting young drivers while they learn the ropes almost impossible.
France let it be known that we can expect changes in the Nationwide Series as early as next season that will support young drivers entering the sport in terms of getting rides and yet he reacted to a question concerning the possibility of placing limits on the number a Nationwide races Sprint Cup drivers could participate in with an emphatic no. Seems to me the best way to support young drivers in Nationwide racing would start with limiting the Cup drivers from participating. I suppose this type of move with the established drivers might result in poorer fan attendance in the short term, but aren’t they trying to solve the problem of influencing American young people to become more interested in the sport?
What do you think NASCAR might be looking at or could do to enhance growth in the younger fan demographic?
3. Concerning track shifting and race date realignments, NASCAR’s CEO went right
into politician mode, not giving any specific answers despite questions about New Hampshire losing a date to Kentucky or the addition of a second date in Kansas. He did give an extensive view of what NASCAR has to consider before inaugurating schedule and/or venue changes. In conclusion France stated that NASCAR would make public any changes on these issues around Labor Day as they traditionally do.
4. Finally it was interesting to hear that NASCAR is entertaining discontinuation of 
ethanol fuel use in 2011. This was the first time any NASCAR official has stated such a thing. France then spoke to a reporter’s question on what the sport is doing to go green. Once again the politician came out and responded without really saying too much. From what was said, it appears Sunoco may be rumbling around about the fuel so it’s probably sayonara ethanol…
Other areas touched on:
France assured the media that most of NASCAR’s 400 different sponsors have renewed their sponsorships.
The car manufacturers have stabilized their operations and are re-investing in NASCAR for the long-term.
The hard economic times are yielding many benefits as NASCAR and it’s family are critically reviewing how they operate.
Any suggestions that would be easy to implement, meet with general acceptance and generate positive results?
NASCAR needs a little self-analysis...
(You busy klvalus?)
Resource:
http://hamptonroads.com/2010/07/brian-france-discusses-future-chase-nationwide-series-and-ethanol-nascar
During the Chase, I'd like to see one point for each lap a driver leads the race. It would be simple to figure and a real incentive to run to the front. As the races dwindle down to a precious few (Sinatra?) it could REALLY become exciting as the top placed drivers go for the gusto!
ReplyDeleteThey have to let the Cup names drive in the NNS races.... for ticket sales and TV ratings. ARCA is now NASCAR's minor league feeder series. But, it doesn't build stars.
ReplyDeleteNASCAR needs a starter series that travels with the Cup and NNS. Twenty, identical, old Cup cars, with a diverse group of under 21 years old drivers.
They would have 40-50 lap races, no pit stops, on the smaller tracks, mile and a half or less only. About 15 races a year on Saturday afternoons.
Then it's up to NASCAR to market this next generation of stars. Something they historically have never had a clue about.
Dwindy, I'm sure she (klvalus) could fit Brian France right into her already busy schedule! I say LOSE one date for the following tracks: Pocono, Michigan, California, Atlanta (spring). Replace with the following: Montreal, Kentucky, Sonoma (Chase race), and Darlington (Southern 500 on Labor Day weekend). As far as the Cup Chase, after the first five races, any driver NOT in the top 6 is eliminated from title contention. The points are reset at that point in which the top 6 drivers get an additional 500 bonus points and start at 6,000 points. They get 25 bonus points per Chase race win. After the next three races, the top 3 AT THAT POINT advance to the Finals, if you will. Those three get 50 bonus points per Chase win. They start at 7,000 points, with the 50 points doled out then. Then it's a two-race sprint to the finish.
ReplyDeleteIf you're going to have a Chase for the Nationwide Series, limit it to FULL-TIME NATIONWIDE DRIVERS ONLY. Full-time Cup drivers who have won NNS titles in the past would be ineligible to win the title.
Good, thought provoking read!
I'll try again. I left a comment earlier, now gone, about how NASCAR could attract younger viewers. Rather than say it all again, I'm gonna write a post on the subject.
ReplyDeleteSo.... after putting that up.... my original is back!!!!!!! I'll go all Kelly Scott...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!???????????????
ReplyDeleteI like it Gene. That kind of action would put the young drivers right in the midst of things with the media and big crowds. It would stir interest and the drivers would begin to have a fan following. It would possibly put more fans in the stands too.
ReplyDeleteAny thoughts on the Chase?
Jon,
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea! It would have the feel and stress of an elimination tournament. NASCAR has already got the first step in that process by qualifying the top 12. Five more races and it goes to 6 and then 3 fight it out on the final two races of the season.
After looking at Gene's response on introducing / developing new drivers with the fifty lap scenario maybe something could be worked out before the 5th race where the 12 Chase qualified drivers would run a 25 lap dash with a certain level of points to be gained. Then they'd start the regular race and they'd run in that as well. Then do it again before the 8th race with the remaining 6 drivers. Finally, before the 10th race have the three remaining drivers run a 25 lap dash before once again joining in the regular race. That would sure put the spotlight on 'em!
I agree that the full-time NW drivers should only be considered for the NW championship. Let the Cup drivers run if they and their teams want to, but leave the championship to the NW drivers.
Let me know what you think about the extra dashes in the Chase. If NASCAR wants to stir up interest, wouldn't that do it?
Thanks Jon!
Hey Dwindy -
ReplyDeleteIn one of my blogs for the Foxsports contest I suggested that the Chase driver with the lowest points would be eliminated until there were only 3 eligible drivers to win the trophy at Homestead. Course, one bad race and this screws you but the way the points are now it screws you regardless. I also like the idea of rewarding laps lead with points. Anything to get them up front and racing not playing defense and surviving.
As far as NW goes - I think not only do fans want the Cup guys racing but the younger drivers benefit from racing with them so I would just change that any FT Cup driver couldnt run for the NW championship but not limit the number of races they run. I like Gene's idea of the pre-race preview of the newest youngins but there really isnt any track time on race day to do it. Too many rich people getting rides in the pace car....
The schedule is a disaster - it needs a total revamp in my mind and only a select few track should be run 2x - Daytona, Dega and Bristol - the rest should go 1x and bring back Rockingham, Darlington, add another road course and do it all so the weather is most likely to cooperate!!
I knew they were changing up the fuel - and NASCAR wont have a catch can man over the wall soon as they move to how the fuel system is built in the truck series.
The biggest change I would like to see is Lisa France taking over the sport...Brian is an I.D.I.O.T!
Kristen!
ReplyDeleteI thought you went on vacation! LOL
Not a word about Lucy? Hmmm...
The Chase - Anything to give it the feel of an elimination tournament suits me. I think the laps led points would stir things up too.
NW - Keep the format but award the trophy to FT NW drivers. Not sure what Big Brian plans on doing...
Schedule - I wish someone would put together a Bristol like stadium with a clay track for premier NASCAR events... Seems to me that's the heart and soul of the sport so why not? I know, I know... It's the economy stupid! or something like that. Could you see all the Tom Cruise look alikes having to get down on a dirt track? It'd be great!
Seems like they're going backwards on the ethanol deal.
As always, thank you Kristen!
I love the Lucy Dwindy!! =)
ReplyDeleteI am sure there are quite a few drivers that would love to see dirt tracks in NASCAR and plenty of fans.
Oh and to get young fans in the sport you need a "cool" driver hawking beer or something they like. Jr was great at this b/c he was a slacker and winning and driving the Bud car. Kasey isnt good in the Bud car and Kurt isnt cool...maybe BK will add some young fans but he isnt that cute so no one comes to mind that younger crowd could really get behind...