Could this be NASCAR's way of putting a nail in the Open Wheel coffin? Maybe thinking that scamming these drivers will pull some new fans over to NASCAR to bolster the sagging attendance and ratings? Kill the competition to be the only show in town?
Could this be NASCAR's way of putting a nail in the Open Wheel coffin?
That may have been what they were actively planning a few years ago. But now, NASCAR doesn't have to think that hard anymore. Champ Car drivers are going to other series just to get paid for a change. I can't hardly blame them. Good thing I'm old and clumsy and not tempted.........
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Ted/FM # 13
Shoe String Racing
On a Wing & a Prayer
good commentary on speed tv.com about the need for all race series to remain healthy and the crowded house at Nascar what i still don't get is the "Busch" series not making room for young drivers but running the nextel drivers for wins. If they don't make room for young drivers and keep giving seats to "older" transfers what are they going to become the "Champions Tour" in golf. Old guys that make money because they have a fan base.
Could this be NASCAR's way of putting a nail in the Open Wheel coffin? Maybe thinking that scamming these drivers will pull some new fans over to NASCAR to bolster the sagging attendance and ratings? Kill the competition to be the only show in town?
A few thoughts/opinions/questions come to mind:
1) NASCAR isn't fazed by CART. Probably doesn't give them a second thought considering the health of each.
2) I wonder what you mean by scamming?
3) I thought NASCAR was doing well. Are they really having problems with sagging attendance and ratings?
3) I think NASCAR considers itself in a market competing for ALL sports and entertainment dollars, not just those spent on motorsports. In other words, it's goal is to try and improve it's market share in the big arena. Getting rid of CART probably wouldn't make a blip on it's screen.
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Racer Russ
(former) FF/FC/FM/FS/FB/FA
Marietta, GA
I followed the Busch Series over the last 5-10 years when there were some relatively young and unknown drivers who were able to prove they were ready for Winston Cup. Not many Winston Cup drivers drove in Busch. They used the excuse that it helped them get seat time for the bigger race on Sunday and oh yea, they happened to get another paycheck. It was said that the Nextel drivers soon would not need that info since the car of tomorrow had practically nothing in common with the Busch car. So why do we have even more Nextel drivers in Busch? The answer I have heard is tv money. The Busch series gets higher tv ratings with Nextel drivers, not the unknown guys. Television fees are up for renegotiation and NASCAR is trying to get top dollar.
And one more rant related to NASCAR tv:
Suzy Kolber and Brad Dougherty have ZERO business being on any Nextel broadcast. Don't say Brad Dougherty deserves it because he was a partner in a Busch or truck team. Considering all the possible drivers, ex-drivers, crew guys and dedicated racing broadcasters that are available, those two are the best ABC/ESPN has to offer? A football sideline reporter and an ex-basketball player?
It's simply down to personal preference like everyting else! Some guys like FF1600, other guys think their Miata is the best "racing car" in the world. Some guys like their Ford F150 while their neighbor polishes his Corvette every Sunday! These guys moving over to NASCAR are adults and smart enough to make their own choices. It's like any "market" - what do you want to buy? Where would you rather be? I had to admit Montoya had point when interviewed on Sunday. He said F1 was boring unless you're leading and that in comparison NASCAR racing is truly exciting. To be honest, I watched most of Talladega and found the last fifty laps to be exciting as hell. Hey, it's about racing and passing and competition. Sure, the F1 cars are technically light-years ahead and I adore them. (I liked them a hell of a lot more 20 years ago) But the race in China was boring. And what? I should watch the likes of Ron Dennis and a pouting Alonso when instead I can watch Jack Roush and now even Jacques Villenueve goin' 195 MPH for 500 miles?
Cart drivers to NASCAR?
