Opinions: A NASCAR Debate

Ok, there might not be many or any here that like NASCAR racing. I do, but I was just curious of people's opinions on this.

This is part of a NASCAR article (the rest is irrelevant to this question), and I found it very interesting.

For those that have never watched or know anything about NASCAR, read the entire thing, and I will explain why this strikes me in a wrong way after the part of the article.

Where should NASCAR draw the line with sponsors?

Recently, NASCAR put the kibosh on some possible sponsors for Kenny Wallace's No. 27 Eel River Racing, determining that Playboy Magazine and Crown Royal, a beverage alcoholic in nature -- the horror! -- would not be suitable representatives of the image NASCAR wants to portray for its fans.

Had this news been delivered by any organization other than NASCAR, it might have come as something of a surprise. But, it is NASCAR and, therefore, that this sudden conversion to propriety was delivered by an organization that runs a series sponsored by a cigarette company is, in fact, entirely predictable.

Nevertheless, in its odd effort to preserve its good name, NASCAR has at least temporarily driven Wallace and Eel River owner Jack Birmingham to the sidelines, unable to continue footing the sizable bill for running a Cup team.

"If a man can't have a liquor sponsor, then I don't know what to say," said a noticeably frustrated Wallace this week. "Let me ask you this: Would you rather see a 10-year old kid in a Mark Martin/Viagra T-shirt or would you rather see a 10-year old kid with a Kenny Wallace/Crown Royal Fishing shirt on?"

Hello, NASCAR? Can you say situational ethics?

As mentioned, first off, the top series is Winston Cup (yes Winston as in the cigarettes). So, they say 'fans' but I'm sure that probably means 'young' race fans more than anything.

Now, my main point is about them not letting Wallace have Crown Royal as a sponsor. Dale Earnhardt Jr, son of the late Dale Earnhardt (you should know that name even if you dont know what NASCAR is, due to his recent death), has a main sponsor of Budweiser. OH wait, thats an alcoholic beverage right?

Rusty Wallace, drives a Miller Lite racing car. Oh wait, thats an alcoholic beverage too.

Sterling Marlin, drives a Coors Light car.....do we see the trend?

So, alcohol is alcohol. Whether Crown Royal might be hard liquor, it's still alcohol. I don't see why it would be deemed 'inappropriate' for the fans.

Beer is served everywhere at a race, people even bring their own. People sit in the stands with beer, in the infield with beer, all around other fans, who may or may not drink and/or smoke for that matter.

Playboy, yes I could understand, as there are tons of female race fans and many, many 'young' race fans.

So what is your opinion? Does this seem a little unfair. These cars aren't cheap, and this is Kenny Wallace's career. Sponsors are what keep these cars running for the most part, and as much as they might be able to help out, Eel River (never even heard of 'em) can't fund the team by themselves.

Sorry this is long, but I needed to point out some current statistics as well.

And if no one cares, thats cool too. Just curious what others might think about this.

I agree with you man. NASCAR has always been very two sided about things such as this though. My opnion is that they need to start spending more time considering driver safety with impact walls and the low intertia neck braces.

MBB, I'm a race fan too. I read about this somewhere (dont remember where) and I was like you...wondering what the heck was going on.

Maybe its like something personal between K.Wallace and someone in power in the NASCAR organization. I dont know what the problem with Crown is, but alcohol is alcohol, aint it? Beer companies have been a driving force behind NASCAR sponsorship since the mid 70's haven't they?

For as long as I've been going to Talledega I've seen slobbering, falling down, drunk people, I can only imagine that Crown had to be the culprit in some of those cases

About Playboy, I can understand for the most part. Still, is Playboy really any worse than letting the "young" race fans think its ok to start smoking? Playboy for the most part is very tastefull and I dont really think having a Playboy bunnie logo on the hood would offend very many people these days.

I just think it is a foolish move by NASCAR and cant help but think there is something going on we dont know about.

Don't forget the Busch series.....

(For those who don't know, Busch is the "Minor" league of NASCAR)

(And Busch is a beer company)

For as long as I've been going to Talledega I've seen slobbering, falling down, drunk people

Dang, I didnt think anyone ever saw me.

heh...NASCAR races are like the greatest places to meet fast drivers, fast women and drink lots of beer. I like infield, but everyone who has been to a nascar race knows why.

yep, i am a race fan as well, and i think that is pretty damn stupid.
NASCAR has always been doing stupid stuff like that, notice drivers havent put animals on thier cars lately? its because of the animal rights activists.. not more animals as sponsers on these cars. dumb....

#5 Terry Labonte Kelloggs.

Tony The Tiger.

#84 Norman Benning Sobe

The lizard.

#22 Ward Burton Caterpillar

(Not a picture, but the word, and I guess a Caterpillar isn't an animal, it's an insect, but it DOES say "CAT" on the hood)

Stacy Compton Kodiak (and Cougar)

Kodiak is a bear.



Those are animals.













:::snicker:::
Sorry