Don't forget concessions and merchandise sales!
Quote:
Originally Posted by !!WALDO!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by !!WALDO!!
I have been getting reports of car counts down all over at short tracks also.
When that happens a lot less fans. A couple are quietly saying they may shut down and reopen with some specials in the late Summer, early Fall.
Attendance isn't the only thing taking a hit right now Waldo. The concessions folks are getting hammered. Merchandise sales are way off. The changes in sponsor-driver-team affiliations are shortchanging licensees, their distribution and sales channels. I spoke with the Motorsports Authentics folks recently. With money tight, risk for bespoke design is very high. That results in lower volume production runs coupled with higher transportation costs from China, Korea, Vietnam and India. Then there's the aggregate licensing mess that makes many items on the fringe of affordable. To try to keep the cost down they compromise on material and overal quality. Not good for the supporters and fans.
Its not that easy to change 1,500 Dale Jr die cast cars from the Bud #8 to ????. Imagine what Home Depot is thinking with Tony Stewart jumping ship in 2009. There's a crap load of Home Depot #20 brandware and brandwear still in the pipeline and it's not selling like it did in 2007.
The writing is on the wall. I hope ICS is watching closely.