GM to Reduce NASCAR Funding

Things are not getting better in Detroit, they're getting worse. And as long as the series and teams depend on the Big 3 (and Toyota) for a significant portion of their sponsorships, NASCAR may have to bend some to keep the money flow near current levels. The current arrangement is good for NASCAR. But the Big 3 seem to be expressing the belief that it's not so great for them.

While Honda may eventually come in, I don't see premium brands like Mercedes, BMW, Audi or Volvo coming in - especially with the current engine package. No disrespect intended, but NASCAR's core demographic isn't one that those makers tend to focus on.

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Originally Posted by Jag_Warrior

While Honda may eventually come in, I don't see premium brands like Mercedes, BMW, Audi or Volvo coming in - especially with the current engine package. No disrespect intended, but NASCAR's core demographic isn't one that those makers tend to focus on.

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I don't see Honda in NASCAR any time soon.
Their plate is full with IRL, not to mention they have been dabbling in Rally the past few years.
If NASCAR wanted to they could have ten different manufacturers but they would have to go through some major changes.
1st thing would be to start using production chassis and modern power plants.

I for one would love to see NASCAR look more like this...
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...k/00/07cts.jpg

Cadillac is a GM company & GM is to reduce NASCAR funding ...
so don't hold your breath waiting for Cadillac to come to NASCAR http://www.motorsportforum.com/forum...s/rolleyes.gif

I was talking about having a more production type car, and was just putting a little visual aid allong with the message. I don't see Cadillac ever being involved in NASCAR but that is one of the best race cars GM has ever built.

They can't make a COT look like a Cadillac ... http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...ink/orn/00.gif

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Originally Posted by RaceFanStan

They can't make a COT look like a Cadillac ... http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...ink/orn/00.gif

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That is exactly what I was saying, "Major Changes". Going from that over grown go-cart chassis with a shell that somewhat looks like a car to an actual production chassis to attract more manufacturers into the formula. Modified of course... The term N A S C A R actually started out with a "stock car"(you can do the research if you don't believe me) meaning a production car built to sale to the public. The COT would become the COY (car of yesterday). Or the CY because your not suppose to abbreviate conjunctions in english. :s mokin:

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Originally Posted by Saabaru

I don't see Honda in NASCAR any time soon. Their plate is full with IRL,

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Do you mean the IRL that just signed a TV deal with Versus? HAHA, the IRL is a complete and utter joke of a racing series.

Honda isn't pumping much into the IRL. They have a spec mule-motor that's the same for each and every team, dumbed down to make them last, since competition in the motor department is not allowed.

The "engine room" for an IRL team is the closet where they store the crate the motor came in.

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Originally Posted by Saabaru

That is exactly what I was saying, "Major Changes". Going from that over grown go-cart chassis with a shell that somewhat looks like a car to an actual production chassis to attract more manufacturers into the formula. Modified of course... The term N A S C A R actually started out with a "stock car"(you can do the research if you don't believe me) meaning a production car built to sale to the public. The COT would become the COY (car of yesterday). Or the CY because your not suppose to abbreviate conjunctions in english. :s mokin:

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going to cot was a major change
you will have a long wait for it to go away :p

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Originally Posted by Lee Roy

Do you mean the IRL that just signed a TV deal with Versus? HAHA, the IRL is a complete and utter joke of a racing series.

Honda isn't pumping much into the IRL. They have a spec mule-motor that's the same for each and every team, dumbed down to make them last, since competition in the motor department is not allowed.

The "engine room" for an IRL team is the closet where they store the crate the motor came in.

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I understand Wayne & Garth are going to be hosting a new IRL related show on Versus. You know it's bad when you're just a step above public access for the majority of your races.

Yeah, other than whatever money Honda (Japan) provides for Mutoh's "Formula Dream" ride at AGR, I'm not aware that Honda North America is doing much with the IRL. Most of their efforts seem to be focused on the Acura ALMS prgram now.

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Originally Posted by Saabaru

I don't see Honda in NASCAR any time soon. Their plate is full with IRL, not to mention they have been dabbling in Rally the past few years.

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I'm not suggesting that Honda's entry is imminent. But of the brands in the N.A. market, Honda (with the Accord) would make the most sense from a demographic standpoint.

The Honda IRL engine program was pretty much farmed out to Ilmor years ago. I think Comptech has a piece of that too, but don't quote me on that. Honda supports some import drag racing, SCCA efforts and other small endeavors. But other than the Acura ALMS program, I'm not aware that HPD has much going on in the way of race engine development.

BTW, I love the idea of NASCAR getting back to cars that are more stock in appearance. And yeah, the Caddy CTS-V is a sweet looking machine. Several people at the LGR plant have posters and pictures of the race car crossing the finish line in 1st. IMO, it was a mistake to drop the funding for the SCCA program. But I don't see NASCAR backing up on the CoT, even though many fans don't get hyped about spec cars. Until the checks stop rolling in, nothing will change (IMO).