GM to Reduce NASCAR Funding

[Jag_Warrior]

I know there are many reasons GM is pulling back on NASCAR funding but I just wonder if one of the reasons they are is because the lack of NASCAR fans being patroitic to the brand. That's more NASCAR's short comming than GM or Fords though.

I think as long as GM was making the payroll, not as many questions were being asked about racing sponsorships in NASCAR. No one was really having to prove that a certain level of funding equated to a certain level of marketshare. NASCAR delivers fantastic sponsor exposure value. But if your products are out of favor, what is that sponsor exposure value worth?

The best piece I've read about automotive sponsorships in that past few years was about Toyota getting into NASCAR. You'd think they would have gotten into Cup competition to sell more Camrys. But their NASCAR involvement (both CTS and Cup) was more about creating an image that would sell more Tundras. I thought that was pretty interesting.

[Zsolt]

Japanese cars? How many "Japanese" cars are made in the U.S.? How many "American" cars are made in other countries? This is another misconception Americans have too? My Ford, I believe has a Mazda engine, for example. It's a global economy, products get made everywhere, probably where it's the cheapest (i.e. walma**). Sam Walton(?) might be rolling in his grave today. And from personal experience, most of their stuff is sh**.

Sorry for getting a little off topic, too much coffee.

[Haulin'AssAndTurnin Left]

It makes sense for GM to Cut the Corvette Racing Program. Doubt that program helps sell any cars.

[Saabaru]

It makes sense for GM to Cut the Corvette Racing Program. Doubt that program helps sell any cars.

Production car racing sales more cars than NASCAR.

[call_me_andrew]

The Corvette Racing program developes actual technology that goes into GM's road cars. NASCAR doesn't.

[gshevlin]

The Corvette Racing program developes actual technology that goes into GM's road cars. NASCAR doesn't.

Ding! Ding! We have a winner!
The NASCAR formula needs a total makeover. Persisting with what is essentially a 1950's iron block pushrod V8 with a carbureter for a fuel system...this is beyond archaic. It is time for the manufacturers and NASCAR to jointly agree on a smaller displacement replacement engine formula that has some relevance to road cars.

[RaceFanStan]

Those who would change NASCAR need to realize :
1. NASCAR is making big money with that "beyond archaic" technology ...
2. NASCAR is riding a huge wave of fan popularity ...
3. NASCAR is commanding big price tags from sponsors that are lining up ...
4. NASCAR is successful & secure financially, enough said.

In respect to the issue of increasing technology in motorsports,
look @ CART/ChampCar, they went under & the IRL continues to struggle,
their technology didn't/doesn't help them stay afloat, in fact failure seems immenent.

Some say bring high technology to NASCAR, I say NO THANK YOU !!!
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Now back to the topic of GM reducing NASCAR funding,
GM can do that but Toyota will step up & in the end it could cost GM big.

[call_me_andrew]

Well of course they're making money. They have a monopoly. Since most news outlets aren't interested, the IRL could have a better product and no one would ever know it. It's like one of those movies or TV shows that gets good reviews from critics and no one watches, but it goes on to blow everyone away in DVD sales.

It's not popular, it's just ubiquitous. It's like Windows and Apple. People don't buy them because they're the best. They buy them because they think those are the only choices.

Technology didn't kill CART. The IRL killed CART. If technology killed racing, Formula One would have keeled over years ago.

[Saabaru]

Ding! Ding! We have a winner!
The NASCAR formula needs a total makeover. Persisting with what is essentially a 1950's iron block pushrod V8 with a carbureter for a fuel system...this is beyond archaic. It is time for the manufacturers and NASCAR to jointly agree on a smaller displacement replacement engine formula that has some relevance to road cars.

2000cc, unrestricted, forced induction engines! YES......!

[Jonesi]

Those who would change NASCAR need to realize :
1. NASCAR is making big money with that "beyond archaic" technology ...
2. NASCAR is riding a huge wave of fan popularity ...
3. NASCAR is commanding big price tags from sponsors that are lining up ...
4. NASCAR is successful & secure financially, enough said.
In respect to the issue of increasing technology in motorsports, look @ CART/ChampCar, they went under & the IRL continues to struggle, their technology didn't/doesn't help them stay afloat, in fact failure seems immenent.

Some say bring high technology to NASCAR, I say NO THANK YOU !!!
================================================== ======
Now back to the topic of GM reducing NASCAR funding,
GM can do that but Toyota will step up & in the end it could cost GM big.

1. Yes
2. It's a little flat now, but that may be due to the economy.
3. Top teams still yes, but mid pack or worse it's getting very hard to find sponsorship.
4. Books aren't open, but yes they should be doing just fine.
CART/IRL had nothing to do with technology, just old fashion greed and lust for power.
If GM gets out they may just see Honda, Mercedes or BMW want to get in.

Personally I'd like to see a modern F/I 4.0-4.5L engine, which would also allow about 200-300lb weight reduction on the car which should help the car turn better and be safer.