by | Dec 27, 2012 | Media, TV Times
By Lou Modestino
Will things get better for NASCAR in 2013?
Now that all the changes that Brian France had made in NASCAR are back to what they were originally, will there be a turn around for NASCAR? We’re being told that the economy is improving and that we are on the road to a substantial recovery. Yet from many people’s points of view, this recession is far from over. At any rate, how will France’s so-called changes affect ticket sales and TV ratings?
Ticket sales for NASCAR events may continue to be a tough sell, but TV ratings could uptick provided that competition improves and fans like the new look of the race cars. The Sprint Cup racers will now resemble the showroom models, and fans may better be able to relate to them. In spite of the economy, positive changes in NASCAR could transfer into confident buyers coming forth to buy tickets or simply return as TV watchers. (more…)
by | Dec 19, 2012 | Media, TV Times
By Lou Modestino
The SPEED REPORT on the same-named cable network recently had some interesting coverage of the NASCAR shakedown runs of the new Chevys, Fords and Toyotas as they were held at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We were impressed on how closely the new Cup cars can now resemble those that can be found in showrooms today. Also many positive comments could be heard, for instance that the newly-configured cars had more down force and grip.
According to SPEED color analyst Jeff Hammond, “They’ve put the stock back into stockcars.” Yet he cautioned, “The cars will need a lot more time on the track before they get it all sorted out.” (more…)
by | Dec 11, 2012 | Media, TV Times
Stewart Says “No” to Indy While Keselowski Says “Yes”
By Lou Modestino
According to reports bandied about including those on the Speed Channel, Tony Stewart nixed an offer given to him by team owner Roger Penske to race an Indy Car at IMS on Memorial Day weekend. The reason given was that he has too much on his plate at this time. Besides having his hands full in the NASCAR wars, Tony felt that it would not be easy to come in just for the 500 and pull off a win. “It may have been like that in the past, but now it’s a different story,” he said. “Those Indy Car guys work on their strategy year round.”
Stewart claims that even though he’s got his ear to the ground on all things Indy, he feels that the other Indy Car teams and drivers are very much on top of their game. However, he did leave the door open for a run at the 500 sometime in the future. He elaborated more on the subject later on the Speed Report. “When I decide to go to the Indy 500, I really want to make a serious bid to win it, not just to be an also ran.” (more…)
