Monday, July 20, 2009 | 9:19 p.m.
NASCAR CEO Brian France recently revealed that the sport has been in discussions for some time with other foreign manufacturers about them possibly joining Toyota in stock car racing. France made these comments in the back yard of the struggling American auto industry last month at Michigan International Speedway.
Wow! If you think NASCAR fans are on a rampage now, just wait until BMWs, Hondas and Hyundais are drafting around the high banks of Talladega.
France stated that nothing is imminent regarding additional manufacturers and he wouldn't name which manufacturers have talked to NASCAR. But he’s obviously looking to fill any possible gaps that may result from a future reduction of involvement in the sport by American car companies.
I can understand that, but will increasing the number of manufacturers ensure the viability of the sport or will trying to keep the loyalty of core fans do more to ensure the viability of the sport?
I’ve supported increased manufacturer competition when Toyota made its debut in Sprint Cup and I continue to believe that competition is healthy. But there must be a point of diminishing returns when decisions by the governing body could increase the sense of alienation and frustration so many fans feel. The value of this sport hopefully won’t come to the point where it is only defined by the amount of corporate involvement without considering the amount of fan support.
NASCAR has expressed its desire to see American car companies succeed and become profitable again. Preserving a strong presence by American car companies in NASCAR is one way to help accomplish that. And it is a smart way to help maintain the loyalty of the sport’s most important fans.
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