Is it a shame?

Question

That there is say a thirty/forty y/o guy, that can most likely run circles around these young kids that are being hyped, plugging away on a dirt track, but he will never get the chance because today Marketing beats out Wins when it comes to NASCAR Drivers? Does it make you shake your head and say this sucks or am I the only one that thinks that talent and talent alone is all that should matter?

Answer 1

I happen to be one of those cases. I'm 38, and now retired from driving (at least for now). I ran circles around the younger guys in off-road, but no-one's looking at off-road for the next Sprint Cup champion, especially not someone who's 1/2 way or better to retirement. I did more with an underpowered car than the guys with the big dollars ever thought about doing. Heck, I've even gotten holeshots from the middle of the pack, and ran past cars that were supposed to be much, much faster. But none of that matters, since I'm neither young, nor decent enough looking to be marketable. I just take pride in knowing that I could still out-drive those bozo's anytime, any day, any track, any vehicle.

Answer 2

I answered a Q once about how do I make it in NA$CAR where do I start? I said something like you can start racing and get to a track where you will be seen by someone that means something but DON'T plan on NA$CAR ride if you are not good looking.

Here is something too, this spell check says you spelled NASCAR wrong like that but the right way to spell it is use a dollar sign $ for the s. Go figure!!!

Answer 3

I agree with you 100% Some of the BEST TALENT---------Get ready to Laugh and bad remark this to death!!!! Are the drivers who run the Figure 8 Tracks Across America. 1. Tehy make both left and right turns each and every lap. 2. Best Peripheral Vision I have ever witnessed. 3. Run 90-95MPH laps with no banking in the turns. 4. GUTS--GUTS---GUTS 5. Traffic Awareness. I ran this for only 2 weekends back when I was young in the late 70s----It was back to the Ovals for me--A 32 year Sportsman Class Stock Car Driver--Late Model Driver in my Home State--2 different tracks. Figure 8 Championship is held in New York State!!!!!

Answer 4

Yea, I'm with you on that one. It's too bad that talent alone isn't what matters, but it's a fact of life. It's the whole package that counts to sponsors.

JH50 - you didn't "hint" that marketing "may" be part of the reason HMS hired Jr. You said:
"Dale Jr. was hired by HMS for one reason and one reason only, he's a money maker with that large fan base."
That's why you caught flack. I doubt anybody would disagree that marketability played a part in HMS signing Jr, but to say that's the only reason is a whole different statement.

Answer 5

Yes it is a shame!
Talent is only part of the package an owner is looking for in a driver!
A few weeks ago I hinted that HMS hired Dale Jr not only for his talent, but for his marketing ability, and man did I catch it!
HMS has enough good drivers, I still say it's what he brings to the table marketing wise that helped make that deal happen!
It's all about the buck!
I hope these talented drivers who don't have the good looks or maybe they don't express themselves well in public can find a place to race. But I don't think it will be in NASCAR!!!

Answer 6

Look at the drivers today. All young and decent looking. You don't have a fat guy with a big chew of tobacco in his mouth. The sponsors want someone to do commercials not just driving talent.

Answer 7

Yeah it truely is, I can name several local drivers on dirt and asphault that could make it. But they are now "too old" or just don't quite smile big enough for the cameras.

Roush said something on Racer X that pretty much explains why I hate modern NASCAR...heck all modern profresional racing. He pretty much said, you could be the best overall driver when it comes to lap times and consistancy. But if your not marketable, you not goin to win (a seat in a car). Something like that.....

Answer 8

Yeah it's a shame, but the women like their Kasey Kahne's. It's almost sickening. We can all thank our superficial society for that. And then you got all the dimwits who like to call Tony Stewart "fat". No wonder he doesn't like to do interviews. Talent should reign in motorsports.

Answer 9

Well, the coffee is on the brewer son.

With all the corporate sponsors, TV time and the sheer amount if $$$ involved, yes marketing does win.

lets face it, no-one wants the guys like Pearson, Yarborough, Allisons advertising. Unless it's for Geritol or depends.....

I am sure that talent plays a big part of it, but marketing is big $$.

Answer 10

your not alone. and i think its only going to get worse. if the rumor about Brian France leaving is true, maybe the sport will get back to normal. on the other hand, in 5 years or so there might not be a driver over 35 or 36 on a track.