Camping World Replaces Craftsman: NASCAR Truck

Don · #1 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 07:30 AM

" DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR on Thursday announced that Camping World will be the title sponsor for the Truck Series beginning in 2009.

The seven-year agreement gives Camping World the exclusive rights to sponsor the series, which has built its reputation on very competitive and tough racing. Camping World will enjoy the support of the most brand-loyal fans in all of sports, including millions who annually attend races of the series, which features 25 points events at 23 tracks across North America. All NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races will be broadcast live on SPEED or FOX which will result in more than $100 million worth of exposure for the new title sponsor " .

http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/head...sor/index.html

wtm442 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 07:44 AM

Just what we need ... another major sponsor so everyone can be confused about which series they are talking about. Its the Winston Cup, no, the Sprint Cup, no the Craftsman division, no, its the Camping World cup, no its the Trojan Condom cup ....

Silverback51 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 05:15 PM

Corporations will sell their souls for a couple million in sponsership.

Ron61 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-25-2008, 04:39 AM

Actually NASCAR is having trouble keeping sponsors and several major ones have quit over the past few years. The other day they were worried that in a few years they may not have enough cars to fill a 43 car field and that there would most likely only be two or three Super Teams as Childress, Hendrix, Roush, and Yates may have to merge to stay in racing. And believe me this economic situation isn't helping them either. Also more and more empty seats are showing up at the races. NASCARS proposed solution, build more race tracks.

Ron

Joe Wicked · #5 (**permalink**) 10-25-2008, 06:33 AM

Ron, the New racetracks would work for a short term solution. There are a lot of fans that are not in any realistic driving distance. They would have to pay for hotels and everything else, so they don't go. A new track in say Denver would attract a lot of fans in that area for a few years. Just because they have never had the chance to go before. It could also attract new sponsorships. Only problem is once the newness wears off, the benefit would begin to dwindle and we would be back in the same situation. When the track is there, you can always make it next year. If they would change it up every year and do a lottery draw for the 36 races as to what track they will be at during the december awards ceremony, I think would keep more fans in the seats as you don't know if they will be back or when. it may be next year, it may be 10 years.

Ron61 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-25-2008, 06:57 AM

Joe,

That would probably work ok except what about the years they don't come to a track. The city or whoever builds the track is stuck with a non revenue generating dionosour. The short tracks are drawing a lot more interest than the cookie cutter 1 1/2 mile ones as they actually race and bang and crash on them. On the others, whoever gets out front stays there unless something happens. I like the short track races, but don't pay much attention to the longer track high speed parades. I watch more of the road racing than any kind as I like it much more.

Ron

Wayne Maybury · #7 (**permalink**) 10-28-2008, 01:27 PM

Ron

I believe that only 26 "cup" cars have full sponsorship for the coming season. It is very possible that we will not see 43 cars on the track next year due to a lack of sponsorship dollars.

Did anyone else notice all of the empty seats this past Sunday afternoon?

Wayne

Don · #8 (**permalink**) 10-28-2008, 02:04 PM

Yes, I did notice the empty seats. A previous news comment mentioned the overall cost to attend a race, when the gas prices were higher, inclusive of food and lodging. The lodging cost impact when the motels raise their prices for the race weekend and also require a minimum 2 night stay. Others have mentioned the point spread for the Chase drivers as impacting attendance. With 3 remaining races , seems only the top 3 or 4 have a good chance for the Cup.

2009 will be interesting as to the ticket renewals for those wishing to retain the same seats. My tickets @ New Hampshire Motor Speedway remain at $110/ea for 2009 and must be paid by 12-1-08 to guarantee the same seats. Nice to have the money 10 months prior to the event, i.e. cash flow.

Seems other racing venues are also experiencing the same situations. As of last week, the IRL did not have a series sponsor. F 1 has dropped the US, Canada and France for 2009. Seems the other race promoters are being subsidized by their governments and F 1 is contemplating spec engines and other common parts.

Canada:

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...8/newsletter01

Ferrari:

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...1/newsletter01

Maybe the Can-Am series will return, bring what you have, race with a minimum of rules.

Ron61 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-29-2008, 02:30 AM

Don,

Ford has announced they will no longer sponsor any of the trucks. They will provide some technical help, but nothing else. I would not be surprised to see this extend to the other two series in another year or so at most. I think NASCAR has passed it's hay day and is going to start a slow decline as then road racing and Le Mans races gain.

Ron