tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85281503527523092812024-02-19T01:49:04.984-08:00Beck's BlogMotorsports Opinion & Facts, Enjoy & ShareBeck's Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12659222209722368705noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528150352752309281.post-28459336116091254502018-09-16T13:58:00.001-07:002018-09-16T13:58:12.599-07:00NASCAR Attendance Thin at Las Vegas Motor SpeedwaySeptember 16, 2018<br />
Las Vegas, NV<br />
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The second date was granted to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the first time since it's existence. The questions was posed year after year to officials at Las Vegas Motor Speedway "when will you get a second date". The reason behind the constant question, attendance year after year has been stellar. With the decline of attendance at many race tracks over the past few years, Las Vegas is no exception to those who have been suffering. Since 2008, the down turn of the economy, NASCAR attendance has suffered. Las Vegas among many race tracks have been pulling out seats, reducing capacity. Some tracks had attendance records prior to 2008, Las Vegas was one of those who packed the place. Bristol Motor Speedway had a waiting list to even buy tickets, that list no longer exists. <br />
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Today the attendance appears to be sparse, seats are vacant, especially in the Richard Petty (turn 1) and Dale Earnhardt (turn 4) terraces (upper seating coming out of turn 4 and going into turn 1). I know the marketing and promotions departments at Las Vegas Motor Speedway have been actively working to promote the second date the minute the March race wrapped up. It's a little bit of a surprise to see attendance struggles continue at Las Vegas, after all it is Las Vegas and there is plenty to do aside of the race track.<br />
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So what seems to be the issue, why are fans not flocking to race tracks like they did just a few years ago, in fact just ten years ago? I hear fans say it's the price of tickets, I find that hard to believe. A ticket to get into Friday nights Camping World Truck Series race is under $20, the DC Solar 300 Saturday race is under $40 to get in and Sundays South Point 400 you can get a tickets and sit in the Richard Petty Terrace for under $90. This pricing falls in line with other major sports, NBA single game ticket can be anywhere from $30 to $300 per ticket in most cases. Concert tickets are upwards now of $65 and higher. Sure you have travel costs such as vehicle fuel (providing you a close enough to drive), airline ticket, lodging costs and meals. I get it, the total for a weekend can add up quickly. Are fans just looking at their pocket books and picking a choosing which races they want or can afford to attend and / or questioning even going at all due to the race being on TV? Is it cost or lack of interest? This is what I keep hearing folks in my profession ask, the media that are dumb founded of the fall of the sport at a high rate of speed. Sponsors leaving the sport, fan attendance down and TV ratings suffering. Is NASCAR on life support? <br />
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Ok...I didn't want to be that dramatic but I do wonder what the root of the decline may be. I would love you feedback, comment and let me know what your thoughts are? Beck's Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12659222209722368705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528150352752309281.post-18254980625893748372018-09-14T18:26:00.000-07:002018-09-14T18:26:06.408-07:00NASCAR Sponsorship Struggles: Just Got Real <h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By Shane Beck<br />Las Vegas, NV</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> With the 2017 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series driver, Martin Truex Jr, being the latest to fall victim to the loss of sponsorship dollars. The question that many are asking is why? For that matter a better questions may be how, how does your last years champion ship team fail to secure sponsorship dollars for the future 2019 racing season?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> NASCAR teams historic ally have depended upon sponsorship dollars to stay a float, to build a racing program and maintain it' relevance. With seven time NASCAR Cup Series driver Jimmy Johnson losing Lowes Home Improvement in 2019, and now the #78 team owner of Furniture Row Racing, Barney Visser announcing their closing their doors at the end of 2018 due to lack of sponsorship dollars, the state of NASCAR is on rocky ground. It's not easy for a single car owner like Barney Visser to survive for vary long. Red Bull Racing which owned and operated it's own team was short lived, they lasted only six years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The cost of a top team in the NASCAR Cup Series can cost $30 Million to operate annually, sponsors pay for the majority of those expenses. In the early years, the 1990s, sponsors like GM Goodwrench stuck by their driver through thick and thin. Drivers would develop an identity as, in this case Dale Earnhardt as Mr. Goodwrench. Driver Mark Martin was known as Mr. Valvoline, while Rusty Wallace was always the driver of the Miller car, Terry Labonte was the Kelloggs car and others we're well know with the identity of their sponsor. Not only the sponsor but the colors were always consistent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Many companies are not shelling out those same dollars and receiving the same benefit for those dollars, teams have been forced to split up the number of events that a sponsor would get the hood of the car and color scheme to cover the cost of operations. Another words, if you have three ten million dollar sponsors who split the racing season in thirds, then you achieve the total operating expense of $30 million to cover your operations. However, if one of those sponsors doesn't renew and you still need $30 Million to operate, you either cover out of pocket or find another sponsor. This is where the problem lies, the value of what the teams are putting out isn't worth the benefit to the sponsors and they're reluctant to renew. Farmer's Insurance sponsored Hendrick Motorsports <span style="color: #262626;">$67.28 million dollar deal, the deal was for 102 total races, far short of the season total. Kyle Busch might be the only driver left that runs one sponsor for the duration of the season. </span><span style="color: #262626;"> </span>The Bang for Buck theory! Not getting enough Bang for their Buck. It's become way to expensive, even for fortune 500 companies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> So what can be done, how will these teams not only survive but start to thrive? I believe the bottom line is NASCAR needs to take a step or two back, they need to dumb it down. NASCAR needs to make it cheaper for the teams to operate and need to do it fast. This sport has become a victim of the times and has out priced themselves. </span></div>
Beck's Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12659222209722368705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528150352752309281.post-16352971704237942012018-05-26T09:03:00.003-07:002018-05-26T09:03:27.211-07:00Indy 500: Danica Patrick's Last Hurrah<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;">Saturday, May 26, 2018</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">By Shane Beck</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">Salt Lake City, UT</span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;">A race fan turned media member covering racing in general but a little heavy towards NASCAR, I find this years Indianapolis 500 to be a slight bit somber. I know many of you are laughing right now, some of you may even be celebrating this day. The day the Danica Patrick races in her last professional race as a IndyCar driver!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;">I remember the day Danica started her professional career in IndyCar, I even remember her fist victory in Japan on April 20, 2008, the Indy Japan 300 at Twin Ring Montegi in Montegi, Japan. Making her the first female winner in IndyCar racing history. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">Patrick had many firsts in her career, the first woman to win the pole of the Daytona 500 (February 18, 2013), or for that matter the first woman in the history of NASCAR to win a pole for any race. She was also Rookie of Year in the 2005 Indianapolis 500 for Rahal Letterman Racing with three pole positions in her 2005 season. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">Danica Patrick grew up on Wisconsin, she began karting at the age of ten with much success, winning the World Karting Association Grand National Championship three times in the mid 1990s. She dropped out of high school with her parents permission in 1998, and moved to the United Kingdom to further her racing career. Patrick competed in Formula Vauxhall and Formula Ford before returning to the United States in 2001 due to a lack of funding.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">Danica was fortunate to have landed Go Daddy as a sponsor, a partner who was able to fund her way into NASCAR making Danica Patrick a household name.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Over the years many have become true Danica Patrick fans, I have personally witnessed her apparel trailer as one of the midway's busiest with lines 7 wide and 10-15 people deep waiting to purchase her merchandise. I would look around and trailer just next door had no one in line or very few. I've also spoken with fans who cut her zero slack, all based on her on track performance. As a long time racing enthusiast I can completely understand how they may feel. I also understand the bigger picture, how Danica has paved the way for many female competitor, giving young ladies hope that some day they to can race at NASCAR's top level or perhaps race in the Indianapolis 500. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">I have become a fan of Danica Patrick, I admire what she has done, how she has achieved the success she has had and how she has given so many hope. I WILL be pulling for Danica Patrick to win her final Indianapolis 500 race on May 27th of 2018. I also hope that Danica doesn't completely walk away from racing, that she can get involved to help others achieve their life long dreams! #GoDaddy #GoDanicaPatrick</span></span>Beck's Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12659222209722368705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528150352752309281.post-27439231523927426182017-04-08T13:00:00.005-07:002017-04-08T13:00:58.641-07:00Opening Night: Royal Purple Modified Series at Meridian Speedway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Saturday, April 8, 2017</span><br />
By Shane Beck<br />
Meridian, Idaho<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">A long off season for many, yet not long enough for some, the drives are awaiting to see just who shows up with what? Coming off a great 2016 season, promoter Todd LaBronte is optimistic of 2017. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">The season kicks off at Meridian Speedway, a race track where driver and former Meridian Speedway Modified track champion Shelby Stroebel dominates. LaBronte and Meridian Speedway have agreed to four events including a two night show at the historic Diamond Cup, June 2nd and 3rd, a show that features the return of Super </span><span style="color: #222222;">Modified racing</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">. The Royal Purple Modified Series will also make the trip back to the historic Magic Valley Speedway (Twin Falls, ID) for four nights of racing. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">New addition to the schedule in 2017 for the Royal Purple Modified Series is Wenatchee Valley Speedway for the Thunder In The Valley two night show, July 15th and 16th. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">A surprising return to Rocky Mountain Raceways (Salt Lake City, UT) in 2017. Coming off a decent showing in 2015 the Royal Purple Modified Series was not invited back for 2016. Part of that decision due to schedule conflict and the other, two promoters not able to come to terms. Both Mike Eames (General Manager of Rocky Mountain Raceways) and Todd LaBronte are excited for the August 5th 75 lap Hot August Nights racing event in 2017.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">The racing action should be fantastic in 2017, with the return of many good drivers from the northwest, four to six different states, the competition should be fierce. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">Drivers to watch out for this season, Idaho drivers Chris Fenton, Shelby Stroebel and Kyle Lathem. Drivers out of Utah, Zach Webster, and Eric Rhead. California driver Kyle Tellstrom is always a tough competitor. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">You can follow the Royal Purple Modified Series on Facebook.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">Follow Shane Beck on Twitter @racingfanradio or email racingfanradio@gmail.com</span></span>Beck's Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12659222209722368705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528150352752309281.post-75734426213853238302017-03-28T20:53:00.001-07:002017-03-28T20:55:01.884-07:00Ratings Down, Empty Seats; How Does NASCAR Stop The Bleeding<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #48494a; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "open sans" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">March 28, 2017</span></b></div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "open sans" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">By: Shane Beck</span></b></div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "open sans" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">After five races, NASCAR’s TV ratings are showing no signs of improvement, hitting record-lows, according to Sports Media Watch.</span></b></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #232323; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Auto Club Speedway -</b></span><span style="color: #232323; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> California Ratings dipped again, Fox drew a 2.9 overnight rating for Kyle Larson's win in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway, down 17% from a 3.5 for last year's event, which aired one week earlier in the season. Fox drew a 4.0 overnight for the Cup race from Fontana in both '15 and '14. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;">Las Vegas TV Ratings</span> In ratings delayed by the winter storm in the Northeast, Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series racing from Las Vegas scored a 3.58 final rating and 5.973 million viewers on FOX Sunday (3/12/2017)</span></div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Atlanta TV Ratings Posted</b> Fox drew 3.6 for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race from Atlanta, down slightly from a 3.7 for the same race last year. However, the second race of the Cup Series season was down from a 5.1 in '15 from Atlanta and down from a 4.8 in '14 from Phoenix.</div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Daytona 500 TV Ratings</b> With a thrilling, last-lap pass in the first MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES race to feature the new stage format, 2004 NASCAR premier series champion Kurt Busch won Sunday's season-opening DAYTONA 500 on FOX, with 23.3 million viewers tuning in for all or part of the event. An average audience of 12 million watched the race across the FOX broadcast network, FOX Deportes and FOX Sports GO, including 11.92 million on FOX alone.</div>
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So the real questions is why? So many opinions on how to fix NASCAR, we hear the following "if they shorten races the ratings will go back up" or "they need more short tracks and road course races". While some of these opinions may be true the problem is deeper then a small change here and small change there.</div>
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NASCAR has lost control, the product is now controlled by sponsors, what you say? You mean the sponsors that have been so instrumental in putting NASCAR on the map? No not those sponsors, those were different. The sponsors like GM Goodwrench, Winston and others understood that NASCAR is a sport which is driven by it's drivers and their personalities.</div>
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The raw emotion of the drivers has been taken from the sport, the drivers are being promoted in such a way that you only identify them by their sponsors and what's best for business. Not so much as what's best for the fans and the sport. </div>
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Fans are passionate, some so much as to name their kids after their favorite drives. Not to many fans have named their kids after the drivers sponsor. Hello...my sons name is Dewalt Beck.....you get the picture!! </div>
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NASCAR has lost the villain, the drives genuinely competed and it bothered them to lose, so much so as they would fight, almost hate each other. Now they hang out, laugh and have fun and NASCAR can't decide from one week or another if they should let the "Boys Have at It" or fine them for saying or doing something detrimental to the sport, as they say in the NASCAR rule book. </div>
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At Las Vegas Kyle Busch marched down pit road and punched Joey Logano in the face because he felt he was done wrong on the racing surface. NASCAR....that is real raw emotion and that's what fans want. </div>
Beck's Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12659222209722368705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528150352752309281.post-36995681528690823892015-03-03T07:48:00.000-08:002015-03-03T07:49:39.107-08:00Kurt Busch the road to NASCAR reinstatementBy Shane Beck<br />
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Salt Lake City, UT - Suspended driver Kurt Busch has formally accepted NASCAR's terms to be eligible for reinstatement, a spokesman said Monday.<br />
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Busch
signed an agreement late last week that laid out the guidelines he must
follow in order for NASCAR to consider lifting his indefinite
suspension, NASCAR vice president of integrated marketing communications
David Higdon said in a statement to the press.<br />
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Busch lost two appeals to NASCAR to be reinstated
and has missed two races so far for Stewart-Haas Racing.<br />
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"We understand Kurt Busch has
begun the process for reinstatement as a NASCAR member," SHR executive
vice president Joe Custer said. "NASCAR has laid out its expectations
for Kurt, and while there is no timetable to meet those expectations,
Kurt's willingness to embrace the conditions set forth by NASCAR is a
positive step that we support."<br />
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Busch also is waiting on results
of a Dover police investigation into the alleged incident. That
information was turned over to the Delaware Attorney General's office
before Christmas. Regan Smith has driven the No. 41 car for
Stewart-Haas Racing in Busch's absence and will again be behind the
wheel Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.<br />
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I've thought this over for a while and know that Kurt Busch has a history of having a temper. His former girl friend, Patricia Driscoll, has been labeled as assassin! The both don't seem right and one could say that Kurt Busch should be more scared for his security then she should. This being said I don't believe NASCAR had any choice but to suspend Kurt Busch from NASCAR. There is too much at stake for NASCAR, with the domestic violence in the NFL lately, the last thing NASCAR needs it to jump into that pool with the NFL.<br />
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Will we ever see Kurt Busch race again? I personally don't feel we will, unless a police investigation clears him of any wrong doing. There are to many good drivers wanting so few seats in race cars. NASCAR doesn't need Kurt Busch, he needs NASCAR.<br />
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I personally wish Kurt Busch the best, I hope he is cleared of any wrong doing and can find his way back into a race car. Kurt is a driver who earned his ride on his own merit, no name helping him get there, no money, just pure driving ability.Beck's Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12659222209722368705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528150352752309281.post-89239927428516161062013-11-04T07:24:00.001-08:002013-11-04T07:25:33.973-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sweet 16 for John Force</span></h2>
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Salt Lake City, UT - John Force didn't need a paddle to spank the field at the Las Vegas Strip - just a fast race car. Chasing his 16th championship, Force knew it was possible to clinch the title in Las Vegas. His team knew it as well, especially crew chief Jimmy Prock who served up what the doctor ordered. </div>
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Earlier this season things were just not right at John Force Racing, driver Robert Height was struggling to make it in the Countdown to the Championship and John Force felt a change was in store. He decided to move his tuner Mike Neff to Robert Heights team and Jimmy Prock to his team. Robert Height was able to squeak into the Countdown to the Championship and Force continued running well.</div>
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John Force received news midway through the season that long time sponsors Ford and Castrol would be leaving at the end of the 2014 season. Castrol has been with John Force since the beginning and Ford has also been with John Force for a very long time. Frustrated, wondering where he would find support in the future, his wife Lori told him that that one thing is certain, winning takes care of everything! This is when John realized she was absolutely right, he focused 100% of himself to winning his 16th Championship. </div>
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With John Force at 64 years of age, one might wonder how long he can continue racing? Not only racing but how long can he continue to win? John Force claims he will continue as long as the good lord will allow but knows that the future of John Force Racing are his girls. </div>
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John Force is living the dream, however he has had to work extremely hard for what he has built over the years. I would say he is a master at marketing, knowing how to not only get a sponsor to support him but defiantly knows how to keep a sponsor happy. He knows the power of the media, he understands who helps him and does everything in his power to give back to his sponsors and his fans. </div>
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John Force will defend his championship in 2014, he will attempt to break "Sweet 16" and fight for his 17th Championship. </div>
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Contact Shane Beck at mshanebeck@gmail.com and follow on Twitter @racingfanradio </div>
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<br />Beck's Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12659222209722368705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528150352752309281.post-48527137611344364232013-03-05T09:12:00.001-08:002013-03-05T09:14:57.634-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>NRA Title Sponsor for NASCAR Race at Texas</b></span></h2>
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The National Rifle Association is taking its relationship with racing to a new level as the title sponsor of a NASCAR Sprint Cup race. What better place then Texas? The deal with Texas Motor Speedway comes at a time when the NRA is
involved in a renewed debate on gun violence in the wake of the December
shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.</div>
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"It's not about politics. It's about sports marketing," TMS president
Eddie Gossage said Monday after the announcement of the one-year
agreement with the NRA that includes a renewal option.</div>
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It is about politics and it happens to be in sports marketing now with NASCAR. Who's kidding who? NASCAR is where those who want to promote a produce, political view or even push re-election for the president of the United States of America. </div>
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The April 13 race at Texas, the first scheduled night race in the Cup Series this season, will be known as the NRA 500. </div>
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NASCAR said in a statement Monday that "race entitlement partnerships"
are agreements directly between the track and the sponsor though NASCAR
reserves the right to approve or disapprove those sponsorships.</div>
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The sponsorship does seem like a natural. It's been a tradition at TMS
that the winner of the Cup race gets to fire a six-shooter in victory
lane. And the winner of the pole gets a rifle as a prize. </div>
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Those who support the constitution along with the NRA will embrace the sponsorship and those who oppose it will likely picket, rant and rave! </div>
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Beck's Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12659222209722368705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528150352752309281.post-56838507184808428952012-07-31T07:35:00.003-07:002012-07-31T07:37:19.307-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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New Chevrolet Camero for 2013</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>NASCAR Brings A Different Look In 2013 </b></span></h2>
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More than two years on the drawing board and countless hours in the wind tunnel came to fruition Monday when NASCAR approved a next-generation Sprint Cup car for 2013. It's going to be a very busy off season for Ford, Dodge, Chevy and Toyota manufacturing to build its own doors, fenders, hoods and other detailed parts of their new designed race cars. This is great for the fans, to be able to identify their favorite race car with their favorite manufacture. A headache for NASCAR to assure no manufacture gets a huge aerodynamic advantage over there other? Perhaps! But I say it's worth it!<br />
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You would have to go back to the 80's as far a so much stuff being made by manufactures. NASCAR has wanted parody and have pushed the teams in a direction of the Iroc Series, where every car is almost identical. The bad part is no one could identify what car was a Ford vs a Chevy. Oh I guess you could look on the nose and read the logo Chevy, Ford, Toyota or Dodge. The cars are sleek looking, this should excite NASCAR fans for 2013. I applaud NASCAR for realizing the direction they were going wasn't the direction their fans wanted to see their sport go. Beck's Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12659222209722368705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528150352752309281.post-68102910213052205552012-07-26T09:27:00.002-07:002012-07-26T09:27:12.713-07:00Ford Focus Midget Accident at RMR Sends Driver to Hospital<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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July 21, 2012<br />
West Valley City, UT - One of the biggest nights on the Rocky Mountain Raceway oval track, the NAPA 125 featuring the Spears Southwest Tour. It was a overcast night at about 87 degrees, the crowd estimated at 3,700 fans. Approximately 7:40 pm the Ford Focus Midgets began their main event of the evening. Early in the race there were some bumping and banging happening between veteran driver Jeff Kelly and Guy Sainsbury. Coming out of turn two and headed down the backstretch the two touched and Guy Sainsbury hit hard into the wall. The director of Oval racing operations called for a red flag stop. The RMR rescue vehicles were there within seconds to attend to Guy Sainsbury. Immediately you could tell something was defiantly wrong with Guy. The attention he was getting from the safety team and the pace of which they were moving was a definite indicator of trouble.<br />
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Guy was transported to Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, UT. Guy suffered a head injury and was medicated to put him into a medically induced comma. Reports from his son Braxton Sainsbury as of July 26th is that he is alert, they've taken off his neck brace and has been transferred out of ICU to the 11th floor. <br />
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It is certain that Guy still has a long recovery ahead of him but is doing much better. The family thanks all those who have sent prayers and support. Also want to thank the quick and professionalism of the Rocky Mountain Safety crew. Beck's Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12659222209722368705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528150352752309281.post-45423702133108019132012-07-11T12:00:00.003-07:002012-07-11T12:00:55.219-07:00Allmendinger "Has No Idea" Why He Failed Drug Test<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%;">AJ Allmendinger’s
longtime business manager issued a written statement today, repeating the
driver’s assertion that he has never knowing taken any substance on NASCAR’s
list of banned substances.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%;">T</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%;">ara Ragan, Vice
President of Allmendinger’s Walldinger Racing, revealed that the Penske Racing
driver, “tested positive for a stimulant” in a screening conducted more than a
week ago at Kentucky Speedway, but did not identify the specific substance
involved. “He has no idea why the first test was positive,” said Ragan, “and he
has never knowingly taken any prohibited substance. AJ is collecting his
medicines and supplements for testing to determine whether an over the counter
product caused his positive test.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%;">She said Allmendinger
“respect(s) NASCAR's testing program, and he has requested that his
"B" sample be tested as part of the process of getting to the bottom
of this. We will have the opportunity to review all of the scientific data
surrounding the test following the "B" sample test, but our
understanding is that AJ's test was slightly above the threshold.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%;">She said the driver has
not been told when his “B” sample will be tested.</span>Beck's Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12659222209722368705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528150352752309281.post-68201657506261821012011-12-05T16:03:00.000-08:002011-12-05T16:03:20.102-08:00Kurt Busch Fired By PenskeSo it was announced today by Penske that there has been agreement between Penske and Kurt Busch to part ways. A nice way of saying "Kurt has been fired by Penske for embarrassing the Penske organization, its sponsoring partners and its fans" good luck to you Mr. Busch don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out! Or as Dr. Jerry Punch would say get this @#^%@&* out of here. This is a classic case of you didn't know what you had until its gone. It will be difficult for Kurt to find a ride in NASCAR, the Busch brothers have rubbed many the wrong way and have really showed that they can't handle themselves in a sponsor driven sport. My guess is we haven't seen the last of Kurt Busch, where will he land? I don't have that answer but I will say that if NASCAR doesn't work out, maybe we might see him thundering down a quarter mile in a Pro Stock car. Beck's Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12659222209722368705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528150352752309281.post-32277657635302717552011-06-30T11:57:00.000-07:002011-06-30T11:57:20.050-07:00Lucas Oil Off Road SeriesIt looks as if the Lucas Oil Off Road Series is at Miller Motorsports Park to stay. The 2nd annual event was held last weekend and another well supported event. The drivers really love what Miller Motorsports Park has done with the dedicated off road track. I've spoke with Carl Renezeder who said "I love this place, the track and the fans, wow it doesn't get any better then this". Carl said the popularity of off road racing is evolving into something special. Jeremy McGrath said "there are a number of Supercross who are jumping into the series. It makes sense, it's a lot like Supercross". <br />
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The director of media at Miller Motorsports Park tells us that they have partnered up with Lucas Oil and now have regional division that Miller Motorsports Park will play host to. To learn more about the Lucas Oil Off Road Series contact Miller Motorsports Park direct or go on their website at www.millermotorsportspark.com. Beck's Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12659222209722368705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528150352752309281.post-77485950124361541672011-05-10T21:12:00.000-07:002011-05-10T21:16:45.159-07:00Harvick VS. Busch / Montoya VS. NewmanI've been pondering whether or not the "have at it boys" is a good thing for NASCAR or not. I guess I can take it or leave it but I'm not the average fan. Does the average fan want to see NASCAR turn into the WWE? I don't know but maybe NASCAR does, look at how many people watch the WWE! Look at how many people slow way down on the freeway to see if someone is laying on the roadside with their guts hanging out. I guess this is truly what our society wants to see.<br />
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The fans have been wanting to see the REAL emotions of their favorite drivers. When you ask fans what they come to see, the average fan says the wrecks. Did Kyle Busch cross the line by using his car to push another car with no driver into the pit wall, ultimately putting others safety at risk? I say yes and he should have been suspended one race. The pushing, shoving, and yelling at each other, I'm good with it, most the time they don't take their helmets off anyway! NASCAR is desperate to increase their ratings and sell more tickets. Most every track has been down on attendance and ratings have been down until late.<br />
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It's drama that sells and NASCAR knows it!Beck's Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12659222209722368705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528150352752309281.post-58016292939604824462011-05-09T11:43:00.000-07:002011-05-10T21:23:04.744-07:00No Wait, Done by TenSo how did my day go at the new Rocky Mountain Raceway? We'll let me tell you! Some things were more of the same but then there were things that made such a difference. My arrival to the track was at 12:15pm, expecting to wait in line until 1:00pm to get my credentials and through the back gate. Much to my surprise there was no line, I'm mean NO line! As a matter of fact there were more then two windows open and Will Call had its own booth. The first person I met was a lovely lady who was very friendly, I didn't know her from Adam and I didn't get the feeling she knew me. My son was with me, he is now old enough to get in the pit area, he was treated very well!<br />
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The other surprise was the number of race cars/trucks. I can't remember seeing so many Pro Trucks, who ever is in charge of the truck series should be commended. The Modifieds were loaded with cars and put on a great race as always, well at least for 40 laps, the remaining 10 laps some of the drivers fell asleep at the wheel. The Midgets were good but I expected more out of some of the veteran drivers. A lot of rough driving in the Midget class, hate to see someone get seriously hurt someday. The Rocky Mountain Challenge Series put on a good race but I was a little disappointed with the Idaho guys not traveling and supporting the Salt Lake race. I know there were some good cars ready to race in Idaho that could have showed. The car count for the late models were at 14 and should have been more like 18 or 20. <br />
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Biggest surprise of the night was being done before 10:00pm! I noticed a push to get cars on the track and ready to go. Heck the mini cups were on the track and ready during the opening ceremonies. I know things are a work in progress at RMR but Mike Eames and staff are on the right track and should be commended for a job well done on opening night.Beck's Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12659222209722368705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528150352752309281.post-35163094193335609292011-05-02T11:25:00.000-07:002011-05-02T11:25:28.512-07:00Raking The Back GateMy recent visit to Magic Valley Speedway on April 23rd was a shocker. In fact I've just recovered enough to write about it. I traveled with a friend, Eric Rhead who was competing in the CarbonX Rocky Mountain Challenge Series. I told the gal at the pit shack that I wanted a pit pass and she told me it would be $40.00 dollars. My first thought was maybe she thought I was paying for someone else. Then she said it is $40.00 for non-member (NASCAR). You see you have to purchase a NASCAR crew license at a NASCAR sanctioned track and that cost is upwards of $75.00 dollars. You see the series only races there three times, so if I did buy a license then it would cost me $55.00 per pit pass. <br />
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Its funny how guys like track owner Eddie McKeen seem to forget how much racing costs and that they were on the other side of the fence complaining about the cost of pit passes. Shame on you, you've fallen into the trap of "I don't have a good show so I have to pay for my track somehow so lets RAKE the back gate" mentality.Beck's Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12659222209722368705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528150352752309281.post-44316669830530772532011-04-28T10:01:00.000-07:002011-04-28T10:01:45.383-07:00Zan the ManThe CarbonX Rocky Mountain Challenge Series opened their season at Magic Valley Speedway last Saturday night. There were four cars from Utah, Jeff Hillock, Lynn Hardy, Zan Sharp and Eric Rhead. All of which represented Utah well. Magic Valley Speedway is a very tough track for drivers, it is hard to pass and take a lot of patience. Typically on opening night at any track the first race can be any car owners nightmare. Drivers seem to forget how to drive over the Winter. Saturday was no exception to the rule as Thayne Alderman got into the leader Lynn Hardy on lap 41 and spun him. Lynn was then hit by another car and all three cars were done for the night. <br />
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Midway through the race Zan Sharp was in 5th and was moving forward. He took the lead late in the race and was able to hold off Bruce Quale of Idaho. Top five were Zan Sharp, Bruce Quale, John Newhouse, John Wong and Eric Rhead. Next race for the series is May 7th at Rocky Mountain Raceway in Salt Lake City, UT. at 6:00pm.Beck's Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12659222209722368705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528150352752309281.post-65994255934367737662011-01-11T10:05:00.000-08:002011-01-11T10:10:20.737-08:00It's About Time!A leak comes out this week that all NASCAR drivers will have to declare what series they're going to compete for a 2011 championship. Sorry Carl Edwards, Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch! Driver must now just pick one series to chase points in for a Championship. Why? Why did it take the France family so long to make such a decision? If they would have made this decision some time ago there may be players still in the series like Terry Bradshaw who said "this is nuts, we can't compete with the cup drivers and crews as this level with our resources. We're not on a level playing field".<br />
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I view the Nationwide series like AAA Baseball. This should be where teams pull their talent from not a bunch of Derek Jeters dropping down to AAA and AA ball to beat up on those who are in developing?<br />
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Does this mean we will not see any Sprint Cup drivers in the Nationwide Series, no but it may be not as often. I applaud NASCAR but still wish it would have come sooner then 2011.Beck's Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12659222209722368705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528150352752309281.post-41555347112108652962011-01-02T17:16:00.000-08:002011-01-02T17:17:35.302-08:007 WeeksI woke up this morning just sweating and in a panic. In just 7 weeks the racing season will be upon us again! Can you believe just 7 weeks to the Daytona 500? Seems like just yesterday that Jimmy Johnson clinched his 5th straight Sprint Cup Championship. Why am I not as excited about the Daytona 500 as past years? Perhaps its that we still have 7 weeks, or maybe there are just other things to look forward to, like the Chili Bowwwwl --- Helloooooo! Ok, I am looking forward to the Daytona 500. It is the by far the greatest NASCAR racing event of the season. Others are good but the Daytona 500 is AWESOME! I guess it is due to the build up to the Daytona 500 race itself. You have Speedweeks including the Duel races and Shootout. I will be watching and we will be talking about it leading up to the event.Beck's Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12659222209722368705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528150352752309281.post-27721935162183208432010-12-23T11:22:00.000-08:002010-12-23T12:35:25.197-08:00I Shouldn't Have Doubted Him!OK I give up! Quit with the "I told you so" already! I know I was in doubt that the Rocky Mountain Raceway management staff could release their schedule before March of 2011. I placed a little bet on it with Steve Schoenfeld and I lost. I guess this guy named Mike Eames is the real deal. I've been told for a few months that I'm really going to like this guy and that if Mike says he will do it, then by GOD it will get done! I based my gamble with Steve on the past and didn't give Mr. Eames much of a chance, sorry Mike! I guess I can call you Mike?<br />
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So my message to the rest of the racing community is to not bet against this guy! Don't make the mistake that I made, don't do it!Beck's Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12659222209722368705noreply@blogger.com0