Keeping in Mind the New NASCAR

This is the Statt Mann Baby. Time to Scatt a little bit…

I obviously don’t have access to NASCAR’s inner sanctum. But I can imagine lots of smiles in those hallways at the start of the Daytona 500.

The Busch Light Clash in the Los Angeles Coliseum was a major TV hit second only to the Winter Olympics nationally. The three and a half million who tuned in was equal to the last two years of the Busch Clash combined. But here’s the big news.

I read this week that teams in the Daytona 500 Sunday were owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan, boxing legend Floyd Mayweather and entertainer Pitbull. Needless to say those aren’t good ol’ boys or descendants from The Alabama Gang.

Is this strength in the NASCAR industry? Proof that expanding the audience beyond the Confederate Flag is working? Or just the popularity of the Great American Race?

It’s early but I’d guess there’s a combination of all three. Sponsors will stand in line to talk to an audience. And that includes NASCAR if its audience is no longer sliding off the back of the grandstand.

Peace.