Forum Activity for @tmc-chase

Xfinity in for Ten Years (Not Infinity) as NASCAR Series Sponsor

Current NASCAR

A few years ago when Sprint bought Nextel, the already awkwardly named Nextel Cup Series was rebranded as the Sprint Cup Series. Then the talking heads had to spend some time explaining how Sprint Cup cars weren't the same as sprint cars. That false linkage returned a bit recently when Sprint Cup's Stewart was involved with the tragic accident at a sprint car track.

Now we'll have the Xfinity Series which makes Nextel roll off the tongue like buttah dahling. How long before many shorten it simply to the X-Series? When it happens, then ones in the know will have to explain to those who aren't how the X-Series doesn't involve X-Men from comic books nor does it have anything to do with ESPN's X-Games.

As for me, I'll likely continue as I have the last few years and refer to that collection of races as the "Busch Series". I know the series has its roots in the former late model sportsman division. But that's quite a mouthful as well, so the one syllable "Busch" works fine for me as does "Cup" and "trucks".

Xfinity in for Ten Years (Not Infinity) as NASCAR Series Sponsor

Current NASCAR

Adelphia WAS the original sponsor for Nashville's stadium built for the Tennessee Titans after they moved from Houston. - Adelphia Coliseum.

Then and now, the deal didn't make much sense. No one knew what an Adelphia was. And it turns out, they didn't even do business here. However, that didn't stop Bud Adams from signing a long-term deal and taking their check. Of course, when the checks began to bounce - off went the signage and off to the hoosegow went the Rigas bunch.

Xfinity in for Ten Years (Not Infinity) as NASCAR Series Sponsor

Current NASCAR

Unless NASCAR finds a way to reinvigorate their B series, we may soon refer to it as the Ex-Series vs. Xfinity or anything else.

NASCAR had to take a bit of a haircut it seems on this deal if I'm reading it right. (Though it's a heckuva time at the stylist when millions trade hands.)

Excerpted from Philadelphia Business Journal

Comcast emerged as a viable replacement after the companys sports TV group, NBC, signed a 10-year, $4.4B rights deal with NASCAR. As part of the deal, Comcast agreed to spend $10M marketing and promoting the sport . Its marketing team saw title sponsorship of NASCARs secondary series as a way to fulfill that obligation and also promote its cable TV, broadband and phone business unit, Xfinity.

Comcast initially wanted a shorter-term deal and resisted NASCARs push for a 10-year agreement. However, in recent weeks, it decided to commit to 10 years to match the length of NBCs broadcast deal. NASCAR was asking for $12-15M a year in rights fees, with media and activation commitments that would take the total value of a deal to more than $25M. A deal of that size would have been an increase from the approximately $10M in rights fees Nationwide spent for title sponsorship of the series.

So if I read this right...

• Comcast has to kick in $10M/yr to help market racing
• In NASCAR's perfect world, an unrelated company would have sponsored the B series for the asking price of $25M
• That unrelated company didn't emerge
• Comcast now gets to re-direct that $10M/yr promo requirement to the title sponsorship
• Comcast kicks in an extra $10M/yr for total of $20M/yr.
• $20M/yr is less than NASCAR's asking price of $25M.
• And the $10M extra = what Nationwide was paying - despite the spin being NASCAR got more.

Or am I missing something here?

Where's Kasey Kahne?

General

How long before you see Chase Elliott Cadillac of Marietta?

Passing of DonTilley

Stock Car Racing History

I wasn't familiar with Don Tilley - but have learned a bit more about him in the wake of yesterday's tragic news. I learned he was an avid motorcyclist, owned a Harley dealership, rode in the annual Kyle Petty Charity Ride, and was a dedicated supporter of Victory Junction Gang Camp.

I also learned he started six GN races - two each in 1964, 65 and 66. His next to last race was the November 1965 Georgia Cracker 300 in Augusta GA - the season opener for the 1966 season. He even made this video clip - albeit because of the engine he lost that day (fast forward to 2:50 mark ). RIP Mr. Tilley.

Tony is eligible for chase if....

Stock Car Racing History

Any other year, I wouldn't discount Smoke. But he really wasn't running well enough to win races before the sprint car tragedy a few weeks ago. Now with that incident still front and center, I really don't see how he and his team will be able to pull off a perfect day in one of these next tow races.

But you're likely right. A J-man will likely hold the trophy for the Oral-B 500. I wonder if it'll be an oversized toothbrush...

Tony is eligible for chase if....

Stock Car Racing History

An attempted PR move - and a fair one I suppose. In the end, however, I think it won't matter. Tony isn't likely to win either of the next two races.

DARLINGTON 250 - SEPTEMBER 1,1968

Stock Car Racing History

From what I'm seeing in old newspaper articles, looks like the race was on Saturday, August 31 vs. September 1.

Race preview from Sumter Daily Item

tangle - from Spartanburg Herald

Race report from Gadsden Times

Race report from Spartanburg Herald

The Legend & Jeff Gilder Finally Have Their Answer

Current NASCAR

Ha Jeff! Ya know, in a pinch I simply deal with the clip-art Google Images gives me. Not a lot to work with. On the other hand, perhaps same can be said for you and Tim! LOL

The Legend & Jeff Gilder Finally Have Their Answer

Current NASCAR

Things Curtis Never Said:

"I have to be prepared with all the essentials: nail clippers, Tylenol, Tums, tampons, floss. I'm ready for anything."