Should Sponsors Own Race Teams?
General
Intriguing question and business decision to be certain. From a sponsor's perspective, they likely have to rationalize it just as with any other business decision. What are revenues, costs, impact on market strategies & core competencies, etc. If a company like Red Bull gets into the sport but then bails later, they simply do lay-off, shut down, and recover costs where they can. Right or wrong, don't businesses do this all the time with plants, production facilities, sales channels, etc.?
But if you are the sanctioning body, then yes - I think you ARE more concerned. And yes - they have painted themselves into a corner. With the way costs to race have exploded the last 20 years, a corporate presence is almost required to participate. We all know the days of a reasonably competitive independent are all but gone.
Humpy Wheeler has speculated that MEDIA companies may one day own the teams. Perhaps a Rupert Murdoch owned FOX network would acquire the teams, contract the drivers and crews, sell the advertising/sponsorships, and air all the races. Without trying to draw too close an analogy, isn't this what Vince McMahon did with his WWE wrasslin' ?
