by: Tim Leeming
You know, if I gave these Legendtorials a title each week, the title of this one may be something along the lines of “The Absurdity of Sports.” (Editor’s note: And if he gave these Legendtorials a title each week, someone else would have one less thing to do) Those of us who hang out here on RacersReunion often lament the fact that racing has turned into an enterprise driven by money. I guess the guys who were the pioneers of the sport wish they could have enjoyed even a small percentage of the monetary rewards today’s drivers receive. But we have talked this subject to the point of no return in many Legendtorials and other venues of this website and it is a constant topic of conversation between many fans and corporate sponsors. Money drives the sporting world, not only that of NASCAR, but all other professional sports as well. Gone are the days when “the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat” were the buzz words for athletes. Today it has been rephrased to read “The thrill of money and the agony of no sponsor”.
Let’s look at this past weekend’s Super Bowl. How Professional Football ever obtained the status it has in this world in beyond my comprehension. Having worked with someone very closely aligned with the NFL for many years, and having watched he and his wife attend the Super Bowl every year, I have firsthand experience in the absurdity of the NFL. For those who are fans, I’m pleased you have that outlet, but don’t you ever dare look down your nose at me because I’m a stock car racing fan. I want to take a minute to examine just a few bits of information about the Super Bowl this year.
My source for this tidbit of information is NBC Nightly News, Thursday, January 31, 2013. The “average price” of a ticket to the Super Bowl was $3,400.00. That’s right, that’s what was reported. That caused me to do a little research on the ticket sites on line and what I discovered was, to my mind, unbelievable! Face value price of the Super Bowl tickets was $550.00 to $850.00. Ticket prices on sites that resold tickets from what we in South Carolina would call a “scalper” were going from $2,500.00 to $10,000.00 per ticket. Just as a point of reference, I checked the Daytona Speedway ticket site, and tickets are available in the grandstands from $55.00 to $195.00. I’m not sure what the infield prices are but I think the last time I paid for an infield ticket, back in the early ’70s, it was like $15.00 for the entire weekend. I started getting press credentials in 1975 and never bought another race ticket after that.
The NBC Nightly News also reported that the cost of a 30 second commercial during the Super Bowl Broadcast was 3.8 MILLION dollars. This costs does NOT factor in what it cost the company to produce the commercial and pay the participants for their time. So, let’s say, for point of discussion, that the average cost of a 30 second spot during the telecast of the event is closer to FOUR million dollars. For whatever unjustifiable reason it has occurred, the Super Bowl Commercials have taken on an entire life of their own. Some folks watch for the commercials only, not really caring who is playing football. Maybe that could be used as justification for these huge expenditures of money by these corporations, but do you realize that FIVE minutes worth of those commercials could fund a Nationwide Team with first class everything for an entire season or TEN minutes worth could fund a Cup team with first class everything for the season. Somewhere, the NASCAR advertising gurus missed the boat when they don’t present the fact to these companies that for the same amount of money they could get their logo and info on a rolling billboard (haulers included) for display to millions throughout the year. But you all have heard my opinion of advertising executives in the past so I don’t need to go back into what idiots I think they are. (Editor’s note: I have to call “Fuzzy math” here. By my reckoning, $4 mil for 30 seconds = $8 mil per minute. $8 million x 5minutes = $40 million, and there isn’t a Cup team, let alone a Nationwide team raking in that much loot. Last I heard, the going rate for a well-funded Cup-level operation was at $25 – $30 million.)
I am aware that many, if not most, of the drivers are fans of football. I think it was a couple years ago during the Super Bowl that the network camera zoomed in on Jeff Gordon in the stands. After this past Sunday’s event in New Orleans, I would think the biggest fan of all would be Juan Montoya. Once the lights went out in the Mercedes Benz Super Dome, it made the jet dryer debacle from last year’s Daytona 500 a lesser event. While rumors persist that Juan was in New Orleans for the Mardi Gras and ran into the light pole, I have factual information that says otherwise. This time it was NOT Juan’s fault.
We are a couple of weeks away from stock car racing cranking up in Daytona. While I enjoyed what I saw of the Rolex 24, I am very excited about the upcoming speed weeks. I am aware that the events are scheduled a week later again this year, as they were last, because Brian France bowed to the threat of the NFL to expand to an 18 game season, as PattyKay has already pointed out on the site. Being the race fan I am, and as I stated last year, I think that decision is asinine at best, and totally, completely, and entirely poor judgment on the part of Brian France. Why do we, the NASCAR fans, have to wait an extra week, lose the advantage of the Presidents’ Day Holiday, while waiting on the mind trusts of the NFL to decide when and how many weekends they plan to tie up television time. I must say, the recent press being given the NFL on the necessity of safer rules to prevent player injury has shown a side of ignorance that could only prevail in the stick and ball sports world. I read where one of the players conceded the fact that it is a dangerous game because guys hit guys. Duh! What took that so long? Now the commissioner of the NFL is hot to trot on better protection of head injuries, which have been so prevalent in the sport. This, after how many years of football?? Do you get the feeling these folks are clueless? NASCAR has been clueless for a long time on many things as we have all seen, but the speeches and comments from the NFL this past week makes one think the world of football is just waking up to the fact that a 350-pound dude slamming the hell out of a 250-pound dude may cause some physical problems. I’m sure the press would have given all that more ink, but after seeing all the tattoos on those Super Bowl players, I would think the NFL has used up its government allotment of ink for the next ten years at least.
As we approach the upcoming start of our season, I want it known that I absolutely detest those in the sports media who insist on calling the Daytona 500 the “Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing”. I would prefer that there is no reference made as to anything to do with football, basketball, baseball, or whatever sport is using a ball to accomplish whatever it is they are trying to accomplish. The Daytona 500 is rightly called “The Great American Race” which I think may have been coined by Ken Squier. If not by Ken, I can be certain I will be corrected before this show is over. That is a much more definitive description of what transpires in Florida on a February Sunday afternoon each year since 1959. Each year, as it gets close to Daytona 500 time, I pull my Greg Fielden books off the shelf and read about all the past Daytona 500s. Each and every one holds some special memory, either from being there as I was every year from 1962 through sometime in the 90s, or watching it on television, or, as in the first three, on the radio. Can I pick a favorite? No, and I’ve tried.
I have special memories of that first one, when Lee Petty won in that photo finish. Then there is 1962, my first time there, and watching that black and gold number 22 Pontiac, with Fireball Roberts driving an almost flawless race, coming home first ahead of my guy drafting right on his bumper. Is there anyone here who remembers what Smokey Yunick did to expedite putting oil in the 22? I’ve never forgotten that conversation. How about 1963 and Tiny Lund in that Hollywood scripted race? Then 1964 and the Hemi Plymouths and Dodges. The King wins his first Superspeedway race and the first of 7 Daytona 500s. 1967 and the rain and again, the King wins. Ok, I’ll stop with all that. Maybe next week I’ll pick a 500 and read the story directly from Greg Fielden’s book. (Legend, before you do that, I’d like to remind you that we only recently concluded on our Home Page what was thought to be race by race coverage of the Daytona 500, the first 50 years, by Matt McLaughlin. There was, however, one article missing, and therefore, four races from the late ’80s were not covered. Might I prevail upon your “good nature” to make one of those your target race?)
Whatever happens in Daytona on February 24th, we race fans can be sure it will be memorable. That’s what the Daytona 500 is all about. I personally thought the halftime show of the Super Bowl, with the exception of the kids from Newtown, sucked. I also think that most of the prerace show from Daytona will suck as well. When I used to go, I went to see the race. If I wanted to see a musical act, I would go to a concert. I don’t want actors, actresses, models and celebrities prancing around gathering the attention of the cameras. I’m there to see a race. I’m there to see the drivers and the crews do their jobs. I’m there to hear the sounds made by roaring engines and the whine of the air wrenches as pits stops are made. I’m there to see the flash of color as the cars come by at blinding speeds. Yes, I may not be in the grandstand or infield at this year’s Daytona 500, but my spirit will be right there as I kick my recliner back and settle in for the afternoon. In my world, there is no sport but stock car racing. In my world, winners are decided by the black and white checkered flag waving in the wind, not by the black and white striped shirts of whistle blowers who can decide, by a penalty call, the probable outcome of a football game.
So, Mr. Football Commissioner, hope you had a good time in New Orleans. Hope you finally figure out how to protect the heads of those guys playing that rough sport. Do me a favor though, if you would. If you aren’t going to use up 18 weekends next year, call Brian and tell him to move the Daytona 500 up a week. I would appreciate it. After all, the Super Bowl is the “Super Bowl” because it is hyped for weeks. In reality, it’s just another football game with more publicity. The Daytona 500 is The Great American Race because there is nothing else like it anywhere. And that’s the truth!!!
-Tim
Email: legendtim83@yahoo.com
Twitter: @legendtim83
If you’ve enjoyed your visit so far, we invite you to check out the Stock Car RacersReunion site by clicking here. By simply creating a log-in you will have access to over 100,000 vintage racing photos and thousands of articles, stories and conversations, some with legendary participants whose names you will recognize. As part of our racing family, you are free to enjoy the Chat Room and all Forums will be open for discussing your passion for racing with others of like mind. RacersReunion truly is where legends and fans unite.
(Editor’s note: Tim Leeming is a member of the regular cast of the Tuesday evening racing show ” Racing Through History”, presented on Zeus Radio Network by RacersReunion®. Archives can be found by following the link. Live broadcasts can be heard from 7:00-9:00 PM every Tuesday. Please feel free to join us in the RacersReunion® Chat Room for the show.)
Well Tim I can say without a doubt you are safe with this one. I was very impressed with your live performance Tues.nite and the abbreviated version here only goes to show who you really are, A bonafied Nascar Junky, not someone who slurs their words and tries to hide the truth in their thoughts. You my friend are Legend in your own world and Definitely one in the eyes of many old school racers. Behind you I will stand,nor for protection ,but to enforce you and the cause we both cherish……………. Rave on my friend because the nite is young ! ! ! ………………………..Memories
Johnny,
Thanks for your kind comments. I also appreciate the fact that you are willing to back me up. I’ve had quite a few comments today via e-mails regarding last nights show. While I do regret my poor choice of words in describing a certain “entertainer”, the essence of my opinion remains the same.
As for being a NASCAR Junkie, you are right on point. Totally, completely, and always someone who loves the sport and who will always try to find the good in what is happening even when I truly dislike it, such as the Car of Tomorrow. Our local news guy went over to Darlington and had video of the tests there Tuesday and it really was good to see REAL looking stock cars running that track again. Can you believe over 191 mph at Darlington? That blew my mind.
You, my friend, are a treasure to the sport and to RacersReunion. You and I, and so many more, live to remember the days of the past in the glory they truly were. You, as am I, are looking forward to what Daytona will bring this year. I sure wish I could be there for all the nostalgia going on. Wouldn’t even want to go to the races, just be a part of all the history in the events. But I’m sure Jeff, and I hope you, will keep us filled in with the happenings.
Tim
PattyKay,
Thanks for adding your Editorial comments as I take special note of your request to title the Legendtorials each week. I shall work of that in future editions. I guess I never really considered a title because most times my thoughts just run rampant.
As for the “fuzzy math”, you can bet on it. When I was in school I was a straight “A” Student in every subject but math. I could not comprehend even the simplest form of that subject. One teacher finally told me it was because math was a subject of logic and everything about me is totally withOUT logice. But, what I was attempted to say was that IF the teams could get that kind of money, it would truly mean first class everything. A point of reference here is that last year I talked with a Vice President of Marketing of one of the sponsors of a Cup Deal which was providing only a partial sponsorship for the year and his company, so he says, was putting out 30 million. I don’t think he had a reason to fabricate the figure, but you never know.
I always appreciate what your do in editing and posting my Legendtorials. Thank you.
Tim
You know I wasn’t putting you down Legend. I think the entire racing world knows you are my best writer, but yes, I do know of your lack of proficiency when it comes to math, and I just couldn’t resist it. By your figures, Cup teams would be operating circa $80 million per year. I think that figure might run the entire city of Columbia, let alone one single Cup team.
I don’t know about you, but when we get into that many zeros, I get disoriented.
As for titles, I have had to change even the way you send them, as Jay refuses any title sent to him in all-Upper Case letters. I just never bothered you to tell you. It’s part of my job to make it’s right before I hit “Publish.” I might not be the best, but I always give it my best.
PattyKay,
So Jay doesn’t like all Caps, huh? I remember my English teacher in high school insisted that titles always appear in all “Caps”, but I shall start titling my entries and will not use Caps.
Again, thanks for your help.
Tim
Tim, So well spoken and truthful on all points. I dont care how many emails you got about a certain descriptive term you used for it was the gospel….What a waste of time and little talent on the half time show…..Maybe you need to come down for the race some time and we will just hang out and take in the all the surrounding sights and sounds and enjoy the total feel of speed weeks.
Bill,
Thanks for your kind words. I stand by what I said, just not the way I said it. Such language is not my usual mode of communication, but sometimes the emotions get in the way of good sense.
I would always arrive in Daytona Friday night AFTER working all day. Catch the Saturday race and then the 500. Always did was to be there for the Thursday “Twins”, but never made it. I guess television is my window to that world now.
Enjoy the week there. Frankly, if I could have my choice, I would come for all the Victory Lance and Legends of Auto Racing events starting the 16th. That’s more my style at my age now! lol.
I appreciate you reading and commenting.
Tim
Then there is 1962, my first time there, and watching that black and gold number 22 Pontiac, with Fireball Roberts driving an almost flawless race, coming home first ahead of my guy drafting right on his bumper. Is there anyone here who remembers what Smokey Yunick did to expedite putting oil in the 22?…..YOU BET I remember Smokey, with one leg up on pit wall, a cutting torch in hand, warming a CAN of oil, awaiting the next pit stop…..I also recall ALL the media, ABC, CBS, and every written story I could find at age 9, they calling the second place finisher DICK Petty….
Please keep up the great work on this entire site…..each day, I look forward to reading of other peoples memories….and PattyKay, you and I have to meet at some race fest this year and sip some iced tea….
J.C. sounds as though we have a date. Thanks so much for your kind words about our site. We are very proud of what has been accomplished by a group of determined folks all led by some old goat named Gilder.
Seriously, thanks for taking the time of comment. That is always appreciated. Be looking for you somewhere, come nice weather. (Don’t mean to scare you , but I don’t put sugar in my iced tea.)
J.C.,
Thanks for reading and commenting. I, too, remember Smokey with that torch but the interesting thing I saw was him starting up the passenger car back behind the pits and putting several cans of Oil on top of the engine so it would heat up the oil to flow faster. Ah, the good old days!
Again, thanks for reading and commenting and for your support of RacersReunion. This site has become the benchmark for efforts to honor the history and heritage of the sport. RacerReunion has a Hall of Fame inside Memory Lane Museum in Mooresville, NC, which has, thus far, inducted 30 members. I understand another “class” will be inducted this October. After being at the last one and hearing Jabe Thomas making his speech, Iknow that what RacersReunion is doing is the right thing, in the right place, at the right time. Folks like us will soon be gone but we must not let the memories of Fireball, Smokey, Rex, the Flocks, and all those other great ones go with us. Bill Blair and Randy Myers are two of the greatest with stories of the old days as are Gene Hobby and Paul Lewis.
Tim
Very good article, and timely as well. Particularly as we are currently involved in negotiations with a major player in the corporate world regarding sponsorship. In truth however this is for another genre of motorsport where the demos are more relevant to them..
This group had been approached by others and per them a SC sponsorship would cost them 25 mill, Nationwide 8 mill. And they dont feel that they will get that much of a return.
However regarding your assessment of the NFl. There is a reason for the disparity in what people are willing to pay compared to Nascar. Its simply supply and demand which is driven by interest in the product. The Super Bowl was watched by 108 Million people this year. The Daytona 500 has never broken 20 million. Given those numbers you can see where the money will gravitate.
Still a well written article, I just think that to think that Nascar, or any other sport is on the same level as the NFL is wishful thinking.
Russ,
Thank you for taking time to read and comment. Yes, I am aware of the supply and demand basis for commerce to exist.
I know that NASCAR will not, in my lifetime, exceed the NFL in fans and/or income. I do, however, believe that the NFL is greatly over-hyped and is fed by the rabid fans of college football. I have no issue with that but I do get tired of the stick and ball sports folks telling me how stock car racing is not a sport. Just a old hang up from way back.
I spent more than 20 years working for a many heavily involved in NFL Player contracts and I spent a great deal of time on the phone with those “gentlemen”. The worse cursing I ever received was from a Dallas Cowboy Player-Personnel guy because one of my boss’s players preferred Denver. Over those 20 years I encountered more mentally challenged individuals in NFL ranks than can be imagined. They know playbooks and yard lines, but not much else. There are exceptions, but so many are low class, vulgar individuals. That’s my take. So they can put on all the glitz they want and it won’t impress me. Not trying to be crude here, just expressing my opinion.
Again, thanks for reading and commenting. Please don’t hold MY personal opinions against RacersReunion because RacersReunion is a first class site for those interested in the history of stock car racing.
Take care.
Tim
Tim
No problem with your point of view at all. Its easy to imagine exactly what you are saying.and in a less public forum bwe could swap stories of less thanb stellar characters in both football and racing.
The fact remains that football both pro and college has a fan base that no otherbsport can match. Partly I think because of the natural home town allegiances. Nascar doesn’t have that.
Russ, I totally agree. I would love to have further discussions with you anytime. I keep an open mind but having been heavily exposed to both sports, I know where my interest lies. lol.
Thanks for your insight and comments.
Tim
“For those who are fans, I’m pleased you have that outlet, but don’t you ever dare look down your nose at me because I’m a stock car racing fan.”
Best line in the article. My local sports writer always closes his year-end wrap up article with “And once again, we learned that it is all about the money.” Great article.
Sorry, I hit “Submit Comment” too soon. I wouldn’t have bowed down to football. If I were France, I would stand toe-to-toe to Roger Goodell (President of the NFL) and say “This is what I am doing, you do whatever.” I find it funny that when all of the concussions, the suicides caused by them, and the persistent injuries on the field first came to the forefront of attention, I was no longer told that I was “cruel” because I watched a sport where the ultimate price can be paid. Once again, this is a great article. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Jason,
Thanks for reading and commenting. I appreciate the thoughtfulness you put into your comments even if you did hit the “send” button too soon. Been there, done that myself. Many times.
I totally agree with what you said about standing toe-to-toe with the NFL. And I agree that how it is now so odd that the football “experts” no longer call our sport the “blood sport”. Just saw a special last night on our local news about high school football players injured for life and even two who died from head injuries. But I don’t want to start a fight with the football crowd. I just want them to admit the sport isn’t all isn’t hyped up to be. Believe me, I’ve seen the NFL in up close and personal and I want no further part of it, even as a fan.
Thanks, as always, Jason.
Tim