Lowe's Sponsorship in Racing
Current NASCAR
I think the interesting point of that conversation was that success on the track does not (any longer...or at least currently) mirror success in the business. Especially that Home Depot's success on the track has been less than Lowes...and their business reflects a different picture.
Having spent 30+ years in the construction business, I've enjoyed watching these two giants battle each other. I have benefited and enjoyed some of thepricewars they used to have on plywood and sheetrock...especiallythe cross-town rivalries that were common in Charlotte, Atlanta, and other larger metro areas. Back when I managed a lumber yard, we used to buy our plywood from them during these battles...it was below normal wholesale. They are used to spending to get their share of the business. Is the level of spending in NASCARcommensurate with their return of share? I don't know.
Watching how their battles have unfolded on the race track seems to indicate that winning on Sunday is notnecessarilywhat is driving profits. I think that is a sign of the times and we will see more of the same as the next era of NASCAR unfolds. I do think (I actually know first hand) that today's fans in general are not the brand-loyal fans of past eras.
This along with the (current) built-in cost to race, is one of those things that disturbs me most about the future of our sport. We are in for some serious changes down the road. I do think the Hendrick team will fair the best...for the longest...because they have the most money. Roush will be there, too. I'm not so sure how long these super-teams can survive at the level they currently operate.
While the number of companies capable of spending big bucks is actually growing...the number willing to spend 25+ million dollars per year in NASCAR are becoming fewer and fewer. We are seeing more and more multi-sponsored teams. Look what that has done tomemorabiliasales. Yes, the economy has had an effect there as well, but one can no longer buy a nice jacket representing a favorite driver's sponsor and expect it to berelevantseason after season...or even race after race.
