I just ran across this article that was posted by the Charlotte Observer on August 6, 2009: (
http://www.thatsracin.com/115/story/15021.html).I have been to quite a few races at this superspeedway so it will definitely be interesting to see what happens once Lowe's has officially parted ways. Now, that leads to quite a few questions:(1) Who will be the "new" sponsor and what will be the "new" name for this racetrack?(2) Will Charlotte still be considered the "central" hub for the BIG racing events (e.g. All Star Race & Coca Cola 600) or will that focus shift down to Daytona, FL?(3) How will SMI bounce back from this huge blow of losing a
MAJOR sponsor like Lowe's?Anyway, I just wanted to share the article for those who haven't seen it yet and get your opinions on this lastest episode of "As The NASCAR World Turns"...Until next time...Gear Up & Strap In For A Thrillin' Ride
Good questions. I think another corporate sponsor will be found but I don't think it will come at such a high price. Companies still want the exsposure that comes from such a venture and they all know the loyalty of the NASCAR fan. I think a company would benefit by joinning into a partnership with Charlotte Motor Speedway but how many companies out there today can justify the cost. Few, very few. At some point we, the race going, ticket buying fans, will find the the Dollar is more important to NASCAR and the Tracks than we are. I'm sure CMS will find a corporate sponsor out there but it will not measure up to the contract they had with Lowes.Charlotte will be know as the hub for many, many years and possible forever now with the NASCAR Hall of Fame openning next year. I don't think the majority of the area teams will close up and move to Daytona so this area will remain the Hub. This could change if the taxation and zoning issues become a problem, but I don't see that in the near future. Years ago, Spartanburg, SC was kindda the Hub for the sport. Bud Moore, Cotton Owens, David Pearson, Jack Smith are all from this area, and at one time at new track was being planned for the Spartanburg area. Poblems getting County approval and issues with land owners put a stop to that. Big Bill simply pitched the idea to another state and county and got it approved, so the whole project was moved to a little town called Talladega. We all know how that turned out.SMI will continue if for no other reason than the EXTREMELY DEEP POCKETS of Bruton Smith. He has more money than sence and he will not let the fact that the ecconomy is in the crapper and unemployment is out the roof, effect his tracks at all. If he has to, he'll just raise the cost of seats (that's a joke). SMI has a huge nestegg to weather this ecconomy, and at some point down the road the money will come back.
Hi Unique,Thanks for the post. It is going to be interesting to see what happens. I saw a couple articles, I think on Wednesday or was it Thursday. I think Lowe's should become a sponsor of the Columbia Speedway facility!
no that honor should go to the chevy dealer downtown, you know the one
As of now the name will revert back to Charlotte Motor Speedway and the races will still be held at the track as in previous years. However they are still talking to some major companies that would love to have the headline name of the speedway as their partner. We will have to wait and see what happens. You can bet that Bruton and company will come out to thegood on what ever they do. They are a bunch of smart buisness men and women involved at SMI.
Johnny, Notice I didn't say title sponsor. I said "a" sponsor.