The Obama Economy Is Wrecking NASCAR

[EmptyTimCup]

The Obama Economy Is Wrecking NASCAR
According to a new study.



The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) has been considered America’s fastest growing sport, quickly becoming a national phenomenon. But a new economic study shows even NASCAR’s powerful engines haven’t been able to keep up with the Obama-era economy.

The study, from the pro-market think tank Public Notice and Race Fans 4 Freedom, finds that the economic downturn of the last several years has directly affected how NASCAR fans watch and enjoy their sport. Since 2009, race attendance per year has fallen below 4 million people, and the number has been declining severely as the unemployment rate has skyrocketed. The cost of attending—with higher gas prices, less disposable income, and diminished financial security—has increased.

According to the study, the value of the sport, too, is threatened by the poor economy, with the stock prices of racing team companies plummeting in the last five years and sponsors pulling back on funding cars. “The days of $25 million sponsorship deals appears to be over for the time being, sending teams scrambling for support,” the study reads. The result is a less competitive field with fewer racers.

 

[DipStick]

The Obama Economy Is Wrecking NASCAR
According to a new study.



The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) has been considered America’s fastest growing sport, quickly becoming a national phenomenon. But a new economic study shows even NASCAR’s powerful engines haven’t been able to keep up with the Obama-era economy.

The study, from the pro-market think tank Public Notice and Race Fans 4 Freedom, finds that the economic downturn of the last several years has directly affected how NASCAR fans watch and enjoy their sport. Since 2009, race attendance per year has fallen below 4 million people, and the number has been declining severely as the unemployment rate has skyrocketed. The cost of attending—with higher gas prices, less disposable income, and diminished financial security—has increased.

According to the study, the value of the sport, too, is threatened by the poor economy, with the stock prices of racing team companies plummeting in the last five years and sponsors pulling back on funding cars. “The days of $25 million sponsorship deals appears to be over for the time being, sending teams scrambling for support,” the study reads. The result is a less competitive field with fewer racers.

A couple problems with blaming Obama.

"Since 2009, race attendance per year has fallen below 4 million people, and the number has been declining severely as the unemployment rate has skyrocketed."

Actually, it's been falling since 2007, which is when the Car of Tomorrow was introduced. That's also the year Bristol was "reconfigured".

The two races that have the most noticable drop in attendance are Bristol and Indianapolis, and I don't believe the economy is a factor. Indianapolis' attendance drop in 2009 can be directly attributed to the 2008 Brickyard 400 and the tire issues caused there. Bristol was reconfigured in 2007 to model a small version of a superspeedway and the race became a snorefest.

Furthermore, some of the worst tracks in NASCAR have two dates. When California was cut to one date, their attendance rose. Cutting Richmond to one race, cutting Texas to one race, cutting Charlotte from three races to two races and cutting Talladega to one race and cutting Dover (which probably won't be around much longer anyways) to one race and handing those races to Iowa, Montreal, Portland, New Jersey (Millville), Austin or some new short track they should build (instead of building 1.5 mile cookie cutter tracks) would be a win-win.

Also, if it was a matter of fans can't afford to go, why are television ratings falling at the same pace as fan attendance. Is that Obama's fault as well? Fewer people tune in to FOX and ABC because of Obama? (NOTE: Homestead 2011, which was the greatest NASCAR race since Atlanta 1992, and the Danicatona 300 were up in ratings).

I'm also certain that the fact that Junyer hasn't won a race in four years has had an impact.

The economy isn't hurting the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL or any other professional sport.

It's easy to blame Obama... but let's face it, attendance AND television ratings are falling in NASCAR because the racing generally sucks. Dirt track attendance is up nationwide as are many paved short tracks. Watch the Nationwide race from Iowa (Sunday, 2pm EST, ESPN) and the ARCA race from Toledo (Sunday, 5pm EST, SPEED) and then compare that with any NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race from this season and you'll see why attendance is falling in NASCAR.

 

[buddscreek]

Nascar hasn't a product worth buying anymore. i rather go watch a dirt
latemodel race.

 

[DipStick]

Don't worry everyone, it's not just Obama and the Democrats. The Republicans are doing their part to wreck NASCAR as well: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Ryan Newman could lose military sponsorships under U.S. House bill - NASCAR - Sporting News

 

[mAlice]

Maybe this has less to do with the economy, and more to do with organized sports corporations greed.

 

[DipStick]

Maybe this has less to do with the economy, and more to do with organized sports corporations greed.

In the case of NASCAR, it's more about greed of outside parties. NASCAR doesn't set the ticket or hotel prices.

But it's funny that this bill comes the same week that ETC and the conservative media claim Obama's killing NASCAR. : Nothing like pulling the sponsorship from the most popular driver in NASCAR to do that job!

 

[EmptyTimCup]

Also, if it was a matter of fans can't afford to go, why are television ratings falling at the same pace as fan attendance. Is that Obama's fault as well? Fewer people tune in to FOX and ABC because of Obama? (NOTE: Homestead 2011, which was the greatest NASCAR race since Atlanta 1992, and the Danicatona 300 were up in ratings).


The economy isn't hurting the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL or any other professional sport.

It's easy to blame Obama... but let's face it, attendance AND television ratings are falling in NASCAR because the racing generally sucks. Dirt track attendance is up nationwide as are many paved short tracks.

:shrug:

I guess NASCAR Just SUX Right now ?

I know theme parks are doing ok, but Cedar Fair has too much debt and they are going to be hurting soon

But it's funny that this bill comes the same week that ETC and the conservative media claim Obama's killing NASCAR. :

Ahem:

The amendment, passed by a voice vote and sponsored by Jack Kingston (R-Ga.) and Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), states that: “None of the funds made available in this act may be used to sponsor professional or semiprofessional motorsports, fishing, wrestling or other sports.”

from YOUR Article ............


he does not sound like very Conservative ........ IMHO

Tenure

From 2003 through the end of 2006, Kingston served as vice-chairman of the House Republican Conference, the sixth-ranking post among House Republicans. An early attempt to become chair of the influential House Appropriations Committee in the 112th Congress (2011–2013) was rebuffed by Republican leadership.[4]

Kingston is a fiscal and social conservative, opposing abortion and supporting tax cuts.

Healthcare

Jack Kingston is a supporter of Medicare prescription drug coverage, human genome research, and bio-terrorism training for health workers. Although he supports a patient's right to appeal denied health claims, he opposes allowing a patient to sue their health care provider over denied claims.[5] In 2009 he voted against the Affordable Health Care for America Act, asserting the bill would raise premiums, taxes, and cut Medicare.[6]

Education

In 2007 Kingston co-introduced H.R. 1539 (A PLUS Act). According to Kingston's web site, his bill would have "give[n] power back to states allowing them to implement initiatives that each state individually develops to best meet the unique needs of their particular students."[7] In June 2007 his bill was referred by a Democratic congress to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. After nearly two years of being stalled in committee, the bill was purged from the House at the end of the 110th Congress.[8]

Energy

Kingston supports various environmental reforms including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Emission Control. He also supports research of alternative energy, especially Ethanol and Nuclear energy. Although he believes in controlling global warming, he criticizes Democrats for inefficient handling of the situation. For example, in 2009 Kingston voted against HR 2454 (Cap and Trade Law Amendments), claiming the bill would cost the average household $1,500.[9][10] In 2008 Kingston received a rating of 94 percent from the interest group Alliance to Stop the War on the Poor – Affordable Energy.[11]

the D certainly has her Bonifides

Representative McCollum has supported the interests of Pro-Choice interest groups such as Planned Parenthood, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, and NARAL Pro-Choice America. [6] Most of these groups have the same main goals. One example would be the National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association which aims to provide access to “family planning and reproductive health care services and to support reproductive freedom for all”. [7] She indicated on the 2002 National Political Awareness Test that she believed abortions should always be legally available, but only within the first trimester of pregnancy. [8]

The entire time Representative McCollum has been in office, she has supported gay civil rights. [9] The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. [10] They have continually approved of her voting record. [9] In one speech opposing the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment, she stated, "Gay and lesbian Americans are citizens who must never be treated as second class citizens". [11]

She has supported the interests of the elderly with regard to preserving social security. She has supported organizations such as the Alliance for Retired Americans and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, who share the mission to ensure social and economic justice and full civil rights for all citizens so that they may enjoy lives of dignity, personal and family fulfillment and security. [12] In a position paper, Representative McCollum defended her position on Social Security. She stated, "We can secure the future of Social Security with common sense and a shared, bipartisan commitment to economic security and fiscal responsibility for all Americans. This is my commitment, and you can count on me to work to protect Social Security and to find a solution that truly protects the retirement security of every American." [13]

McCollum advocates shifting America's energy consumption to cleaner, non carbon based sources. McCollum, along with Al Franken, and Kit Bond presented Congress with the Renewable Energy and Efficiency Act. The plan would utilize thermal energy sources and create renewable energy production tax credits.[14] She also voted in favor of American Recovery and Reinvestment in 2009.[15]

In 2004, McCollum gained national visibility when she and fellow Democrat, Jim McDermott of Washington called for Secretary of Education Rod Paige to resign for claiming the National Education Association was "a terrorist organization."

McCollum made headlines in February 2011 when she voted to end military sponsorship of NASCAR teams. The amendment failed 148-241. She also introduced an amendment in June, 2011 to cut funding for military bands by $125 million dollars which could lead to the loss of over 3000 jobs in all branches of the Department of Defense.

McCollum opposes Conceal-and-Carry legislation, and in November 2011 she voted against Right-to-Carry reciprocity. [8]

this was funny;

Dale Earnhardt Jr. invites congressman to NASCAR race to learn more about military sponsorships


Would Earnhardt be willing to play host to Kingston at a NASCAR race?

“Yes, because he’s a Republican from Georgia. He ought to have seen a NASCAR race by now,” he said.

Kingston and Rep. Betty McCollum, a Democrat from Minnesota, are sponsoring an amendment to the 2013 defense appropriations bill that would prohibit the military from funding sponsorships of professional sports or sporting events. The amendment was approved Thursday by the House Appropriations Committee.

Thanks for Analysis ......... this usually is MORE to a Story







So McCollun FAILED Last yr .......... she must have gotten out the knee pads then ....

House committee vote squashes military NASCAR sponsorships


Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., tried to prevent military spending on sporting events last year. Although her measure failed then, she gained support in Congress with Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., sponsoring the bill this time (McCollum is the co-sponsor).

"You've got to lead by example," Kingston told USA TODAY Sports. "I think that if Southern, pro-NASCAR people say, 'You know what, I love NASCAR but this is not a good recruiting tool (and) we've got to make some serious decisions in the name of the (USA).' I think NASCAR fans would appreciate that."

McCollum, whose website said National Guard spent $20 million in professional fishing and $90 million in motor sports in 2011 and 2012. cited the Air National Guard's sponsorship of the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Richmond International Raceway in September 2010 as an example of waste.

I would expect the Lib to be hate'n on NASCAR, but the Repub from GA

 

[DipStick]

:shrug:

I guess NASCAR Just SUX Right now ?

I know theme parks are doing ok, but Cedar Fair has too much debt and they are going to be hurting soon

Yes, the racing in NASCAR has generally sucked for about the last five years. If it was an economy thing and the 100,000+ people simply weren't going to the races, the TV ratings would be improving. For the price of ONE NASCAR race, you can go to Potomac Speedway every week and see a good show. The finish on Friday night at Potomac will never be duplicated in my lifetime.

While NASCAR's doing worse, attendance and ratings wise, the short tracks are doing better than ever. The economy is a coincidence -- probably worsening the pain for NASCAR teams, drivers and tracks -- but it's not even close to the main factor. The racing sucking, and NASCAR's most popular driver (Jr) not winning a race in four years, are likely your main factors.

And, to be fair, historically, a bad economy is good in NASCAR's long run because it gives startup teams a chance and gives smaller, local and regional sponsors a chance to advertise on cars that they otherwise wouldn't be able to. The fact that they aren't is a sign that interest is fading.

 

[aps45819]

Maybe this has less to do with the economy, and more to do with organized sports corporations greed.

maybe it has to do with decision of the National Association of STOCK CAR Racing to not race stock cars

 

[DipStick]

maybe it has to do with decision of the National Association of STOCK CAR Racing to not race stock cars

Or cars that don't even resemble stock cars and can't be raced in. NASCAR's racecars today are more like open wheel cars -- moreso than even open wheel cars. Can't make contact, too aero-sensitive, can't make passes, can't race close.

 

[DipStick]

As for the sponsorship stuff, from my understanding that all comes from the recruiting budget. I bet those racecars and those displays at NASCAR races bring in more recruits than sending a recruiter to a local high school.

But the same Congress that doesn't understand ECON101 principles knows everything.

 

[EmptyTimCup]

Yes, the racing in NASCAR has generally sucked for about the last five years.

.....

And, to be fair, historically, a bad economy is good in NASCAR's long run because it gives startup teams a chance and gives smaller, local and regional sponsors a chance to advertise on cars that they otherwise wouldn't be able to. The fact that they aren't is a sign that interest is fading.

thanks for the insight .........

 

[DipStick]

thanks for the insight .........

Thanks for keeping an open mind. There's a lot of things to blame Obama for but this isn't one of them.

 

[EmptyTimCup]

Thanks for keeping an open mind. There's a lot of things to blame Obama for but this isn't one of them.

I post so much stuff, to foment conversations and debate ....... I was not sure Obama was ruining NASCAR - [some entertainment venues prosper during economic down turns - movie theaters in the Great Depression did extremely well - theme parks are doing well (well some are positioned to do well - others not so much *cough8 Ceder Fair *cough*)] ........ and figured you would chime in with some proper analysis ......... like Tilted calling to task outrageous things he has subject matter knowledge on ........


it starts a conversation and I learn, as do others .........

 

[bcp]

In the case of NASCAR, it's more about greed of outside parties. NASCAR doesn't set the ticket or hotel prices.

But it's funny that this bill comes the same week that ETC and the conservative media claim Obama's killing NASCAR. : Nothing like pulling the sponsorship from the most popular driver in NASCAR to do that job!

Pulling sponsorship from one driver is going to kill NASCAR

Pretty sure if he is that popular someone will want to pick him up and stick their name on his car.