[vincesanity82]

NASCAR is actively searching for black and Hispanic drivers to help diversify the historically all-white enterprise, CEO Brian France said on Tuesday. "We've got programs that are trying to find talented drivers who otherwise would have never had an opportunity to showcase their skills in our sport," said France. "We're finding African-American drivers and Hispanic drivers out in the short-tracks. "These programs are creating opportunities for them to get started, come up through the ladder, and hopefully make it to one of our national divisions." --Guardian

NASCAR scours racing landscape for minority drivers | Breaking news | Guardian Unlimited Sport

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by vincesanity82

NASCAR is actively searching for black and Hispanic drivers to help diversify the historically all-white enterprise, CEO Brian France said on Tuesday. "We've got programs that are trying to find talented drivers who otherwise would have never had an opportunity to showcase their skills in our sport," said France. "We're finding African-American drivers and Hispanic drivers out in the short-tracks. "These programs are creating opportunities for them to get started, come up through the ladder, and hopefully make it to one of our national divisions." --Guardian

NASCAR scours racing landscape for minority drivers | Breaking news | Guardian Unlimited Sport

Yes Brian ... diversity first and ability second.

[Nevadastars]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

Yes Brian ... diversity first and ability second.

No doubt LSC. Did anyone in Na$car stop to think that maybe some minorities don't WANT to race stock cars??? In 10 year pitting on a race team in California, I dont remember seeing 1 black driver and very few, if any, in the stands. There are plenty of black drag racers, but I just dont think they care for going around in circles. Money isn't the issue, because the bomber class at the local level takes very little money by racing standards. Generally speaking, I just dont think it's their cup of tea.

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by Nevadastars

No doubt LSC. Did anyone in Na$car stop to think that maybe some minorities don't WANT to race stock cars??? In 10 year pitting on a race team in California, I dont remember seeing 1 black driver and very few, if any, in the stands. There are plenty of black drag racers, but I just dont think they care for going around in circles. Money isn't the issue, because the bomber class at the local level takes very little money by racing standards. Generally speaking, I just dont think it's their cup of tea.

we have a few at the local tracks (both Hispanic and Black), but not in proportion to the population.

one reason may be because drag racing. low riding, and street racing cars are bright and shiny .. bombers and stockers always look like they're on the way to the crusher.

I see lots of low rider/cruiser types around, and their rides are always shiny even if the tailpipe is spewing smoke. point is, most have neither the desire nor the interest in spending long days and nights working on a junky looking car and spending big bucks to make it fast.

and the thought of spending more on a race car than on their home is beyond them.

as such most don't see it as anything other than a rich guy's hobby .. just like power boats and golf and airplanes (and hot air baloons ).

[PenelopePitStop]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

Yes Brian ... diversity first and ability second.

Couldn't have said it better, LSC.

Vince, you've got to stop this or I'm going to need meds!

We've been over this damn diversity thing before. Blacks? Hispanics? What about women? Asians? Oh, man ... don't get me started! What classifies as a minority? The good ole boys ARE a minority in today's NASCAR. Grrr! What? We have to dredge the lakes now for new talent? To appease who?

Now ... here's the kicker of the article ...

EARNHARDT UNCOMPETITIVE

He [France] also said the failure of NASCAR's most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr., to have a strong season hurt the sport's television ratings.

"It would have helped if he would have been competitive," said France. "He didn't win an event and he certainly didn't make our playoffs. And that's unhelpful if you're trying to build ratings."

Oh, I see. It's Jr.'s fault that NASCAR doesn't have the ratings it used to! Oh, that's it! It's not because France is a freakin' moron and doesn't know what the hell he's doing! Ah ... all makes sense now.

France said double champion Jimmie Johnson might be the NASCAR's next star despite his laid-back personality.

"The storylines we talk about are driven by rivalries, driven by personalities, and they're also driven by dominance. Dynasties are all not bad for sports.

"Jimmie's in the early stages of what may be a dynasty. He's back-to-back champion in the stiffest of competition.


Oh, I see. Back to back championships will make Johnson the next star. And what rivalry is France referring to? Gordon? That's not a rivalry. Personalities? Johnson is hated more than Gordon these days. Dominance? Yup. Give HMS that one. Dynasties? If the same team wins all the time, the fan base fades away. How many Yankee fans watched the playoffs and the World Series this year?

I've said it before ... France missed his calling. He should have been a politician!

[disco stu]

...or a banker!!!

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by PenelopePitStop

EARNHARDT UNCOMPETITIVE

He [France] also said the failure of NASCAR's most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr., to have a strong season hurt the sport's television ratings.

"It would have helped if he would have been competitive," said France. "He didn't win an event and he certainly didn't make our playoffs. And that's unhelpful if you're trying to build ratings."

What a pile of crap !! Blame it on a driver who had a less than stellar year, OK ... a lot less than stellar. Jr. didn't create Jr. That is all about the media trying to create an image that will put $$$ in their pockets. Brian tried to grab the golden ring also. They all put to many eggs in that basket and now they blame someone other than the guilty parties.

Somebody needs to tell that pompous arse that he hasn't made NA$CAR better either. If anything he and his family have destroyed what greatness NASCAR once had.

Thanks Brian. Merry Friggin' Christmas !!!

[3fanforever]

"It would have helped if he would have been competitive," said France. "He didn't win an event and he certainly didn't make our playoffs. And that's unhelpful if you're trying to build ratings."

I'm amazed this man knows how to put his pants on right and get to work each day without wrecking somebody along the way.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by 3fanforever

I'm amazed this man knows how to put his pants on right and get to work each day without wrecking somebody along the way.

One would have to believe he is good at proving his stupidity. I'd also say he is doing very well in getting around without being able to see beyond his nose.

[wingkey1]

"He [France] also said the failure of NASCAR's most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr., to have a strong season hurt the sport's television ratings".

And he (France) is very likely right. We, and likely many others, know many Jr. fans that "finished" their enthusiasm and following of the 2007 season immediately upon it being clear that Jr. was out of the running for the title. Try as they might to drum up interest in - can he at least win one race this year? - the media just could not effect a recovery.

One of the potential pitfalls of making 27%+ of the race season (10 of 36 races) always eliminate approximately 72%+ of the participants from contention. Pretty high probability that near every year some number of the "big ratings draw" participants will be out of the Consolation Event (aka The Chase) and their fans will leave with them.

But what do we know.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

One would have to believe he is good at proving his stupidity. I'd also say he is doing very well in getting around without being able to see beyond his nose.

I think your still givin him to much credit.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Quality88

I think your still givin him to much credit.

I'm feeling generous today.

[loco4pablo]

I don't know for sure who the most popular team in football is in terms of fan support, veiwership, merchandise. I would guess either the Cowboys or the Steelers but either way when these teams fail to make the playoffs or have less then a steller season you don't see the commish up there saying his ratings went down because the pass season of the prime teams. Why? BECAUSE IT DOESN'T. Why doesn't Brian France see that he is no longer putting out a good product and people are getting tired of his products mediocrity.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by loco4pablo

Why doesn't Brian France see that he is no longer putting out a good product and people are getting tired of his products mediocrity.

He doesn't want to admit he effed up. He thinks he knows what he's doin.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by loco4pablo

. Why doesn't Brian France see that he is no longer putting out a good product and people are getting tired of his products mediocrity.

As noted in an earlier post France sees the decline in NASCAR due to things like Earnhardt FAILING TO HAVE A STRONG SEASON. All the messed up rules and many other situations didn't account for any problems.