[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

What would make great reading, good theater and get NASCAR a whole lot of press would be if this gets pushed far enough. and it is considered "ripe" enough, for the Twelve Exalted Incompetents (actually a number less than twelve but the exact number has yet to be determined) which make up our Imperial Supreme Court to hear the case.

Just out of curiosity do you think there is any chance it may advance that far ??

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

Just out of curiosity do you think there is any chance it may advance that far ??

Realistically, I seriously doubt it. However, when was the last time the Supreme's heard a high profile sports-oriented case? Like all who live by the law of political election and appointment, these Bozo's and Bozette, love media attention as much as your average Hollywood starlet.
I don't see it happening but then again, I the Miranda v. Arizona case was a frivolous suit, too. Look what THAT got us..."You have the right to remain..."

[Bob Tanner]

As Alice said as she stepped thru the looking glass, "Things just get curiouser and curiouser..."

I lifted the following concerning AllTel from Jayski this morning:
Alltel to Be Acquired by TPG Capital and GS Capital Partners for $71.50 Per Share

It's probably nothing but the timing certainly seems "convenient?"

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

As Alice said as she stepped thru the looking glass, "Things just get curiouser and curiouser..."

I lifted the following concerning AllTel from Jayski this morning:
Alltel to Be Acquired by TPG Capital and GS Capital Partners for $71.50 Per Share

It's probably nothing but the timing certainly seems "convenient?"

How will this affect the sponsorship for AllTel ? Will they be able to maintain the sponsorship or will the grandfathering disappear due to the change in ownership ?

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

How will this affect the sponsorship for AllTel ? Will they be able to maintain the sponsorship or will the grandfathering disappear due to the change in ownership ?

My first thought is that nothing will change. But... In the stratosphere of big business, profits and corporate egos, I would bet the farm on absolutely nothing.

[Souporscotty]

Am I missing something? Aren't we talking about the sponsor of the WHOLE SERIES VS one team? Will this ruling make it become "The AT&T Cup" ?

[LSC9901]

Nextel and AT & T are two different companies

[Souporscotty]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

Nextel and AT & T are two different companies

DUH! I KNOW that. I'm just wondering why Nextel has thier nose out of joint over ONE car with a different communication company's logo when there's is plastered ALL over the place.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by Nevadastars

I think Burtons car looks good and love it when BIG MONEY (Nextel/Na$car) don't get their way. I hope Jeff runs up front and they have no choice but to put it on camera.....

Couldn't agree more Nevada.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by Souporscotty

DUH! I KNOW that. I'm just wondering why Nextel has thier nose out of joint over ONE car with a different communication company's logo when there's is plastered ALL over the place.

It's in one word, Scotty: Exclusivity.

Whenever a corporation sponsors an event, team, series, whatever, it is normal that restrictions are placed on who may advertise. For example, I can't think of a team owner who had competing beer brewers as sponsors. I would imagine the only time you'll see Home Depot's logo at Charlotte Motor Speedway this week will be if it has either a #20 or Stewart's name or face close by.

It was this way when it was The Winston Cup Series. (Just never publicized) The ONLY times I can remember a cigarette brand other than Winston being on a car, or being merchandised at the tracks was Camel, and Salem. Marlboro would have LOVED to have a presence in NASCAR (They had vehicles in F1, CART, Powerboats and motorcycles), but the exclusivity clause that RJR had with NASCAR made this impossible.

What this AT&T ruling might do is to prevent NASCAR from demanding so much money from a Series sponsor because it can no longer guarantee exclusive advertising rights.

The Family France will disagree with me but that just may not be a totally bad thing, for race fans, anyway.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

It's in one word, Scotty: Exclusivity.

I've got a phrase for that Bob.... TO HELL WITH CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by Quality88

I've got a phrase for that Bob.... TO HELL WITH CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP.

As a race fan, I totally agree, Dustin.

From a business point of view, I can see Nextel's and AT&T's points.

It's a shame that big corporate money is felt to be necessary, isn't it?

BTW, belated congratulations to both of you, Dustin.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

BTW, belated congratulations to both of you, Dustin.

Thank you sir... and the misses thanks you as well.