Fans Ponder on “W Moment” as Hendrick Motorsports and Michael Jordan’s Team ‘Explore” Avenues Away From NASCAR
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USA Today via Reuters
Oct 2, 2022; Talladega, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (8) leads the field during the Yellawood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
NASCAR stands at an inflection point in its growth curve and aims to become a global sporting behemoth. While viewership numbers continue to strengthen, it must find mediums to attract new fan bases while maintaining the existing ones. And novelty is going to be the key in this battle.
NASCAR is currently battling with other major sporting organizations like the NBA, NFL, and MLB. But apart from those conventional rivals, it also has a new and highly potent rival in F1.
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F1 has been gaining ground around the world since it released its docuseries in collaboration with Netflix, called “Drive to Survive”. It’s noteworthy that the biggest contribution towards this phenomenal growth has been through the US market. Its popularity in the States has reached new highs, and next year is going to witness a record 3 races in the US.
NASCAR’s plans to explore new horizons
To counter this, NASCAR will have to find new ways and means. One of those ways is through teams hosting their own exhibition events in the offseason. Sports Business Journal reported that the Racing Team Alliance (RTA) is in discussions with the marketing agency, Wasserman, to look into these prospects.
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 6, 2022; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Joey Logano (22) races in the final laps of the Cup championship at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The firm confirmed as its Managing Director said “The agency has been hired to explore exhibition race opportunities, both domestically and internationally, via a (request-for-information proposal) — very exploratory.”
The RTA functions independently of NASCAR and is seeking additional revenue streams for teams as they struggle to stay afloat. The agreement with NASCAR bars teams from starting their own competing series. However, as long as teams use non-NASCAR branded cars and apparel, off-season exhibition races might not be barred.
If the RTA were to succeed, it could see major teams such as Hendrick Motorsports and 23XI Racing, owned by Michael Jordan, make the first move.
This isn’t the first time there has been a proposal that might upset the top brass at NASCAR.
Fans believe the RTA will upset NASCAR with the move
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In the 1990s, something similar was brewing, but luckily for NASCAR, they nipped that in the bud.
.@RaceTeamAllianc is deepening its relationship with @Wasserman to have the agency look into the possibility of holding RTA exhibition races, a big develoment that suggests NASCAR's best teams are exploring organizing their own events in the offseason.
🗞:https://t.co/Y0WgjXRCZq pic.twitter.com/ePJtQTrmGR
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) November 30, 2022
Fans feel this is the same thing repeating once again…
Anytime the RTA has leverage on NASCAR that’s a certified W moment to me
— BRING BACK RACEVIEW (@timclark6996) November 30, 2022
Can’t imagine the negotiations between the teams and #NASCAR are going well given this development. Kicking the tires on an alternative and creating some leverage before negotiations begin in earnest? At some point @NASCAR has to realize the drivers and teams ARE the product
— Kyle Daley (@Kyle_Daley) November 30, 2022
I think this is just another piece in their effort to gain the upper hand in the new tv deal negotiations. As others said in the comments, bargaining power.
— Kenny (@KLRacing47) November 30, 2022
Bargaining power. Turns into a situation where the RTA is already a step ahead of NASCAR.
— Victor Vallee (@Victor_Vallee) November 30, 2022
Watch this be a way for NASCAR to test that EV series they pitched earlier this year. The teams "organize" it, the technology gets tested in actual races that mean nothing, and the both sides get something they want.
— Bill Steinbach III (@bill_steinie3) November 30, 2022
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@GriffdawgYT ITS HAPPENING, THE THING YOU PREDICTED ALL THOSE YEARS AGO IN WHAT IF DALE EARNHARDT WAS STILL ALIVE
— SR2448 (@shahzain_rana) November 30, 2022
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What do you think about this potential move? Let us know in the comments!
Written by:
Edited by:
Akash Pandhare