| The lack of sponsorship for numerous teams in the | | | | his teams. |
| Sprint Cup garage is further proof that NASCAR is | | | | After Chip Ganassi Racing merged with Dale |
| not immune to the economic recession. It is not just | | | | Earnhardt Inc., they had hoped to field four full-time |
| a couple of small time, lower budget, field-filling teams | | | | teams. However, the No. 41 team dissolved, and the |
| that are encountering these difficulties. Some of | | | | No. 8 team is hanging on by a mere thread. Several |
| NASCAR’s top organizations are experiencing | | | | of the Target affiliates have sponsored Aric Almirola |
| sponsorship issues. | | | | and the No. 8 team, but not enough to compete |
| As you well know, sponsors can make or break a | | | | full-time. The team is trying to remain optimistic. |
| team, or even an organization. Because expenses are | | | | "We’re already having conversations with several |
| so excessive, yet necessary in order to compete at | | | | companies that would be in position to take maybe |
| this level in NASCAR, sufficient sponsorship is vital for | | | | even the whole second half or a large chunk of that. |
| proper funding. In other words, if you cannot find a | | | | What we have to do is get there and right now |
| company or group of companies to advertise on | | | | we’re getting there by getting as many people |
| your racecar, you might as well keep the car and the | | | | to sample what we’re all about and what the |
| crew at the shop. NASCAR is so sponsor dependent, | | | | sport is all about. Thus far, those that have done it, it |
| almost to the point that it is vulnerable at a time such | | | | has been a great success," said Earnhardt Ganassi |
| as this. | | | | Racing president Steve Lauletta. |
| In the 1990’s and even early 2000’s, | | | | Yates Racing driver Travis Kvapil could be a casualty |
| sponsoring a NASCAR team was actually a bargain. | | | | of the poor economic conditions. Kvapil and his team |
| That is why you did not see too many cars with | | | | finished 23rd in the Sprint Cup standings in 2008, but |
| blank hoods and quarter panels on the track. Some | | | | they have had to qualify their way into the races |
| five or six years ago, the sport entered into the | | | | after their points were transferred to the new team |
| mainstream, and due to the exposure and attention, | | | | with sponsorship driven by Paul Menard. Golden Corral |
| expenses became higher, which meant the | | | | and Farmers Insurance have sponsored Kvapil in |
| companies had to pay some big bucks in order to | | | | select races, but neither expects to remain on the |
| keep their piece of NASCAR advertising. In the | | | | car for the duration of the season. If sufficient |
| process, several companies were unable to afford to | | | | sponsorship funding continues to lack, it could be |
| sponsor a NASCAR team, or they did not see the | | | | disastrous for Kvapil and the team, as they seemed |
| need to pay the high prices. | | | | to be on the brink of some solid performances just a |
| Proctor and Gamble and its Tide brand sponsored a | | | | few months ago. |
| NASCAR team from 1987 to 2005 before pulling out. | | | | A.J. Allmendinger, a rising star driving for Richard |
| Citgo began marketing in NASCAR back in the early | | | | Petty Motorsports, may not compete in the full slate |
| 1980’s; however, by 2003, they could no longer | | | | of races due to lack of sponsorship. Allmendinger |
| afford to continue as a primary sponsor. Kodak, | | | | ended the 2008 season with some noteworthy |
| Pennzoil, McDonald’s, GM Goodwrench, | | | | performances and finished third in this year’s |
| Motorcraft, and Valvoline significantly cut back their | | | | Daytona 500. However, if they cannot sign a |
| involvement in NASCAR sponsorship. | | | | long-term sponsor, they will only compete on a |
| Just ask Chip Ganassi and Felix Sabates how difficult | | | | part-time basis. |
| it is during this economic crunch. If you need further | | | | These teams must perform in order to attract |
| confirmation, well, you can speak with Doug Yates | | | | attention from interested companies, but sometimes, |
| and Max Jones. Even Richard Petty, The King, had to | | | | even performance does not open up the checkbook |
| merge with another organization in order to survive. | | | | of these corporations. |
| In fact, Petty still has sponsorship issues with one of | | | | |