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Move to diversify NASCAR
MSNBC ^
| Oct. 4 2002
| Fred Francis
Posted on 10/06/2002 8:40:36 PM PDT by Michael2001
Name one of the most popular sports in America without a black superstar: NASCAR, the hugely popular car racing circuit. But NASCAR is determined to do something about that, because it makes sense, as in dollars and cents.
BILL LESTER is the only black man racing in Americas fastest growing sport. NASCAR, with 40 million hardcore fans, is trying to shed its redneck reputation. NASCAR realizes to continue to fill the stands, theyre going to have to reach out to everybody, says Lester. NASCARs spectacular crashes and stunning speeds have been the sole domain of southerners who raced with rebel flags out of mountain hollers decades ago, onto racing teams that now cost $15 million a year. Sadly, critics say, most corporations will not risk marketing dollars on black drivers. Black ball players, you bet, they say, thats a gold mine. Black drivers thats a money pit. Officials say thats because drivers have the celebrity and revenue pull of rock stars. There is no black Dale Earnhardt, Jr., NASCARs reigning icon. Enter Bill Lester. Dodge gave the former engineer from Hewlett Packard a chance because, said one executive, the Detroit racing adage is true: Win on Sunday, sells on Monday, and blacks buy cars, too.
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So according to this article, blacks will only watch NASCAR if there is a black driver (and presumably they will root for this guy). And they will buy a certain car if it is represented by a black driver. Sounds like racism to me, imagine if the races were reversed.
If Bill Lester is a good driver than he deserves a shot, but he doesn't deserve a shot just because he is black (as this article seems to suggest).
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2
posted on
10/06/2002 8:43:58 PM PDT
by
mhking
To: Michael2001
I usually pull for the Fords.
3
posted on
10/06/2002 8:45:36 PM PDT
by
OrioleFan
To: Michael2001
You don't see many blacks participating in any motor sports. Different strokes for different folks...
To: OrioleFan
Chevy Fan here
5
posted on
10/06/2002 8:46:19 PM PDT
by
Mo1
To: OrioleFan
I usually pull for the Fords.You could get banned for that...(buy it's not my site)
To: Michael2001
My response is who cares! I think the only reason that people like NASCAR is the crashes. Not because of one race. People want to see the crashes!
To: Michael2001
Hmmm, something went wrong with your links.
This should work.
8
posted on
10/06/2002 8:49:11 PM PDT
by
dighton
To: Michael2001
I don't see how NASCAR can have an affirmative action program. If you are no good you will die.
To: Michael2001
I agree that NASCAR needs some diversity. A Japanese guy driving a Honda Accord covered with decals for various producers of home electronics and camera equipment would be perfect.
To: Michael2001
This would diversify NASCAR
To: mhking
Put Herschel Walker in a car and Georgians will come out in droves.
To: Michael2001
Does Hoosier make gangsta whitewalls?
14
posted on
10/06/2002 8:52:32 PM PDT
by
ZOOKER
To: Michael2001
Sooooo.....then, I think they need to diversify FOOTBALL....seems there are TOO many Blacks on the teams....
To: goodnesswins
Oh, And Basketball, too, needs more of whitey.
To: Michael2001
So what happens when they push to qualify sub-standard affirmative action drivers, and those guys promptly get themselves killed?
17
posted on
10/06/2002 8:58:13 PM PDT
by
ikka
To: eddie willers
Put Herschel Walker in a car and Georgians will come out in droves.Shee-it. Put a Hershey's Kisses in a car and Georgians will come out in droves. Ya ever been to Atlanta Motor Speedway the week of a NASCAR race?
To: Michael2001
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