Move to diversify NASCAR

MSNBC ^ | Oct. 4 2002 | Fred Francis

[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 America’s fastest growing sport. NASCAR, with 40 million hardcore fans, is trying to shed its redneck reputation. “NASCAR realizes to continue to fill the stands, they’re going to have to reach out to everybody,” says Lester. NASCAR’s 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, that’s a gold mine. Black drivers — that’s a money pit. Officials say that’s because drivers have the celebrity and revenue pull of rock stars. There is no black Dale Earnhardt, Jr., NASCAR’s 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.

[ET(end tyranny)]

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).

Yep. If you're good you get in. Been few women in NASCAR too. Bottom line though is ability/skill. They have 'qualifying' for a reason.I I have wondered why there weren't any black drivers, but figured they just weren't interested in it.

Wishing him success and safety for all of them.

[Texas Eagle]

I usually pull for the Fords.

I nominate that for the official motto of every tow truck company in America.

[Quicksilver]

http://www.blackathlete.com/motorsports314.htm

Excerpt: ... Wendell Scott, the only African-American to officially win a NASCAR Winston Cup Stock Car Race had the famous #34 stenciled to the sides of his self-owned and underfinanced Chevrolet, when he won the 100 mile race at the half-mile dirt track, Speedway Park in Jacksonville, Florida in December of 1963. The victory was nearly a 3rd Place finish for the 43 year old Virginia driver. Remember, this was the 1960's, in the Ole South, and a black man had just won a stock car race which was then understood to be a white man's sport. ...

[Blackyce]

Like all them Negroes do, huh.

[Mo1]

A Japanese guy driving a Honda Accord covered with decals for various producers of home electronics and camera equipment would be perfect

If I recall .. Didn't that have a Japanese driver in last weeks race??

[Mo1]

Shoot

Didn't that = Didn't they

[Bogey78O]

Seconded...

Any objections?

The motion is passed.

*bangs gavel*

[OrioleFan]

LOL

[HighWheeler]

I guess that there are not many black guys who watch hockey either.

[Texas Eagle]

Yeah, but the puck is black. Not one white player gets as much TV air time as the puck.

[Vidalia]

Satire: noun
...a way of criticizing people or ideas in a humorous way to show that they have faults or are wrong, or a piece of writing or play which uses this style.

[xp38]

In 1963 NASCAR didn't call it's main series Winston Cup. I think that began in the 70s. Before it became known as the Winston Cup it was called Grand National Stock Car racing. Wendell Scott was I guess the Jackie Robinson of NASCAR. The movie Greased Lightning with Richard Pryor was a Hollywood version of his life.

[HighWheeler]

Yeah, but the puck is black. Not one white player gets as much TV air time as the puck.

Well in racing the track is black, does that qualify?

[jws3sticks]

Here's old number '66 ready for the next race... Don't forget on the automatic shifter, 'R' is for race.

[Quicksilver]

You are correct on all points. I saw Wendell Scott race a few times, he was very good.

[lwd]

[ganesha]

"How come you never see any black guys playing hockey?"

"Now do you think it's easy to just gradually take over every professional sport? Let me tell you something, man. Brothers have started figuring out this ice thing. Hope you enjoyed it!"

Canadian Bacon

[Texas Eagle]

Uhhhhhhh.........what?

[Texas Eagle]

Earnhardt flew his own plane. If he was in the sky on 9/11, no doubt he would've bumped one of those highjacked planes and sent them spinning.

[Texas Eagle]

Works for me.