If it ain't broke, fix it anyway: NASCAR 2017 Thread

Maybe a good trend for smaller sports like lacrosse though. I just hope the NC$$ croaks before then.

 

10 years ago, in my Iowa days, Dale Jr. was testing at Iowa Speedway. This was shortly after he announced he was leaving DEI, during a season he was having a ton of engine issues. Another newspaper guy and I spent the day at the track, plus some TV people spent several hours in hopes of getting comments from Earnhardt. From time to time, the track PR guy would say "I think we can get him in a few minutes." We'd rush to the garage, all for naught. Word got out Earnhardt had blown an engine, but still no closer to an interview. To make up for it, the track offered time with teammate Paul Menard. We did so, since we needed someone to talk to. Some Roush guys were testing as well (for sure McMurray, and I think Edwards as well). We eventually got Edwards, so we had enough for stories. But still we wanted Earnhardt. At the end of the day, we finally had our chance: Earnhardt was going to sign some autographs before leaving the track. The rules were simple: only the track PR guy would be allowed to ask questions. He would yell out questions as Earnhardt walked by. Not ideal, but at least it was something. So Earnhardt finishes with the autographs and walks our way. We wait and wait, and the track PR guy finally waves and yells "Thanks Junior!" So much for that interview.
But hey, at least we got Paul F****** Menard. To this day, my buddy and I wish each other happy birthday each year from Paul F. Menard.

 

Can't blame Subway for Suarez's lack of awareness when it comes to backing your sponsor.

NASCAR driver Daniel Suarez loses Subway sponsorship after handing out Dunkin' Donuts on TV

 

A company with Jared Fogle as their long-time spokesman doesn't get a pass on hypocrisy. Plus, TV has made drivers do dumb stuff to promote the broadcast since before Daniel Suarez was born. However, Subway can't even reach Goodyear's status as the official butt-hurt sponsor of NASCAR. That trophy was retired.

 

I'm curious ... what is it you find hypocritical here?

 

Me too.
What's hypocritical here?

 

According to multiple sources, Subway execs knew Fogle was dirty as early as 2004 but didn't blow the whistle. So seven weeks after the fact, Subway suddenly gets religion about a four-race sponsorhip?

 

I don't know/haven't heard anything about Fogle's fogling being known, but I'll take your word for it. Still, had Fogle blown off his contractual obligation to never been seen/photographed in another quick-service-restaurant, Subway would have acted.

If some supplier defaults on some provision of its contract with Subway and Subway reacts by ending the relationship, I think a pretty silly defense would be to cry "Hypocrisy! Because Jared!"

 

Franchisee: Subway execs knew about Jared Fogle's interest in children

 

It's cutting out of a sponsorship deal one race early. Wouldn't be surprised if they've already signed on to another team.

 

I don't know about the fogling, either, but he was pretty well known to be a bit pervy around Central Indiana. Several of my high school friends lived in the same dorm as Fogle, and before he got arrested they used to tell stories about his legendary porn collection. Apparently he had a small business renting movies out of his room.

 

Subway thought it was getting Carl Edwards, not Daniel Suarez, when they reupped for this year. This is an easy way to get out of their deal with Gibbs and find a more desirable driver.