An April Fools' joke that could become reality
Bob Pockrass
Bob Pockrass began covering NASCAR in 1992, primarily covering short-track racing and events. He has worked for Street & Smith's Motorsports Group since 2003.
FORT WORTH, Texas – When a writer thought it was funny to pen an April Fools’ Day story about President Obama ordering Chevrolet and Dodge out of NASCAR, the idea had to be to write something so absurd that people would know it's a joke.
What's wrong with that premise is the world of NASCAR is all about the absurd turning into reality. Dale Earnhardt Jr. leaving Dale Earnhardt Inc.? No more Petty Enterprises? A new owner changing the traditional hot dogs at Martinsville? The return of a wing on the back of the car? A crewman running halfway out on to the frontstretch grass to get a tire?
You get the idea. I make a living out of, in part, writing about absurd things that come true. And the idea of the manufacturers being forced out of the sport, while absurd two years ago, is something I've been monitoring for at least a year.
If the government told the manufacturers to get out of NASCAR if they want government loans, that shouldn't shock anyone. Sponsors already are wary of coming into the sport because of political pressure, and it wouldn't be surprising if the government questions the NASCAR sponsorship. The manufacturer executives say NASCAR works as a marketing platform, but these executives work for companies whose viability plans have just been rejected by President Obama.
Most of the teams should have their money already from the manufacturer this season, so if there is a pullout (and Chevy and Dodge don't have to continue their contractual obligations), teams wouldn't feel the cash impact until 2010. Of course, now is the time they would need to beginning to look for sponsorship to fill those voids.
This is not a laughing matter. Plenty of people's jobs rely on the manufacturers. And anyone who thinks it can't happen? That cruel joke could be on them in the future.
