NASCAR Chairman Brian France says changes to current Cup car possible; addresses other issues
By Bob Pockrass - Associate Editor
Friday, November 20, 2009
NASCAR Chairman Brian France addressed the media Friday at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
David Griffin
NASCAR Scene
Related stories: Transcript from NASCAR Chairman Brian France press conference
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – NASCAR Chairman Brian France said there could be a decision on possible changes to the NASCAR Sprint Cup car during the offseason, although he did not say when any of those changes might be implemented.
France said there were so many diverse suggestions about changes to the car during NASCAR’s meeting with owners and drivers in May that officials need to take time to decide on tweaks to the new car, which was used for select races in 2007 and has been used full time since 2008.
The quality of racing and the economy were among the topics France addressed during his annual season-ending news conference Friday at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
“There probably were some things that we could consider, but there were was no unanimous – boy if you just did this, it would improve that,” France said. “What we vetted out [from those meetings] was that we will take a look at some of the things in the offseason as you would expect us to. There are a couple of things that we will be looking at.
“One of the things that we felt strongly about is if we changed something in May or June, it would counter what we had said in the beginning – which is the car is going to take a little while to figure out, but when you did, we were going to have better racing by far, we were going to have safer racing. And if we changed things too much, too fast along the way, we will never get everybody comfortable with what they had.”
Most of the drivers are getting comfortable with the car and don’t need a lot of help, France said.
“We will look at some things in the offseason going into Daytona to see if we can make the car and the racing better than it is now,” France said. “That is absolutely our goal. That is always our goal. Absent to having passes every three seconds and photo finishes every race, which we would prefer [and] love to see that. If we don’t achieve that, we’re going to keep pushing forward and looking at ways to achieve somewhere between the great racing that we have now and utopia.”
France did say he thought the recent race at Talladega Superspeedway, panned by many fans and media members for too much single-file racing, was exciting. He said NASCAR did not change any rules, just enforced the current rules and will continue to look at the rules for restrictor-plate tracks.
“There were a lot of things that were, in my view, possibly misrepresented,” France said. “That doesn’t help us to worry about [those misrepresentations]. We had an exciting race – I know a lot of people will debate that – in Talladega when you look at lead changes.”
In addition to how the teams handle the car, the other main topic France addressed is how teams are handling the economy.
“We don’t feel that 2010 looks, from just a pure economy standpoint from what we’re hearing from our fans, an awful lot better,” France said.
At least four sponsors – Jack Daniel’s, Jim Beam, Crown Royal and DeWalt – will either completely leave the sport or decrease their team sponsorships next year. Allstate and Lowe’s have significantly cut back track relationships. Five full-time cars this year don’t have sponsorship announced for next year and are in jeopardy of not returning full time in 2010.
“Clearly the sponsorship market is tougher than it has ever been in my memory,” France said. “And I don’t anticipate that getting remarkably better, although I will tell you that we are starting to get inquiries, and our New York group and the teams which do the selling in the sport are starting to feel the ice thawing on that.
“There are companies - I think you will see some over the offseason - that are very close to joining us at one level or another. That doesn’t mean it will be all perfect from a sponsorship standpoint.”
France said his sense is that the sponsorship market will eventually improve.
“It will get better as we still have the best value proposition in sports despite any of the other dynamics in or around us,” France said. “It’s the only sport that you can brand on the playing field.”
Among other items from the news conference:
• France said the Chase For The Sprint Cup wouldn’t be tweaked because of Jimmie Johnson’s performance. He said Johnson’s potential fourth consecutive championship “is pretty incredible what they have done.”
“We could not have predicted anyone [with] as good a performance that Jimmie has had would have been able to achieve what he did and therefore [be] taking away some of the things that the Chase will deliver in normal sets of circumstances,” France said.
He did say NASCAR will always look at the format and make any tweaks, if necessary, but this would be a time for celebration.
“The only way that I think is fair is to recognize it for what it is – not to pick apart the format,” France said. “This isn’t a formula exercise in a computer all the time to get you some result that you want. This is about sports and live things that happen by the best drivers and the best teams in the world and who performs at a high level and when, and you have to say that is what we look at ultimately in deciding what is a good outcome or not a good outcome.”
• France once again stood behind the change in the sport’s policy from testing for drugs where there was reasonable suspicion to random testing this year. Suspended driver Jeremy Mayfield is suing NASCAR over the way it has conducted its policy and what he says was an inaccurate result for methamphetamines.
“We believe we made the right decisions to make an already tough policy even more tough,” France said. “We have to do that with the circumstances that go on in the country today and sports in general. The fact that we have a 200-mile-an-hour race car, we think it was very imperative that we improve our policy, which we did.
“We will stand behind that very clearly.”
As far as recent comments from Mayfield attorney Mark Geragos that some of NASCAR’s recent filings in the case were desperate moves and that NASCAR is trying to hide information, France said: “I’ve had a lot of experience with trial lawyers, more than I would like. … With trial lawyers, I’ve never been surprised with them about what they will say to get some outcome for somebody that they’re representing.
“We’re going to deal with them like we said we would. We’ve made all the comments we could make in terms of what we think has happened, and we’re going to go forward. It’s regrettable. Our preference is never to be in litigation over anything. We make the rules and hope that everybody abides by them. If you go get a trial lawyer, you go do something, that’s out of our control. Our only control at that point is to do the best we can in representing the entire sport’s interest in matters that affect them.”
• NASCAR will review its testing moratorium annually and eventually hopes to open up testing at some tracks that play host to NASCAR national touring series events.
“There’s some balance between no testing at all – which is the best savings equation for teams for sure – and having testing the way we’ve done in the past, which was a lot of testing,” France said. “There’s more publicity for the markets when teams are testing, getting events revved up in advance.
“Rookies [and] teams that are behind from a competition standpoint can make up some ground in the testing deal if it is available. … We obviously have chosen going the route of cost savings, knowing that that has some consequences that are not perfect for all. As we can dial it back as the economy gets better, we will. I don’t think we will dial it back to the level we were two or three years ago where it was an enormous cost [for] some benefit.”
• While not talking specifically about what was said to Brad Keselowski in the Sprint Cup hauler last week at Phoenix International Raceway, France said NASCAR wants drivers who drive hard and drive to win – and when that happens, there will be contact on the track.
“You didn’t see us overrespond when that happened in the Nationwide race at Phoenix,” France said about the incident between Keselowski and Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin. “What you’re always worried about [if] things that are heated, and with retaliation, all those things, is escalation and unintended consequences.”
France said toeing that line is a balance.
“You have to make sure there are limits to hard driving and rivalries and whatever, but we certainly want [them]. We know how important they are, and we are going to do what we can to encourage them with some obvious limits as we go along,” France said.
• Finally, France was asked about Izod IndyCar Series driver Danica Patrick, who is considering a part-time NASCAR schedule to go along with an anticipated full-time Indy Racing League ride.
“She has taken a very hard look at this sport,” France said. “She’s a very recognizable, accomplished driver in her own right. I would love to see her compete at the highest form of racing in the world. I think she’s thinking about it. … I don’t know how well she’ll do.
“She has a lot of talent. She will be good for NASCAR, and how well she will perform is like any other driver that comes through the front door and sits in the car. You never know until they do it. And she probably doesn’t know. She’s certainly very welcome in NASCAR. I’ve told her that directly.”
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31 responses to "NASCAR Chairman Brian France says changes to current Cup car possible; addresses other issues ". Post a Comment.
jerryswiatek said:
Nov 20, 2009 at 4:19 PMI'll say it again, Move over and get Humphy Wheeler to run this show. He is out of work and made Charlotte and all the rest what they are, or were before Brian got hold of everything.
iusewd40 said:
Nov 20, 2009 at 4:24 PMBrian Said a LOT but it was 90% politics. Just a lot of the same with Naszar---My way or the Hiway. I agree with #2.
bblaha said:
Nov 20, 2009 at 4:38 PMYou are right he talks a lot but... he doesn't really say anything. I agree with #2 and #3 get Humpy wheeler.
pj88 said:
Nov 20, 2009 at 4:44 PMIf he thinks Dega was good racing,he needs to think again.When the drivers were in a single line,they were wrecking.Where was the racing.The spring race was amazing,to watch the cars pushing each other was exciting.He didn't stop the big one just moved it to the stretch.Mr France can preach it was good all he wants,but the fans buy the tickets and they are doing that less and less
sundaemunny said:
Nov 20, 2009 at 4:52 PMAlways interesting to read an interview with BZF just to see if anything he says makes sense, or offers any real information. Not yet.
nascarnutsheeler said:
Nov 20, 2009 at 5:05 PMI agree with all of the above. Keep it up France and watch Nascar die a slow death. Remember here, you are dealing with a lot of good honest people who pay your bills. Shape up man.
deyanak said:
Nov 20, 2009 at 5:12 PMWOW 6 commets that all agree, to the point..cost saving for NAXCAR, and only 1 templet for inspection...they couldn't get them thru in time...the naXcar is a driver safe car! put a REAL car skin around that chassis and let the Car Companys sell on Monday what raced on SUNAY..bet BRIAN couldnt care less with the $$$ he's pulling down..maybe naXcar could return big $$$ back to the race teams..for the privilege of putting the decal on the bottom of the A pillar..NAXCAR RACE Car...dont hold your breath.
DougB06 said:
Nov 20, 2009 at 5:29 PMMake the cars look even more like real cars... make them more competitive...put a 2 car limit on teams keep the testing ban. Put a rule in place that states no driver pursuing the championship in in the "sprint cup" level will be allowed to compete in more than any 3 races in other national touring divisions. ( give the drivers the chance to do better etc. )
Do away with the top 35 rule..make every car qualify on speed for every race and no champions provisionals any more
44 cars no more to even things up some.
wmvjr1960 said:
Nov 20, 2009 at 5:47 PMOne thing that wasn't addressed was telemetry used during tests. It absolutely should be banned in all forms, with lifetime suspension as the penalty. I would also like wind tunnels to be illegalized. They need to bring the cost down signficantly. These things would do that, and also help underfunded teams be more realistically competitive. When they are talking widths pieces of paper, we are headed to F-1 boredom (hence 4 time champion) nothing against the 48. Change the rules eliminating purchased advantages others can't possibly afford. Also, what is with the rear wing? Nobody has really talked about it all year long. I thought the side pod options would come into play, but no word about it?
Werner said:
Nov 20, 2009 at 6:33 PMsome have wanted the Cup car to look like the new NW car, but just how much trak race-time has that NW COT car had?...zero...it tested in a 5 car draft, is that what we are going to see?...a group of 5 racing around Daytona and Talledega......btw...the economy in WI is getting better...unemployment is down....
zebsdad said:
Nov 20, 2009 at 7:20 PMHumpy is a real leader. Move over France family and let him try. He made Charlotte, not that blowhard Bruton. Humpy is creative. Perhaps he can help Nascar from going down the tubes. Lets race something that resembles what is found in the showrooms, not something with decals that faintly look like real CARS.
dtk1952 said:
Nov 20, 2009 at 8:40 PM#9 I agree with you except for "Put a rule in place that states no driver pursuing the championship in in the "sprint cup" level will be allowed to compete in more than any 3 races in other national touring divisions." What does this have to do with the championship? I somewhat agree with you as far as the Cup regulars should not be able to compete for the Nationwide championship.
daviclar38 said:
Nov 20, 2009 at 9:10 PMThe safety features are fine with the car, take away the wing put the spoiler back. Also take away the spliter, all it does is mowe grass when a car spins into the infield. Listen to the crews and their engineers because they are more intelligent then you are Nascarp!
pjgreene105 said:
Nov 20, 2009 at 9:19 PMthe only way to watch nascar on tv is with the
sound off.if the announcers don't own team, they do have a personal agenda.
brian france is not in tune with the fans.
I just want to go raceing that all.
keep the dam cameras on the cars.
mom1159 said:
Nov 20, 2009 at 11:00 PMI'd like to see only 2 teams per owner and that would allow others to qualify and race. This monopoly is killing Nascar and Hendrick is the leader. Until the little guys get to race, it will be boring.The excitement this year has been Kyle Busch and what he Might do and the underdogs doing well. Not JJ winning the championship. This is my last year of Nascar races and tv watching. Mr. France you are losing a lot of us. I agree- Let Humpy take over and see the excitement come back.
Hateda88 said:
Nov 21, 2009 at 1:14 AMThe first two things they should change are get rid of Brian France and Mike Helton.
xbrownsx said:
Nov 21, 2009 at 8:08 AMNASCAR: Too many talking heads on the TV broadcast. I don't need Rusty and company explaining what I already know and have seen. Keep the cameras (#15) on the cars. Show the cars close closeup so I can see any new paint scheme ect. as the cars are lined up on pit road prior to the race. Nobody wants to hear another dull "driver interview". I am sure the sponsers would like their respected cars to be on camera more and not some "pit rat" telling us another human interest story as the cars are rolling off pit row - show the cars and whatever the pace car-truck is that week!
Lastly; qualify the cars on Saturday in the event of a Friday rainout - no more top 35 guaranteed spots. Fastest 43 cars race -- case closed.
There are many more things, Brian France (like he's reading anything here, what a laugh) that NASCAR can improve on with the races itself and the TV broadcast. Oh and FOX: Lose the Digger cartoon character, it's beyond lame.
rwilliamhayes said:
Nov 21, 2009 at 9:32 AMThe head FRANCE CAR shill spreads it again.
HUMPPY IS THE GUY TO RUN THIS SPORT.
Werner said:
Nov 21, 2009 at 12:05 PMthe image of NASCAR is greater than the delivered product...too much hype...it's like the big present at Christmas...the one with the great wrap and big bows...only to find a lump of coal...and now they want to continue the hype with Danica...give us a better product...
leftturn said:
Nov 21, 2009 at 12:06 PMWho will dare tell the King he has no clothes?
STP43FAN said:
Nov 21, 2009 at 12:24 PMHumpy Wheeler is not qualified to run the sport.
STP43FAN said:
Nov 21, 2009 at 12:26 PMPJ88 - 58 lead changes among 25 drivers IS good racing, regardless of whether there were three periods of points-racing. "Field a car that resembles what's on the showroom." Why? We need a car that is a RACECAR.
jdxenterprises said:
Nov 21, 2009 at 3:46 PMI don't know STP. He may not be qualified... But he would give us one heck of a show.
STP43FAN said:
Nov 21, 2009 at 4:09 PMJDXENTERPRISES - the sport doesn't need "a show." It needs competitive depth - THAT is the show. It needs more winning teams that it presently has; it needs racing like we saw at Talladega - 50-plus lead changes among 20-plus drivers - week after week; it needs to break the monopolies that the big multicar outfits have locked onto the sport; it needs to curb team spending. Humpy knows how to put on prerace shows and to help run racetracks, but he's never proven he's big-picture savvy as far as the sport goes.
trtruckin said:
Nov 21, 2009 at 6:02 PMThe new COT was implemented for two reasons. One to help cost the other safety. Need to get rid of the wing or redesign it. Backwards at high speeds the wing counter acts the roof flaps and the cars are going airborne to easily. Either go back to the spoiler or make the wing deploy like a roof flap if the car turns backwards.... Safety above all is or should be everyone's concern.
vermontcritter-1 said:
Nov 22, 2009 at 8:25 AMThe COT needs to go, the Chase needs to go, and most importantly, Brian and Mike. JJ winning 4 in a row may be seem important to Brian, to the rest of us though, it's just a sham because of the silly chase. I feel sorry for Jeff Gordon because he'd be one cup away from being right up there with Dale and the King. You guys are all right, Humpy needs to run things, maybe his own series funded by Bruton Smith. I'm sure Bruton wouldn't mind burying the France family once and for all.
larrymo17 said:
Nov 22, 2009 at 1:51 PMmaybe nascar should look why dirt late model point championships are so close 3 point difference for first spots 2points the rest of the field
STP43FAN said:
Nov 22, 2009 at 3:00 PM#25 - the COT's STATED reasons were costs and safety, and it's failed at both. It's not safer than the old car (and we've seen more than one driver concussion with this car) and there is NOTHING - NOTHING - in car design that can keep these cars on the ground; only taking more horsepower away will do that.
STP43FAN said:
Nov 22, 2009 at 3:01 PM#17 - wrong on no top-35 - the field should be about where you qualify, NEVER whether you qualify.
motorman said:
Nov 22, 2009 at 5:36 PMreduce the points that a cup driver gets when running a nationwide race to lessen the chance they will win the championship. since rowdy busch drives the trucks for no pay the cup drivers in nationwide should not get the prize money and NASCAR should give it to the teams that need it.
Hateda88 said:
Nov 23, 2009 at 1:45 AMBrian France isn't qualified to run the show either. He inerited it. It's a sideshow with a couple of clowns running it.