General Discussion » Can Tony Jr do for Brad what he couldn't do for Dale?
There weren't that many bad calls on timing and pitstops.
France not worrying over ratings drop
By Bob Pockrass
Friday, October 13, 2006
MARK SLUDER / NASCAR SCENE
CONCORD, N.C. - NASCAR Chairman Brian France said he doesn't envision California Speedway losing a race and isn't too concerned over dips in attendance and TV ratings throughout the Nextel Cup circuit.
California Speedway has not sold out both Nextel Cup events in a year since it has added a second race there in 2004.
"They're making a lot of progress with the facility, and it's showing up," France said in a conference call Wednesday with reporters from the West Coast. "So, attendance is on the rise.
"Obviously, we would like to see all of the seats sold out all the time for every event, and I'm real happy with the progress they're making and need
to be in that market twice, and that's where we'll be."
Attendance at many tracks this year have been below expectations, International Speedway Corp. officials said in a recent financial statements.
"Fuel prices obviously have the most impact on us in the short term, and that's no secret," France said. "Fortunately, they're going the right way, and we're seeing an almost immediate direct benefit. If you saw Talladega was way up. Texas is way up, Charlotte's doing well, Phoenix doing well.
"So you're sort of seeing some of that is the economy and energy prices. Some of it is, you know, they build a lot of seats, and they're trying to manage. ... We're very pleased with where attendance is and where that's going [and] not concerned at all about it."
Television ratings are down for virtually all events this year, which France blamed mostly on a lack of promotion from NBC, which is in its last year of its contract.
"That's kind of par for the course when you change TV partners and you have a final year in the situation that we're in ... but we'll bounce back with a tremendous partner in ESPN/ABC and TNT in the mid summer of '07, so we're not too concerned about it and frankly expected it," France said.
Popular News
Recent Headlines
-
Joe Gibbs Racing's Denny Hamlin keeps it in gear on and off the track
Post Comment -
Fun in the forecast this weekend for Roush Fenway Racing's Carl Edwards
Post Comment -
Three-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson excited about ESPY nominations
Post Comment -
Kasey Kahne points to better equipment behind his top 12 resurgence
Comments (1) -
Jeff Gluck: Cup stars in the Nationwide Series leave young drivers on the sidelines
Comments (8)
Poll PositionView All
Was anyone at fault for the mayhem at the finish of the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway?
Promotions
-
Play "WIX Filters' Pick 3" stock car fantasy and win prizes. Season 2 is now in session!
-
Tweet your thoughts about each race and join the conversation with other fans.
-
Drive an authentic NASCAR Sprint Cup car at the Jeff Gordon Racing School.
-
Play our simulation racing fantasy game. Free with promo code "FREECRD".
No Comments
Be the first to comment on "France not worrying over ratings drop". Login or sign up for a free account to post your comment