General Motors problems could affect NASCAR? - The Orange Mane

HEAV · 04-13-2006, 09:09 PM

The news that General Motors plans to trim 30,000 workers and close nine plants left some people in NASCAR unsettled. They wondered if GM's business problems would affect the company's commitment to NASCAR. "I get asked that quite often," Mark Kent, GM's director of racing, said yesterday from his Detroit office. "What I tell everybody is, although racing is a sport, companies engage in motor sports for business reasons. At GM, all our racing programs give us tremendous marketing value. It's a very cost-effective way to put our products and brands in front of automotive enthusiasts." To clear up any doubt, Kent said, "We're committed to racing." Chevy almost has to be in NASCAR. If GM withdrew its Chevy brand, its absence would give Ford and Dodge a huge marketing advantage. According to Kent, more than 40 percent of NASCAR fans own GM products. "Of NASCAR's 75 million fans, 13 million attend races," he said. "At many of these races, we are able to display our whole lineup of Chevrolet products. NASCAR fans buy new cars at a higher rate than the national average."

Swedish Extrovert · 04-13-2006, 10:08 PM

Well, you hate to see people lose their jobs. But maybe, just maybe, some good will come out of this and NASCAR will be wiped away like a bad memory.

maven · 04-13-2006, 10:44 PM

Toyota coming to town in 2006.

Unfortunately, Michael Waltrip is one of the 3 drivers.

04-13-2006, 09:09 PM	#1
HEAV Ring of Famer It's about the Team Join Date: May 2003 Location: The Ville Posts: 12,077 Adopt-a-Bronco: Brian Dawkins	General Motors problems could affect NASCAR? The news that General Motors plans to trim 30,000 workers and close nine plants left some people in NASCAR unsettled. They wondered if GM's business problems would affect the company's commitment to NASCAR. "I get asked that quite often," Mark Kent, GM's director of racing, said yesterday from his Detroit office. "What I tell everybody is, although racing is a sport, companies engage in motor sports for business reasons. At GM, all our racing programs give us tremendous marketing value. It's a very cost-effective way to put our products and brands in front of automotive enthusiasts." To clear up any doubt, Kent said, "We're committed to racing." Chevy almost has to be in NASCAR. If GM withdrew its Chevy brand, its absence would give Ford and Dodge a huge marketing advantage. According to Kent, more than 40 percent of NASCAR fans own GM products. "Of NASCAR's 75 million fans, 13 million attend races," he said. "At many of these races, we are able to display our whole lineup of Chevrolet products. NASCAR fans buy new cars at a higher rate than the national average."

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04-13-2006, 10:08 PM	#2
Swedish Extrovert President of the Universe Formerly known as mightysmurf Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Highlands Ranch Posts: 14,927 Adopt-a-Bronco: Joel Dreesen	Well, you hate to see people lose their jobs. But maybe, just maybe, some good will come out of this and NASCAR will be wiped away like a bad memory.

04-13-2006, 10:44 PM	#3
maven ★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆ Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7,736	Toyota coming to town in 2006. Unfortunately, Michael Waltrip is one of the 3 drivers.