thunderstruck88
New member
NASCAR’s decision to fine drivers for comments deemed critical to the sport is designed to “protect the brand,” in the words of a key sanctioning body official.
In a blog, NASCAR official Ramsey Poston said the possibility of such fines was discussed with drivers in recent meetings with NASCAR representatives.
“No business owner would permit employees, vendors or partners to damage their business – nor can we,” Poston wrote. “It is the sanctioning body’s obligation on behalf of the entire industry to protect the brand, just like every other major sport.
“We’ve done our flat bottom best to communicate with the teams and drivers like never before. We have forums with drivers to express opinion and give input. As a result we have made changes to further improve the sport.”
The Associated Press reported Monday that at least two NASCAR drivers have been fined for comments considered critical by officials.
NASCAR has not revealed the names of those fined or the amounts.
“It is something between the driver and NASCAR,” Poston wrote. “It is not a good idea to further recite and replay derogatory remarks – nor do we intend to embarrass the drivers’ sponsors or team.”
Click Here to play Super 7 Sweep Fantasy Racing powered by Wind Tunnel™!
Poston wrote that NASCAR wants “drivers to speak their minds and show emotion. If we blow a call or make a mistake we should be criticized for it and we often are. That’s fine. But over the years we have seen comments by drivers to serious damage to the sport – that means damage to every track promoter trying to sell tickets, every sponsor trying to promote their drivers and products and, ultimately, the fan base.”
NASCAR has been active for the past two seasons in trying to bring dramatic change to its national series, particularly in such competition modifications as double-file restarts, “overtime” racing and Chase adjustments.
Driver fines for comments considered overly critical during a period when attendance numbers at some tracks are down significantly apparently are the next move.
In a blog, NASCAR official Ramsey Poston said the possibility of such fines was discussed with drivers in recent meetings with NASCAR representatives.
“No business owner would permit employees, vendors or partners to damage their business – nor can we,” Poston wrote. “It is the sanctioning body’s obligation on behalf of the entire industry to protect the brand, just like every other major sport.
“We’ve done our flat bottom best to communicate with the teams and drivers like never before. We have forums with drivers to express opinion and give input. As a result we have made changes to further improve the sport.”
The Associated Press reported Monday that at least two NASCAR drivers have been fined for comments considered critical by officials.
NASCAR has not revealed the names of those fined or the amounts.
“It is something between the driver and NASCAR,” Poston wrote. “It is not a good idea to further recite and replay derogatory remarks – nor do we intend to embarrass the drivers’ sponsors or team.”
Click Here to play Super 7 Sweep Fantasy Racing powered by Wind Tunnel™!
Poston wrote that NASCAR wants “drivers to speak their minds and show emotion. If we blow a call or make a mistake we should be criticized for it and we often are. That’s fine. But over the years we have seen comments by drivers to serious damage to the sport – that means damage to every track promoter trying to sell tickets, every sponsor trying to promote their drivers and products and, ultimately, the fan base.”
NASCAR has been active for the past two seasons in trying to bring dramatic change to its national series, particularly in such competition modifications as double-file restarts, “overtime” racing and Chase adjustments.
Driver fines for comments considered overly critical during a period when attendance numbers at some tracks are down significantly apparently are the next move.