It may not seem even human to envision NASCAR without some storming Chevrolet or Ford vehicle careening down the track at top speeds. Or audiences of NASCAR without a beat-up Ford of Chevy truck in the front yard while the television screams out race-by-race results on Sunday afternoons. That’s why it’s good news that Chevrolet and Ford have told NASCAR that they are still interested in the partnership.
With tough economic times, there’s nothing better than watching high-octane vehicles speeding around a track in circles doing things we could only dream of. The very fact that they can afford the gas prices alone is impressive, even for me. While I’m not a huge fan of NASCAR or most motorsports in general, I can appreciate why this is good news.
NASCAR boss Brian France, talking to reporters over the weekend at Phoenix International Raceway, acknowledged that the auto manufacturers “play a very important role in lots of ways with supporting teams, the branding and heritage.”
On Friday, GM and Ford revealed multibillion dollar losses for the third quarter of 2008. GM warned it could run out of cash in 2009 and, as such, also suspended acquisition talks with Chrysler. How this will impact the future remains to be seen, but it’s probably a good idea to take GM’s warnings seriously.
In the meantime, GM and Chevy cars continue to move off the lots at a relatively slow pace. Company execs are hoping for big-time turnarounds soon, as positive signs begin to come into focus about the economy, gas prices, and the general state of affairs in the country. With the goodwill still extended towards NASCAR, one can hope things start looking up real soon.
