With good reason, Richard Petty is affectionately known as The King, both for his second to none performance on the track during his career, inclusive of seven Daytona 500 wins, but due to his decades of ambassadorship for the sport of NASCAR off the track.
Richard Petty
Off the track, Petty made sure he never missed signing an autograph for an adoring fan, and has been a help to anyone who asked for it around the garage area.
As a kid, I considered Petty, racing in his famed Petty Blue 43 STP Pontiac, a hero, and with that in mind, placed him in the inaugural Hall of BAHL class. I have had a handful of personal experiences with King Richard, and he has always been as advertised; friendly and approachable.
As we prepare for Speedweeks 2014 at Daytona, Petty sort of stepped in this past week in negative comments he made about Danica Patrick, the only female driver on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
Danica Patrick
While Danica Patrick took the high road in response to Petty's comments, many media outlets have called Petty out, even hitting him with the term sexist.
Petty commented when asked if Patrick could win on the circuit said "only if everyone else stayed home" and that her popularity was a "female deal". Certainly, while we know Petty to be a good natured good ole boy who would not seek out an opportunity to launch personal attacks, he is off target with these comments and should be called to task on them.
Bianchi, for once, has a point. While Patrick is taking all the advantages that come from being the only female driver, coupled with outstanding looks, this is nothing other drivers would not do if given the chance. As Bianchi points our, the Petty name carried a lot of weight for Kyle as his career emerged. Others have benefited from having the "name", from Dale Earnhardt Jr to Chase Elliott.
Some drivers have their own sponsors, which get them rides they may have secured on their own driving abilities. Paul Menard comes to mind.
None of the above mentioned drivers are poor racers. To the contrary, but they take advantage of the cards they are dealt. I call that capitalism, something my fellow republican Petty should well recognize.
Is Danica Patrick the second coming of Buddy Baker? Heavens no.
But is she a skilled driver who continues to practice her craft seeking to incrementally improve as she adds seat time. While she has had issues, she did win the pole for the 2013 Daytona 500, finishing eighth in her #10 Go Daddy Chevrolet. She gets collected in wrecks more than the average racer, but few seem to be her fault. There are some tracks she could potentially win on, but there are 10-15 drivers in the field every race that, save restrictor plate racing, have virtually no shot to win.
2014
The Great American Race
Daytona 500
The King would have been much better off to keep these thoughts, which he is welcome to, to himself. Petty rarely makes the wrong call around the race track, but this time, I think he did.
Maybe Petty was being a sport for NASCAR to stir up some controversy, as ticket sales continue to slump. It would be grand if Danica pulled the Go Daddy Chevrolet for Stewart Hass Racing into victory lane on after The Great American Race on Sunday.
Sports is and always has played a significant role in my life. I have found that most all of life's lessons are learned between the lines. Discipline, individual responsibility, teamwork and sportsmanship are among many opportunities presented within the games that offer guidance to prosper in life.
Over the years, there have been many individuals associated with sports that I have looked up to, been a fan of, owned a jersey of or just pulled for. These are my guys, and although it has not always been a road without bumps for many, these are my guys. In an effort to recognize these folks, I have formed The Hall of BAHL.
Individuals making this list may or may not be the greatest ever players, coaches or ambassadors, but they are my favorites.
Each year, I will induct five members into The Hall of BAHL. In honor of my good buddy and Sportsman Big Ole BudFeiser, who we lost in 2011 and who I grew up playing sports with, each class will annually be announced on his birthday, June 13.
The inductees for the 2013 Hall of BAHL class are listed in no particular order below:
BOBBY LABONTE
With Richard Petty retiring at the end of the 1992, I needed another driver to pull for. While I did like and pull for Kyle Petty, a driver my age caught my eye driving the Maxwell House Pontiac Grand Prix for Bill Davis. That was Bobby Labonte of Corpus Christi, Texas.
When Joe Gibbs entered the NASCAR circuit, Bobby was tapped to drive the Gibbs #18 Interstate Batteries Pontiac Grand Prix. Bobby Labonte would have tremendous success piloting the green 18, winning 21 Sprint Cup races over his career, including a Brickyard 400, and winning the Sprint Cup Championship in 2000.
Ironically, I first met Labonte in 1999 at a lunch set by BudFeiser, for whom the Hall of Ball is dedicated. BudFeiser worked in the grocery industry and through relationships with some of Labonte's sponsors, BudFeiser arranged for me to be included in a lunch and Q&A at the Outback in Daytona. What a day!
I also had the opportunity in January of 2001 to be participatory in the filming of a SeaDoo commercial with Bobby and fellow Gibbs driver Tony Stewart in Grant, FL. It was a bitterly cold day, and while I enjoyed hanging out with the guys that day, I was disappointed to have ended up on the cutting room floor with respect to the commercial that aired that year.
Bobby remains one of the very few drivers to win a Nationwide and Sprint Cup series championship, and is one of few who have scored wins in the Camping World Truck Series, Nationwide Series and the Sprint Cup Series.
For the last few years, Bobby has been piloting the #47 Toyota for JTG/Daugherty Racing. In an ironic twist, it was announced this week Bobby will be replaced for a few races for the remainder of the season as the team seeks to improve the on track performance.
Bobby has always been recognized by his peers as a class act and a good, clean racer. Labonte is someone I have been proud to have been associated with and an individual and welcome his inclusion
in The Hall of BAHL.
JOHNNY RODGERS
When I began following college football as a youngster, my beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers were unleash decades of football excellence by winning back to back National Championships in 1970-71. While the teams had several All Americans on the roster, it was flanker Johnny Rodgers who led the way.
Nebraska was a unanimous undefeated champion in 1971, defeating #2 Oklahoma at Norman and then #2 Alabama in The Orange Bowl. In the nationally televised "Game of the Century" versus OU, Johnny the Jest electrified the crowd with a brilliant 72 yard punt return helping the Big Red to victory.
Nebraska was upset at UCLA early in 1972, and did not have the season they had hoped for in the first season for famed Coach Tom Osborne. But Rodgers did not disappoint, winning the 1972 Heisman Memorial Trophy. In The Orange Bowl as Nebraska smashed Notre Dame 40-6, Rodgers ran for three scores and caught a touchdown, and threw for another touchdown setting Orange Bowl records along the way.
I was fortunate to see JR Superstar in both of those Orange Bowl games, and particularly remember his outstanding performance versus Notre Dame. Rodgers was well deserving of the Heisman, the first for Nebraska, and an integral part of helping the Big Red win the national title for the first time. I join a legion of Nebraskans who adore and appreciate "The Jet" from Omaha who electrified the college football landscape in the early seventies.
After some issues, Rodgers ended up graduating from The University of Nebraska and remains a strong supporter of the program, often participating in promotional partnerships with the University. I am pleased to now include Johnny Rodgers in The Hall of BAHL
CHARLIE WARD
Among the most gifted athletes I have ever witnessed, who operated with extreme poise under pressure, was former Florida State quarterback Charlie Ward. Ward, of Thomasville, GA, the 1993 Heisman Trophy winner, helped lead Florida State to their first National Championship in 1993 with an 18-16 victory over Nebraska in The Orange Bowl.
Coach Bobby Bowden, who recognized the talented skill set and maturity level Ward possessed, change the Seminole offense to better utilize ward's abilities. The Seminoles broke out the Fast Break offense, and with Ward directing a very talented group, Florida State began to set a slew of offensive records.
Ward would direct a comeback for the ages against a top ten Georgia Tech team at Atlanta, however, the Seminoles would fall at Notre Dame 31-24. With the Irish losing the following week, the stage was set as FSU would face undefeated Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. Nebraska came to play, and it came down to the final play, but Ward and the Seminoles would win their first National Title.
Ward was a stellar athlete, who was the starting punter as a freshman and doubled as the point guard on the Florida State basketball team, which went to the Elite Eight under his direction. After FSU, Ward would not attempt a career in the NFL, opting to embark on a long term career for in the National Basketball Association, most notably with the New York Knicks.
Charlie Ward has had a long term association with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and has always demonstrated excellent attributes as a citizen and member of the Florida State family. It is an honor to induct Charlie Ward into the third class of The Hall of BAHL.
TOMMIE FRAZIER
The run.
In one of college footballs greatest plays, "Touchdown" Tommie Frazier, seemingly stopped on numerous occasion, ran over several Florida Gators en routed to an electrifying 75 yard touchdown run to help Nebraska demolish the Gators 62-24 in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl following the 1995 season. It was a season Nebraska would dominate the competition and finish undefeated, capping back to back National Championships for the Cornhuskers.
Well known down in these parts from his high school days at powerhouse Bradenton Manatee, Tommie Frazier was sure for stardom when he took his skills to Lincoln.
Frazier had a brilliant career with the 'Huskers, 33-3 as a starter, but did suffer adversity as his junior season was cut short due to blood clotting in his leg. This unusual injury keep him sidelined for many games, but Frazier came back and, sharing time with Brook Berringer, played well in the Orange Bowl victory over Miami after the 1995 season. The injury cast a cloud on how effective he would be during his senior season. But, Frazier would get through the season without a measurable incident earning All America honors and finishing as runner up for the 1995 Heisman Trophy.
Frazier remains close to the program and is a strong ambassador for UNL and the Nebraska football program. Recently elected to the College Football Hall of Fame, and you cannot have such a thing without Frazier, I am honored to welcome "Touchdown" Tommie Frazier to the Hall of BAHL, whose incredible Fiesta Bowl run will never be forgotten.
GENE DECKERHOFF
Florida State began emerging on the national scene under legendary coach Bobby Bowden in the late 1970's. This was before ESPN, and Seminole games were rarely on local television, leaving a scratchy AM radio as the only live alternative.
In 1979, Gene Deckerhoff became the Florida State football play by play announcer, and has remained "The Voice of the Seminoles" ever since. Gene is in a class by himself in the press box, exhibiting extensive knowledge and unrivaled enthusiasm. TOUCHDOWN FLORIDA STATE!
In 1980, Deckerhoff began hosting the "Bobby Bowden Show" with Coach Bowden, which became a sort of cult favorite with Bowden and Gene rehashing the game. At the halftime break of the show, Deckerhoff teamed with former FSU halfback Burt Reynolds in a segment titled "Great Moments in Florida State History," usually filmed over the summer on location with Reynolds.
Deckerhoff continues to be a tremendous ambassador for Florida State, speaking at booster functions across the country, often in the company of Coach Jimbo Fisher. I have visited with Gene at several of these functions with the Seminole Club of Greater Orlando, and have always enjoyed his company immensely.
With the blessing of FSU, Gene took over the play by play gig for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where several of his favorite FSU stars, including Derrick Brooks, Brad Johnson and Warrick Dunn, have starred. It requires extensive and pinpoint travel, but with all smiles, Gene has always been up for the job.
Deckerhoff is well recognized as the best in the business, not only by his legion of fans, but by his peers in the broadcasting industry. In 2011, with Gene set to broadcast his 400th FSU football game, a video tribute to Gene was put together, which we wrote a blog about. Please take a listen as we welcome Florida State's Gene Deckerhoff into The Hall of BAHL:
Sports is and always has played a significant role in my life. I have found that most all of life's lessons are learned between the lines. Discipline, individual responsibility, teamwork and sportsmanship are among many opportunities presented within the games that offer guidance to prosper in life.
Over the years, there have been many individuals associated with sports that I have looked up to, been a fan of, owned a jersey of or just pulled for. These are my guys, and although it has not always been a road without bumps for many, these are my guys.
In an effort to recognize these folks, I announce The Hall of BAHL. Individuals making this list may or may not be the greatest ever players, coaches or ambassadors, but they are my favorites.
Each year, I will induct five members into The Hall of BAHL.
In honor of my good buddy and Sportsman Big Ole BudFeiser, who we lost earlier this year and who I grew up playing sports with, each class henceforth will be announced on his birthday, June 13.
The inductees for the inaugural Hall of BAHL class are listed below:
BOBBY BOWDEN
Former Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden, who built Florida State from nothing into a national power, is a man I have held in the highest admiration from the moment he came to FSU.
Coach Bowden is no doubt one of the best coaches to ever blow a whistle, but his faith, attitude, competitiveness, perseverance and integrity helped mold most of the young men he came in contact with to be better men.
All of us who have been around Coach Bowden just love him, and we will all be forever grateful to him for what he has meant to our beloved Florida State University.
TOM OSBORNE
Dr. Tom Osborne, who guided The University of Nebraska to three national championships in his 25 year head coaching career, is another I hold in the highest regard. Plain spoken, Osborne is a Nebraskan who jumped from assistant under Bob Devaney to guide the Cornhuskers from 1973 to 1997.
Osborne, who holds a doctorate in educational psychology from UNL, served 6 years in the US House of Representatives before coming back to UNL to become Althletic Director and program losing the identity he developed during his tenure.
Even though he was winning big, Dr. Tom was almost run out of town in the early going, but through his discipline approach relying on the principles that Nebraska is known for, faith, hard work and personal accountability, Osborne walked away from the game on a five year run of three national titles and a 60-3 record, dominating the game.
RICHARD PETTY
Richard Petty has won more NASCAR races than anyone, driving his famed Petty blue stock car for five decades. Petty won his final race, his 200th, on Independence Day in 1984, with President Ronald Reagan in attendance.
"The King", Petty helped bring NASCAR from a truly regional sport to the multi-billion dollar operation it is today through not only his winning races, but his transcending smile and personality.
I grew up a fan of Petty, and was in Daytona as he guided his #43 STP Pontiac Grand Prix around the high banks on his farewell tour for the last time. Petty remains a car owner and continues to do promotional appearances, ever so high in stature as NASCAR's King Richard.
GEORGE BRETT
I became a Kansas City Royals fan when I had occasion to catch some games in Kansas City in the mid '70s, and as a young aspiring third basemen, became a fan of George Brett.
When the Royals held spring training down in Haines City at Baseball City, I got a chance to visit with him frequently.
Brett was stellar player, and ranks among the best hitters ever to play the game. In fact, Brett is the only player to win the batting title in three different decades (76, 80, 90). Although a jokester with a charming smile, Brett was a fiery competitor. His run at Ted Williams record .406 batting average in 1980 was one for the ages.
George remains a consultant with Royals to this day.
KEITH JACKSON
By far, college football is my favorite sport. I rarely missed televised games as a child, and calling the play by play describing the color and pageantry of NCAA College Football was ABC's Keith Jackson.
Mr. College Football, Jackson had a unique way of bringing the game to viewers who watched from couches across the fruited plain. Jackson respected and promoted the traditions, coaches and players and rivalries which make the game special.
Terms of endearment to the game such as "Whoa Nelly", "The Big Uglies" and "Fumble" will never be forgotten, nor will Jackson. Keith Jackson, a big man at 6'4 275, is a bigger man in the annuals of America's greatest game, NCAA College Football.
Looking forward to rolling over to the high banks of Daytona International Speedway on Saturday for the Coke Zero 400. The good ole boys are set to stand on it.
NASCAR has come a long way since Ronald Reagan witnessed Richard Petty win his 200th race in his famed #43 STP Pontiac Grand Prix on July 4, 1984. Tammy Wynette performed back in the day, but on Saturday, it will be Martina McBride.
Looking forward to hearing her do her strong hit his weekend, Independence Day!
Florida State Seminole Head Football Coach Jimbo Fisher is the Grand Marshal and will give the command to start engines! God Bless America, Let Freedom Ring and Go 'Noles! And by all means, as we roll up into the 31 degree banking on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway, stand on it!
Gold has reached the highest level adjusted for inflation since 1983. The nations unemployment rate is the highest recorded since 1983. It has also been since 1983 that Florida State has had a losing record in football after five games, and it is creating quite a bit of turmoil.
The administration of Florida State has put in place a transition timetable by naming offensive Coach Jimbo Fisher as the head coach to take over after Coach Bowden retires. This will take place at some point no later than after the 2010 season.
It appears the transition is not working as well as planned, and the results of the team thus far in 2009 would indicate that. I am amazed this team has struggled so, particularly on offense, where the entire offensive line, the tight end and a superb quarterback returned. The fact remains, the Seminoles are 2-3 and that is unacceptable.
There are calls for the dismissal of legendary Coach Bobby Bowden, rumors of infighting among assistant coaches, tales of recruits running away and the sense of a general lack of leadership.
Discounting all media reports, the inconsistency of this team, and overall record, suggest things are not right. The heat is on Bobby Bowden, as many have called for his removal. Blog Tomahawk Nation has done a superb job of covering the entire situation, and I would encourage you to review their material on the subject.
According to them, and many others, Coach Chuck Amato, who returned to FSU after several years at NC State, has been at odds with Fisher since returning . When I was closer to the program back at my time there, Chuck Amato was someone I respected and thought very highly of. I recently met Jimbo Fisher and I was very impressed with him, although I remain unsure how successful he will be when he takes over FSU. At the end of the day, Fisher seems shackled and there seems to be too many chiefs on the coaching staff, which may be at the heart of why this team is struggling so.
There is a blackout being orchestrated on FACEBOOK in which many fans will be wearing black to show their displeasure of the job being done by Bobby Bowden. The group is approaching 5000 members. I checked out the group and noticed many of the participants appear to be students or younger alumni, which solidified my thoughts on the blackout: juvenile and disrespectful. Needless to say, I will be in Garnet and Gold Saturday night.
I do not think these younger fans have an appreciation for what Coach Bowden has meant to this University as it ascended from the doghouse to the penthouse. Coach Bowden used to drive the game tape of the Bobby Bowden show around the state to media outlets so they could run the show in an effort to promote FSU, prior to youtube or Ipods. In addition, he has represented our University with class and has been an unparalleled ambassador for FSU. Did I mention he is currently the second winningest coach of all time? I have tremendous respect for the man and am very grateful for his contribution to FSU and vehemently oppose any disrespect toward him, which would include the blackout.
However, we again go back to the record of the current team, which I deem unacceptable. Florida State has the nations longest streak of consecutive bowl games, and this streak is flat out in jeopardy. If these problems on the coaching staff do exist, I expect Coach Bowden to fix them immediately, with the understanding that Jimbo Fisher is the next Coach. Decisions regarding the staff in this regard should be made accordingly.
FSU President T. K. Whetherell released a statement today, which I completely agree with. Coach Bowden will remain at the helm throughout this season. Things will be evaluated, by both Bowden and the administration, after the season concludes. Defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews has announced that this is his final year. I like the idea of Jimbo Fisher replacing departed coaches as going forward, this will ultimately be his team. If Coach Bowden is unable to accept this, then 2009 should be his final season. If Coach Bowden can accept this, I would like 2010 to be his last season, one which should be very successful on the field and could give the players, fans, and alumni an opportunity to send Coach Bowden off in proper, well deserved fashion, as we give way to a new era under Fisher of strength, skill and character.
It is always tough when an era as successful as Coach Bowden's comes to an end. I remember Richard Petty climbing out of his crumpled STP Pontiac at Atlanta Motor Speedway in November of 1992. These gentlemen are competitors, and legends, and it is not easy leaving the stage. For Bowden, it is no doubt tough to step down. After all, he is one of us, THE UNCONQUERED!
GO SEMINOLES!
DISCLOSURE: I HAVE BEEN AN FSU SEASON TICKET HOLDER AND SEMINOLE BOOSTERS MEMBER SINCE 1982.
Nothing like spending the Independence Day holiday at The World Center of Racing with a couple hundred thousand hard working Americans. It was 25 years ago today the The King Richard Petty won his 200th race in his red, white and Petty blue Pontiac Grand Prix with President Ronald Reagan in attendance. Pictured; Ned Jarret, President Ronald Reagan, Richard Petty and Mike Curb.
Championship NASCAR car owner Rick Hendrick joins the gang at The Bull's and Bear's for some frank talk on the Big 3 bailout before Congress. This is obviously a major issue, but NASCAR is in real trouble if the Big 3 go out of business.
Hendrick owns the GM Chevrolets driven by Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Mark Martin. Like everywhere else, layoffs have hit the garage area hard, as reported by Jayski.
The Unofficial NASCAR related Layoff Count since end of season:(exceptions noted)
Dale Earnhardt Inc -- 120 Ganassi -- 76 (71 + 5 more on Tues) Petty Enterprises -- 65 Bill Davis Racing -- 60 Richard Petty Driving Experience -- approx 45 Roush Fenway Racing -- 35 Furniture Row -- 25 [approx] Earnhardt-Childress Racing Technologies -- 25 [approx] Wood Brothers -- 22 Hendrick Motorsports -- 19 Stewart-Haas -- 16 Richard Childress Racing -- 15 Red Bull Racing -- approx 15 JTG Daugherty Racing -- 12 Michael Waltrip Racing -- 12 Ernie Elliott Inc [Ganassi engines] -- 9 Joe Gibbs Engines -- approx 5
Worse yet, the famed Petty Enterprises 43 Dodge may be forced to cease operations. Petty has fielded the car since 1969, and that would be quite a shame. Keep the beer cold at the BAHLDORF!
Congratulations to Jimmie Johnson for recording his third consecutive Sprint Cup Championship in his Rick Hendrick owned Lowes Chevrolet Impala SS. This is a very impressive feat, for sure. It was not such a good year for my favorite driver, 2000 Sprint Cup Champion Bobby Labonte, pilot of King Richard Petty's famed #43 Cherrios Dodge Charger. Labonte scored only 1 top ten finish in '08, which is performance they cannot be proud of. Petty Enterprises is underfunded when compared with the mega NASCAR teams from Richard Childress, Jack Roush, Joe Gibbs and Roger Penske. Even so, I had hoped to see some improvement in 2008, but it never materialized. For 2009, Petty has lost Cheerios as it's sponsor and as of now there has been no news of potential new sponsors, and given the current economic climate, the prognosis for one is not good.
In fact, the current economic conditions cast doubt about what the automobile industry, let alone NASCAR, may look like in 2009. At this time (see previous blog entry), the Big 3 automakers are fighting for survival begging for cash assistance on Capitol Hill. One or more of the Big 3 may not survive, and from a NASCAR perspective, this would not be good.
Currently, Dodge, Toyota (TM:NYSE), Ford (F:NYSE) and Chevrolet (division of GM:NYSE) are the manufacturers competing on the circuit. I cannot contemplate NASCAR without Ford and Chevy competing out there on the high banks. Can you? In addition, suppliers to the Big 3 and NASCAR, like Goodyear (GT:NYSE), could be severely impacted to the negative.
NASCAR is doing what it can to lobby for assistance for the Big 3 by seeking public commentary from owners and drivers alike. NASCAR's most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., commented “All I ever raced is Chevrolet. They’ve been with me throughout my entire career and have supported everything I have done. Now I want to do everything I can to support them. I have awesome fans and I hope they will reach out to our leaders in Washington to help Chevy and our other domestic car makers. There is nothing more American than Chevrolet and we need to make sure it stays that way.” Contrary to public opinion, many of the drivers are politically astute and have a handle on current events taking place in America. Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch and Jimmie Johnson were recently guests on CNBC's Mad Money with Jim Cramer.
Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Kevin Harvick, all Chevrolet drivers, have all issued public commentary on the subject, and many of the drivers and owners own car dealerships.
As the economic conditions in the country began to deteriorate, one could easily notice empty seats at tracks all along the circuit and television ratings were down significantly as well. International Speedway Corp., (ISCA:NASDAQ), owners of NASCAR, have seen their stock price cut in half over the last year, although they are in good company on the street. Thankfully, for once, I got out before the drop when I noticed the empty seats.
With the economic storm we are facing, there could be big changes in the NASCAR world by the time Speedweeks comes calling in February. I hear a meeting of NASCAR movers and shakers took place in Charlotte this week to discuss what may be on the horizon and how to deal with the changes. I am a stock market investor and I am astonished at the carnage we all are witnessing on Wall Street. This damage is one for the ages, and the unfortunate negative impact on things we all love, like NASCAR, may be lasting. Then again, I have no idea what I am having for lunch tomorrow, so things could turn around by next week.
As we get set to drop the green flag today at Dover Downs International Speedway, I got to thinking about the incredible growth story NASCAR is. From a collection of drivers who ran moonshine in the foothills of North Carolina and the beginning of a sanctioning body hosting a race on the beach in Daytona Beach to the top level sporting events the races are today, the story is a remarkable one.
Dover International Speedway, which opened in 1969 hosting the Mason-Dixon 300, is up for sale. NASCAR, owned by International Speedway Corporation (ISCA:NASDAQ), is hoping to keep tracks representative of it's roots, and Dover is one of those. A potential buyer for Dover Motorsports Inc.,(DVD:NYSE), owner of the track, is said to be Bruton Smith, of Speedway Motorsports(TRK:NYSE). Speedway Motorsports already owns several tracks which host events annually.
With all the companies at play listed on the stock market indices, it should drive home the point of the value involved here. Several well written books chronicle the history and emergence of NASCAR, but sometimes pictures do it best. Below, King Richard Petty arrives in Daytona in 1971 with the famed #43 in tow.
Earlier this year, the #43 hauler arrives at Las Vegas carrying a pair Dodge Chargers, a full collection of operating equipment and several sets of Goodyear (GT:NYSE) Racing Eagles for driver Bobby Labonte to pilot on raceday. How far has NASCAR, one the greatest corporate and family growth stories in modern history, come? Thankfully, for entertainment at my house whenever they drop the green flag, quite a long way. BoogityBoogityBoogity!
I AM A SHAREHOLDER IF INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY CORPORATION (ISCA:NASDAQ) AND GOODYEAR (GT:NYSE)
BAHL is a REALTOR, Real Estate Investor and Residential Real Estate Appraiser in Orlando. He holds a BS degree in Economics from Florida State University.
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