There’s so much private-industry money vying to get into NASCAR that drivers in victory lane are now knocking off sponsor signs and merchandise I.D.s from their cars in order to give air time to other brands. Jimmie Johnson was fined $10,000 yesterday in what has become an ongoing situation in NASCAR — an embarrassment of riches. Literally. Seems Johnson has his own endorsement deal with Pepsi, but NASCAR has a deal with Coca-Cola. It was a pesky PowerAde bottle (made by Coca-Cola) that Johnson hid from the cameras Sunday with, you guessed it, yet another sponsor sign, this one from Lowe’s, the primary sponsor of Johnson’s car. This is just one day’s example of an incredibly successful industry that is attracting tons of private support. Good for NASCAR. And good for the companies who clearly see it as a worthwhile business investment. NASCAR’s growth is an amazing success story. Problem is, North Carolina’s legislators seem to be the only people left who don’t realize it. They’re clinging to the misguided belief they can stop natural market demand and business expansion with a $4 million taxpayer subsidy for a test track. No doubt, there will be calls for more money later, and you can bet NASCAR will say thank you very much and continue with its business plan — as it should. The losers, of course, will be you and me.
by Locker Room contributor