Full Throttle

Can one be unequivocal about a subject and show concern simultaneously?

In many ways NASCAR’s diversity program is welcomed, needed and well thought out. Joe Gibbs Racing has led the way with the JGR/Reggie White Diversity Program that should produce results in a few seasons if the sponsorship side of the equation steps up as it should.

However I do have concerns that deal with who NASCAR and other racing series turn to and where the money originates to further support the program. This story highlights where my concern lays. Nations Racing LLC has started a program to develop education and involvement for all minorities with added emphasis on the native American Indian community.

Nations Racing President is Terry Peters with a Board of Directors consisting “of both seasoned business and advertising/marketing professionals and an impressive roster of dedicated sports celebrities.” (The only sports figures listed are Derrike Cope and Kelvin Martin, former wide receiver with the Dallas Cowboys.) I’ll take their word for it, I don’t recognize the names but two names and their previous experiance set off the low fuel warning light in my head.

Part of the team that will head marketing for Nations Racing LLC is Fred Warner, who has more than 20 years experience in the Indian gaming industry and John Harrington, who has been involved in all aspects of Indian gaming and marketing for more than 20 years.

Without sounding like an alarmist (well, maybe just a little) my question is just how close should NASCAR be to those behind the gaming industry? To be clear, I’m making no accusations against Nations Racing LLC or that any of it’s personnel have nefarious intentions. My concern is general in nature not specific to this company.

This isn’t the first racing gambling connection of course. Jeff Gordon has been part of a non-profit foundation (Jeff Gordon Foundation) that sponsors a poker tournament each year but as far I am aware it has no direct connection to, or supports any NASCAR or ISC related program. One or two event sponsorships have been purchased for casinos and Pocono (or is it Dover) has a casino just outside the gates of the speedway.

Maybe my half empty glass mentality is in overdrive, maybe not. But many parts of the gaming industry have a less than stellar reputation that makes me feel uneasy.

According to the article Nations Racing LLC will announce its complete program for native American Participation in NASCAR about the time I write this, (5:30 PM MT on April 4th) as part of the 2006 National Indian Gaming Association Convention, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The company also has a website, however it’s either down at the moment or hasn’t gone live pending the press conferance. The image above is their logo.

I obviously have to give them the benefit of the doubt and as I said my concerns are very general and not specific to this new initiative. We’ll see what becomes of it.

UPDATE: Here is another gambling connection I wasn’t aware of. Three members of Tony Stewart’s racing team have retired to Richmond. None of them know anything about stock cars.

They are all greyhounds.

Nations Racing LLC, NASCAR, NEXTEL Cup, Gaming Industry, Auto Racing, Motorsports, Full Throttle