Full Throttle

NASCAR fans are famously loyal to their drivers and their sport. Some fans will do anything to show their support for NASCAR. Others, not so much, they even go so far as to think NASCAR is spelled C.O.M.M.E.R.C.I.L.I.S.M.

To some extent they have a point.

Black Friday brings with it shopping guides for NASCAR fans and stories about a new cologne, Daytona 500 Fragrance for Men that “comes packaged in a glass cylinder with chrome rims and a red metal and rubber tire top.”

Great, just what I don’t need, a NASCAR fragrance for men.

For full disclosure I haven’t purchased any type of sports themed paraphernalia since owning a #99 Gretzky Oilers jersey. I figure I’m far from rich, but those selling the schwag are and damn sure won’t miss my money.

Although it can be said some dealing in NASCAR paraphernalia are missing a butt load of cash.

Owned 50-50 by track operating rivals Speedway Motorsports and International Speedway Corp., Motorsports Authentics holds the rights to sell clothing, diecasts and other merchandise for many of the top drivers and teams in the sport, including Dale Earnhardt Jr., Hendrick Motorsports and Stewart-Haas Racing.

As of early October the company was on the verge of bankruptcy.

My question to those that do spell NASCAR as C.O.M.M.E.R.C.I.L.I.S.M. is what’s you point?

Without the interest generated in the late 70’s and early 80’s fans of the sport now have access to every race live and in living color, we won’t discuss Digger, as opposed to a month late when highlights were shown on ABC’s Wide World of Sports.

Admittedly NASCAR is an easy target, the cars are called rolling billboards and in essence they are.

But does anyone really think if NFL and MLB players had wide areas to place ads the respective leagues would pass up the chance to do so? Not likely is my guess. As it is Major League stadiums have as many or more ads on the outfield walls as a NASCAR car and modern technology as allowed TV ads be changed with nearly every pitch and seen behind the catcher.

Every PGA player is “costumed” in attire bought and paid for by mega corporations that pay for the privilege.

Some suggest NASCAR should have their own broadcast network as a way to get rid of the “Diggers” of the world. It’s possible, NASCAR officials have noted the possibility, but I’d suggest be careful of what you wish for.

Just ask the NFL’s Bronco and Giants fans that don’t live in Colorado or NY how that worked Thanksgiving Day. The NFL Network, wholly owned by the league, broadcast the game in those two cities and no others.

So much for access.

Want to see an NBA game outside your viewing or cable area? Has the league got a deal for you, the NBA’s League Pass costs $150 to watch every team and every game. Yeah, I’m gonna shell out 150 large to watch the Clippers. Not.

Finally, and back to the “Digger” and the issue of ad placement during sports broadcasts. Take a peek at the image below.

It’s a screenshot taken during the broadcast of the Hall of Fame Showcase at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis a few days ago. The show featured a two-game set in which Arkansas and Louisville matched up, followed by Kansas and Memphis.

From that one shot alone you can get a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup jones, a thirst for a Bud Light and be reminded you need new wipers for the 4×4 four, at O’Reilly Auto Parts of course.

And these are so called “amateur” athletes in an amateur sport.

Go ahead complain about Digger, we all do, but as the saying goes be careful of what you wish for.