June 2004 Columns

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <A HREF="spin_out_zone_home.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Mike Harpers Spin Out Zone, NASCAR News "><U><B><IMG SRC="14ca9430.png" border=0 width="169" height="67" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <div> <I><B>The Spin Out Zone column can be found at:</B></I></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.racindeals.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.racindeals.com"><U><B><IMG SRC="13e7d470.gif" border=0 width="125" height="71" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <FONT SIZE="7" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Minicar" > <A NAME="the_spin_out_zone"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></FONT>The <FONT SIZE="7" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Comix" >Spin</FONT><FONT SIZE="7" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Comix" > </FONT>Out <FONT SIZE="7" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Comix" >Zone</FONT></div> <div> <I><U>NASCAR OPINIONS - NEWS & INTERVIEWS</U></I></div> <div> <I>Nationally respected columnist Mike Harper's SpinOutZone.com</I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" >    </FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" >| </FONT><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spin Out Zone Inside the ARCA RE/MAX Se"><U><B>home</B></U></A><B>      </B><B>back to</B><B>  </B><A HREF="id3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Archive Spin Out Zone Columns"><U><B>Archive Spin Out Zone Columns</B></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B>June 2004</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#sponsorship_ban_and_fan_incentives_get" TITLE="June 2004 Columns"><U>Sponsorship Ban and Fan Incentives Get Bumped</U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#nascar_bosses_get_bumped________________1" TITLE="June 2004 Columns"><U>NASCAR Bosses Get Bumped</U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#wimmer_s_conviction_and_unfair" TITLE="June 2004 Columns"><U>Wimmer's Conviction and Unfair Inspections Get Bumped</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="sponsorship_ban_and_fan_incentives_get"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B></div> <div> <B><U>Sponsorship Ban and Fan Incentives Get Bumped</U></B><U> </U></div> <div> The Spin Out Zone</div> <bR> <div> By Mike Harper </div> <div> <U>SpinOutZone@aol.com </U></div> <div> 6/24/2004 </div> <bR> <div> Hold on - here is the bump and the SPIN OUT!</div> <bR> <div> The most important commodity to NASCAR is their fans.</div> <bR> <div> Sure, these drivers could strap in and race in circles for 500 miles each week, but without the fans, sponsors would not sponsor, salaries wouldn't be in the millions, and popularity would be a dream. Without the fan base, NASCAR would not exist.</div> <bR> <div> It seems to me that over the last five months NASCAR is not as fan friendly as it once was. It's not only the NASCAR organization, but we find the drivers, the car sponsors and even title sponsor NEXTEL less fan friendly.</div> <bR> <div> Blame it on the economy I guess, but what has NEXTEL brought to the table?</div> <div> In my opinion, we've seen new NASCAR driver phones, some decent commercials and a healthy contract that allows NEXTEL to put their name on everything.</div> <bR> <div> That's about it!</div> <bR> <div> Walkie-talkie this to NASCAR:</div> <bR> <div> I'd like to know where Miss NEXTEL went! In the past, the title sponsor provided young women the opportunity to represent the title sponsor's organization. They were in victory lane and attended NASCAR premier series functions. It was NASCAR's version of Miss America.</div> <bR> <div> NEXTEL did not continue it.</div> <bR> <div> Specific to fan incentives, in the past the title sponsor would give away $1 million to five different fans throughout the season.</div> <bR> <div> NEXTEL did not continue it.</div> <bR> <div> With over 85 million fans, you would think NASCAR would be a marketing dream come true for a sponsor. NEXTEL could easily give phones and minutes away throughout the season. It could be a field day of promotions, but instead their attitude is based on name recognition and selling $199.00 phones with drivers names attached.</div> <bR> <div> I don't expect every sponsor to be like Dominos Pizza or DiTech.com who have targeted fans by doing fun promotions, but it just seems like fan incentives have gone down the tubes while the list of items that fans can purchase have increased.</div> <bR> <div> The NASCAR.com site isn't as friendly as it used to be either. It seems like they do nothing but sell. You can buy just about anything you want that has a driver's name attached to it, but unless a driver's fan club is willing to dish out the bucks, a fan can't find anything about fan clubs on the site. Only two fan clubs are listed, but yet NASCAR.com is supposed to be a fan site. Go figure.</div> <bR> <div> One NASCAR.com contest going on is basically buried at the bottom of the page below all their ads. Travel, car parts, wireless products, hotels and the list goes on and on. Once through the sales portion of the site you will hopefully find the chance to register for the contest. Wow, thanks NASCAR.com.</div> <bR> <div> In most cases (I said most), the drivers can find themselves stuck in between the fan and their sponsor. We hear drivers complain about their schedules all the time. The demands of meeting sponsorship expectations are great and are getting even greater every day. With less time for the fans and more time being spent on corporate functions, dedicated fans are beginning to suffer. Some drivers have even had to stop autograph request through their web sites because they can't keep up. Who is at fault for this?</div> <bR> <div> Bottom line, in a sport that is having major issues with procedures and rules, promotions targeted to inspire, retain and entertain fans has diminished. Fan morale is low and unless NASCAR, NEXTEL, the drivers and their sponsors step up to the plate and deliver, fans will look to other means of entertainment.</div> <bR> <div> <B>SPONSORSHIP BAN</B></div> <bR> <div> You can find it in airports, restaurants, grocery stores, casinos, and cruise ships. But, you can't find it in NASCAR. NASCAR has a ban on hard liquor sponsorships.</div> <bR> <div> Jeff Burton and the #99 team wants to put one on their car. However, NASCAR won't allow it, yet.</div> <bR> <div> You have to ask yourself, in a time where sponsorships are hard to come by, why would NASCAR ban specific sponsorships? I can agree there are lines that NASCAR can't cross like allowing Playboy to sponsor a car, but in my opinion, I cannot justify banning hard liquor companies.</div> <bR> <div> It surely can't be because of the family image concept that NASCAR is trying to protect. NASCAR allows beer sponsorships and male enhancement product sponsorships in the sport. NASCAR allows the TV partners to broadcast commercials during races that promote shows containing violence and sexual content. So what gives with a little booze?</div> <bR> <div> Geoff Smith president of Roush Racing told the USA Today, "The more time you spend talking about it, the less reasoning you can find." </div> <bR> <div> The hard liquor sponsor who wants to support Jeff Burton and his #99 Roush Racing Ford is the same sponsor who supports his teammate Matt Kenseth. Their Smirnoff Ice brand is allowed to sponsor Matt because it's a malt beverage and malt beverages are allowed. But, with the popularity of NASCAR many believe that we could see new teams, new opportunities and a fresh start for those drivers who have suffered from the lack of sponsorship dollars by allowing hard liquor companies into the sport.</div> <bR> <div> In a time where NASCAR also bans telecommunication companies because of their relationship with title sponsor NEXTEL, it's time to open the door to Jack Daniel's, Crown Royal, Jim Beam and Johnnie Walker.</div> <bR> <div> Hard liquor isn't going anywhere. The Indy Racing League and the International Race of Champions (NASCAR drivers participate) utilize hard liquor sponsorships and most promote responsible drinking in their ad campaigns.</div> <bR> <div> I remember a few years back Kenny Wallace had an opportunity to secure a hard liquor sponsor, however NASCAR killed the plan. The team folded. The same will hold true for more teams if NASCAR doesn't allow new sponsors through the gates.</div> <bR> <div> Just think, if NASCAR lifts the ban on hard liquor sponsorships we could see a GUINNESS car on the track - Brilliant!</div> <bR> <div> This week's SPIN OUT goes to - SPONSORSHIP BANS! Banning a hard liquor ban, Brilliant!</div> <bR> <div> God Bless our Troops, our President and America!</div> <bR> <div> Until next week, happy bumping!</div> <bR> <div> Copyright 6/24/2004 </div> <div> by Mike Harper </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="June 2004 Columns"><U><U>Top of Page</U></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="nascar_bosses_get_bumped________________1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B><U>NASCAR Bosses Get Bumped</U></B> </div> <div> The Spin Out Zone</div> <bR> <div> By Mike Harper </div> <div> <U>SpinOutZone@aol.com </U></div> <div> 6/18/2004 </div> <bR> <div> Hold on - here is the bump and the SPIN OUT!</div> <bR> <div> Good thing NASCAR executives don't get voted into office. If that were the case, I believe the November 2004 election would prove to be the end of this NASCAR administration.</div> <bR> <div> I can see it now, crazy NASCAR fanatics holding public hearings about ending races under caution, running too many caution laps, allowing the wrong car back on the lead lap and from the last race, "Pit Road Gate." When have we ever seen the flag guy open pit road after the leader drives by allowing only those behind the leaders to pit? Like never!</div> <bR> <div> This is not your father's NASCAR. Today we find more money, more horsepower, more safety, and more controversies. The new head of NASCAR, the younger France, is finding life in the spotlight not to be so grand. Life must have been so simple back in the day. The day when TV cameras weren't following the drivers or the day when something happened on the track and bosses didn't have to worry about public interference.</div> <bR> <div> For you new fans, there was a day when drivers raced hard hoping to win just enough money to put food on their table. Yes, a time where men where men and drivers did their own prosecuting. Fans didn't see NASCAR jump into every driver argument with a fine or probation.</div> <bR> <div> There was a day when drivers raced back to the finish line when the caution flag waived without driving around the track for 26 laps trying to figure out the position of each car.</div> <bR> <div> Today's NASCAR is crazy!</div> <bR> <div> I love technology, but technology in NASCAR is killing me! Why has NASCAR made the caution situation so difficult? To be honest, in the beginning I was against freezing the field of cars when the caution flag waived. I liked it when they raced back to the finish line. It was exciting. But now, I understand the need to slow cars down to protect the drivers and I am on board with the idea. However, I am not sure about adding these cameras around the track to capture a car's position at the time of a caution. Sounds like an expensive and unexciting way of doing things.</div> <bR> <div> NASCAR president Mike Helton said last week that these cameras will give NASCAR 14 different finishing lines around the track to assist them with freezing the field of cars at the time of a caution flag. How crazy is this? Where is the racing now?</div> <bR> <div> I say trash that idea and let's use two finishing lines. The primary finishing line and the secondary finishing line. The primary finishing line would be the one we know today - the line that begins and ends the race. The secondary finishing line would be at the same exact position on the track backstretch.</div> <bR> <div> In most cases, a wreck that brings out the caution flag happens behind the leaders. If the leaders have crossed the primary finishing line and a caution flag is waived, then the leaders race back to the secondary finishing line. This way they still race!</div> <bR> <div> Pretty simple!</div> <bR> <div> What's up with ending a race under caution? This is another stupid rule that needs to change! Every race should end with the throttle to the floor - not with beer bottles being thrown at their door!</div> <bR> <div> You crazy fans! What type of person would throw junk on the track? I guess the one who paid for a 7-day Carnival Cruise and was given only 5 days. I know it's not right, but when customers aren't happy they show it and NASCAR needs to take notice that there customer service skills need a tune-up.</div> <bR> <div> Hey Joe Fan, instead of throwing beer cans at the driver's car how about sending an email to the track or NASCAR to complain about seeing a shorten race! Heck, send them your ticket receipt and maybe after enough complaints they will change the rule. It's not the driver's fault - so leave them out of it! But, I do understand your frustration dude!</div> <bR> <div> Help!</div> <bR> <div> Will someone out there in NASCAR "La La" land explain to me how two driver's playing "spin me out" under a caution situation can get more of a penalty than a driver who gets arrested for DUI? Help me out people!</div> <bR> <div> Last weekend at Pocono, Kevin Harvick and Matt Kenseth took turns spinning each other out while making laps under the caution flag. Sure, they were a bit angry with each other, but it's racing and sometimes a driver will get a little mad when things happen on the track. At the end of their dance, NASCAR place both drivers at the tail end of the lead lap at the end of the race, they fined both drivers 25,000 big ones (dollars) and put both drivers on probation. Hello, earth to NASCAR, can you say - ratings!</div> <bR> <div> Fans loved it! NASCAR threw the book at them.</div> <bR> <div> On the other hand, Scott Wimmer a NASCAR Rookie driver was arrested and convicted of impaired driving and fleeing the scene of an accident. Wimmer's blood alcohol level was recorded at .15 of a percent, nearly twice the legal limit in North Carolina.</div> <bR> <div> NASCAR placed Wimmer on probation. No suspension. No dollar fine. Just plain probation. Does this make sense to anyone?</div> <bR> <div> NEXTEL has a TV commercial about NASCAR being the sport for role models, but just like a thief in the night, NASCAR is real quite about this crime. The Wimmer DUI has been swept under the rug with no real penalty to be seen.</div> <bR> <div> Even NASCAR.com the official web site for NASCAR, buried the story about the conviction and the story had so much sugar on top of it that it gave me a cavity!</div> <bR> <div> Look, like I have said in the past I like Scott Wimmer and he is a great young talent. My gripe is not with him at this moment. My gripe is with NASCAR and how they do a horrible job at dishing out penalties. In my eyes, being convicted of DUI is much worst than spinning a fellow driver out during a race.</div> <bR> <div> For goodness sakes, Bob Huggins the head coach of the University of Cincinnati basically did exactly what Scott did this past month. He was charged with DUI among other things and he is now suspended, he can't speak with any of his coworkers and he lost the privileges of driving any university vehicle. Now that is dishing out a penalty!</div> <bR> <div> I think NASCAR probation is a joke and it should be used in the greatest of NASCAR crimes, like cheating. Spinning out another driver under caution should be given some type of a penalty, like placing them on the tail end of the lead lap as their finishing position or serve them a black flag and make them sit for a lap on pit road. But come on people, three major penalties for something the fans enjoyed versus a slap on the hand for doing something that could kill someone is just down right criminal!</div> <bR> <div> This week's SPIN OUT goes to the - NASCAR Bosses! Take off your sunglasses and see the light men!</div> <bR> <div> God Bless our Troops, our President and America!</div> <bR> <div> Until next week, happy bumping!</div> <bR> <div> Copyright 6/18/2004 </div> <div> by Mike Harper </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="June 2004 Columns"><U><U>Top of Page</U></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="wimmer_s_conviction_and_unfair"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B><U>Wimmer's Conviction and Unfair Inspections Get Bumped  </U></B></div> <div> The Spin Out Zone</div> <bR> <div> By Mike Harper </div> <div> <U>SpinOutZone@aol.com </U></div> <div> 6/3/2004 </div> <bR> <div> Hold on - here is the bump and the SPIN OUT!</div> <bR> <div> NASCAR fans just can't get enough of racing conspiracies. Whether it surrounds Dale Earnhardt Jr. or Jeff Gordon, fans search for conspiracy theories to explain why their favorite driver didn't win the big race.</div> <bR> <div> This week we find ourselves in the midst of another conspiracy. Around the nations water-coolers people are whispering, having low-key conversations about Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse. How is it that the Lowe's sponsored Busch Series car and the Lowe's sponsored NEXTEL Cup Series car, won both weekend races at the Lowe's Motor Speedway?</div> <bR> <div> When you think about it, how lucky can one corporate sponsor be?</div> <bR> <div> Now I don't want to take anything away from the Lowe's sponsored drivers and teams because they all did a fantastic job last weekend, winning both the Busch Series race and the NEXTEL Cup Series race. But, sometimes when things like this happen you have to stop and wonder if something a little fishy is happening behind the scenes.</div> <bR> <div> Lowe's teams win at the Lowe's racetrack, sure that's normal - right?</div> <bR> <div> The Winston Salem Journal reported this week that a NEXTEL Cup Series owner, who preferred not to be named, said it would be interesting for TV to set up cameras in the NASCAR inspection bay. Because he says he's skeptical that every car gets a fair shake. His comments included, "Some cars they don't even put half the body templates on."</div> <bR> <div> I find his comments to be very interesting. With all the efforts and communications shared from NASCAR about how the sport provides a level playing field for all teams, could it be true that they are not being truthful? Can it be that the inspection process is truly unfair and that NASCAR is playing favoritism toward specific drivers? A Lowe's car winning at the Lowe's track, is this what the anonymous owner was talking about?</div> <bR> <div> Inquiring minds want to know!</div> <bR> <div> I am sure the TV partners will not set up cameras in the inspection bay to watch every single car that flows through, however I do have a suggestion to the anonymous owner or any other NASCAR owner or driver questioning the inspection process.</div> <bR> <div> Are you ready?</div> <bR> <div> Email me! Jump on your computer and let's work out the details. Get me in and I will monitor the process. I'll be your third party auditing guru to ensure your team is being treated fairly during the inspection process. I'll watch every car, I'll track every body template being used and best of all, I will share my findings with the world. Heck, get me what I need to do the job and I will volunteer my time to do it.</div> <bR> <div> I'm yours for the weekend!</div> <bR> <div> <B>WIMMER CONVICTION</B></div> <div> Guilty! I vowed to stay silent regarding the Scott Wimmer DUI case until the judge issued a verdict. Well, he has done just that - guilty.</div> <bR> <div> Scott Wimmer rookie driver of the #22 Caterpillar Dodge for Bill Davis Racing (BDR) was convicted Tuesday of impaired driving and fleeing the scene of an accident. According to a report published in the High Point Enterprise, Wimmer was arrested on Jan. 31st of this year after police were called to a scene where they found a BDR vehicle overturned in a ditch in High Point, North Carolina. No one was in the vehicle, however in the cab of the truck officers found a BDR duffel bag with an identification tag bearing Wimmer's name. They also found memorabilia from his wedding that happened earlier in the month.</div> <bR> <div> Within an hour, officers from the High Point Police tracked Wimmer to his home, about a mile from the scene. While interviewing Wimmer's wife in the living room, an officer spotted Wimmer crawling across the floor of the master bedroom down the hall. According to the newspaper, Wimmer was tracked to the far side of the bed, where he was crouched on his hands and knees. The officers said Wimmer was crouched beside his bed, still bleeding from a wound on his forehead. </div> <div> Wimmer later admitted that he had been in an accident and that he had spent the night drinking at two High Point restaurants.</div> <bR> <div> Wimmer's blood alcohol level was recorded at .15 of a percent, nearly twice the legal limit the newspaper reports.</div> <bR> <div> Before I voice my opinion on this ugly situation let me say that I think Scott is a </div> <div> great young talent. He has a very bright future ahead of him and I am sure he has the support of his lovely wife, family, friends and fans. Scott seems to be a very nice person who comes across as being remorseful for what has happened and sincere in his statements.</div> <bR> <div> I understand that he has turned this ugly situation into an opportunity to work with youth by sharing his story with them so hopefully they will not make the same mistake. I respect his efforts and I will support his career as a NASCAR driver.</div> <div> With that said, Scott made a horrible mistake. He almost took his own life and he jeopardized the lives of those who live in his community. At the end of the day, he is very fortunate to be alive and that he did not take the life of a father, mother, sister and/or brother living near his home.</div> <bR> <div> In my view, the judge did what he had to do to protect the community in which he serves. Scott received a mandatory one-year revocation of his driver's license. Scott's attorney gave notice that he will file for appeal to the Guilford County Superior Court. The sentence will not take effect until the appeal is resolved, meaning Wimmer can keep his license for now. In addition, the judge sentenced Scott to a 60-day suspended prison term, served only if he violates a one-year unsupervised probation. Also, Scott is to serve 24 hours of community service within the next 30 days.</div> <bR> <div> So the judge has spoken, now we wait for NASCAR, BDR and Scott's sponsor Caterpillar to add to his punishment.</div> <bR> <div> I believe Caterpillar must take the same approach as Home Depot did when their driver Tony Stewart stepped out of line. Scott must be fined and put on probation by his sponsor.</div> <bR> <div> Scott represents his sponsor and Caterpillar utilizes a very strict Code of Conduct with their employees. In a letter to Caterpillar employees, Glen Barton the Chairman of Caterpillar says, "we must always be aware that every decision we make, everything we do, can affect the reputation of our company, and in turn, our own lives and livelihood. We take the Code very seriously - any departure from its principles is unacceptable."</div> <bR> <div> Pretty strong words from a very successful businessman. If you would like to review the Code of Conduct from Caterpillar, visit the below Web site a click Code of Conduct: www.cat.com/about_cat/company_information/company_information.html</div> <bR> <div> Bottom line, Caterpillar needs to step up and make a statement because Scott represents their company in front of 83 million NASCAR fans. When the sponsor talks, drivers will listen.</div> <bR> <div> In addition, Bill Davis Racing must step up as well. Let's not forget it was BDR's truck that Scott crashed while driving drunk. If you or I were driving our employer's vehicle and wrecked it because we were driving drunk, we would be standing in the unemployment line. I don't wish that on Scott, however with 24 hours of community service being given to Scott as part of his sentence, BDR should suspend Scott for a one race or until his hours of community service has been completed.</div> <bR> <div> As for NASCAR, I'm tossed on what their role should be in this situation. One thing is for sure, NASCAR should implement a policy about this very subject. Actually I would like to see a more aggressive policy than what the NFL has in place. The NFL allows a player three DUI's before they are suspended. NASCAR needs to make their policy clear and they need to make it stick. I would recommend championship point reduction and/or suspension after the first conviction. These types of convictions do hurt the image of the sport and NASCAR has a history of penalizing those who do that sort of thing. After two convictions, I would escort them out and wish them well.</div> <bR> <div> NASCAR is attracting more and more younger drivers and unless NASCAR does something to make these guys think about the consequences of their actions today, the harsh reality is that it could be more of a problem tomorrow.</div> <bR> <div> This week's SPIN OUT goes to the - WIMMER CONVICTION! We wouldn't be discussing this if he would have just picked up the phone and called for a ride.</div> <bR> <div> God Bless our Troops, our President and America!</div> <bR> <div> Until next week, happy bumping!</div> <bR> <div> Copyright 6/3/2004 </div> <div> by Mike Harper </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="June 2004 Columns"><U><U>Top of Page</U></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>