If NASCAR were running the NFL, would it build a dome over Lambeau Field and heat it? Or defrost the Frozen Tundra and move the whole thing to Florida?
And while it was at it, would NASCAR would take the Kentucky Derby away from Churchill Downs, move the Masters out of Augusta and transfer the Indy 500 from Indianapolis?
Where would it relocate them? Wherever its latest market survey suggested that it could make the quickest buck.
Sentiment? NASCAR spells it $entiment.
That's the message sent by the reported move of the Southern 500, a traditional Labor Day race that has been part of Darlington and NASCAR for 54 years. It appears that the Southern 500 will become the Southern California 500.
ESPN.com reports the race will be moved. NASCAR will not confirm the long-speculated Darlington desertion, but CEO Bill France Jr. earlier this year said drastic change is on the way. France spoke of ''Realignment 2004 and beyond,'' and made it clear that the schedule is in for a major shakeup.
Darlington might get a replacement Southern 500, possibly one late in the season, but it won't be the same. Would running another horse race in Louisville in November replace the Derby?
Darlington Speedway public-relations director Kathy Mock said it would be ''tremendously disappointing'' to lose the Labor Day Southern 500, ''especially considering that we're about to host it for the 54th time.''
The symbolism is striking: an historical old Southern track being jilted in favor of a gleaming new facility in California. California Speedway General Manager Bill Miller has been lobbying for a second Winston Cup race and said plans are under way to light the track in preparation for a night event.
TV loves night racing. Actually, it loves night racing's ratings.
When Darlington began holding races over a half-century ago, TV was not a consideration. Until relatively recently, TV turned up its nose at the sport. Now NASCAR trails only the NFL in ratings, and TV executives are drooling for more races in bigger markets.
NASCAR likewise salivates over giant new markets it has recently cracked in Dallas, Las Vegas, Chicago and Kansas City. It would like to expand its presence in the Los Angeles area. (That's why Nashville won't get a Winston Cup race — the southeastern market is saturated.)
How can Darlington, S.C., compete with L.A.? It doesn't have a juicy TV market. It doesn't have fancy restaurants. There's no entertaining nightlife, unless you count the lounge act over at the Ramada.
All Darlington has is good, old-fashioned stock car racing; this spring's race had one of the most thrilling finishes in history. At one time, that was enough. Now NASCAR seems to prefer good ratings over good racing.
For over a half-century, Darlington helped build NASCAR. It supported racing through lean times. Now that prosperity has arrived, it might be dumped for some hot young thing in California.
There's no denying that NASCAR has done a tremendous job of marketing the sport in recent years — but it is selling some of its soul in the process.
!
And while it was at it, would NASCAR would take the Kentucky Derby away from Churchill Downs, move the Masters out of Augusta and transfer the Indy 500 from Indianapolis?
Where would it relocate them? Wherever its latest market survey suggested that it could make the quickest buck.
Sentiment? NASCAR spells it $entiment.
That's the message sent by the reported move of the Southern 500, a traditional Labor Day race that has been part of Darlington and NASCAR for 54 years. It appears that the Southern 500 will become the Southern California 500.
ESPN.com reports the race will be moved. NASCAR will not confirm the long-speculated Darlington desertion, but CEO Bill France Jr. earlier this year said drastic change is on the way. France spoke of ''Realignment 2004 and beyond,'' and made it clear that the schedule is in for a major shakeup.
Darlington might get a replacement Southern 500, possibly one late in the season, but it won't be the same. Would running another horse race in Louisville in November replace the Derby?
Darlington Speedway public-relations director Kathy Mock said it would be ''tremendously disappointing'' to lose the Labor Day Southern 500, ''especially considering that we're about to host it for the 54th time.''
The symbolism is striking: an historical old Southern track being jilted in favor of a gleaming new facility in California. California Speedway General Manager Bill Miller has been lobbying for a second Winston Cup race and said plans are under way to light the track in preparation for a night event.
TV loves night racing. Actually, it loves night racing's ratings.
When Darlington began holding races over a half-century ago, TV was not a consideration. Until relatively recently, TV turned up its nose at the sport. Now NASCAR trails only the NFL in ratings, and TV executives are drooling for more races in bigger markets.
NASCAR likewise salivates over giant new markets it has recently cracked in Dallas, Las Vegas, Chicago and Kansas City. It would like to expand its presence in the Los Angeles area. (That's why Nashville won't get a Winston Cup race — the southeastern market is saturated.)
How can Darlington, S.C., compete with L.A.? It doesn't have a juicy TV market. It doesn't have fancy restaurants. There's no entertaining nightlife, unless you count the lounge act over at the Ramada.
All Darlington has is good, old-fashioned stock car racing; this spring's race had one of the most thrilling finishes in history. At one time, that was enough. Now NASCAR seems to prefer good ratings over good racing.
For over a half-century, Darlington helped build NASCAR. It supported racing through lean times. Now that prosperity has arrived, it might be dumped for some hot young thing in California.
There's no denying that NASCAR has done a tremendous job of marketing the sport in recent years — but it is selling some of its soul in the process.
!
