The trickle down affect?
With the big three U.S. automakers struggling to survive, and looking for government help, they have begun to scale back their financial involvement in NASCAR.
According to an article in the Washington Post last month by Liz Clarke, the move is threatening the economic model that has driven the sport's popularity.
"Other corporate sponsors that helped transform stock-car racing from a workingman's pastime into the country's dominant form of auto racing also are scaling back their investment as a result of the sagging economy," Clarke wrote. She added, "some companies may not renew their commitments (many of which run more than 10 million) when current contracts expire."
Advance Auto Parts announced recently that it will not return as title sponsor of the World of Outlaws sprint car series for the 2009 season. It also will no longer be the official Auto Parts Store of the World of Outlaws late model series. Advance Auto Parts (Northeast) is reportedly going to continue to sponsor some divisional tour races.
While the recent cutbacks haven't directly affected many local race teams yet, the poor economy could scale back some teams' plans in regards to special series for next season.
Edwards native Tim Fuller is one tour driver who will be seeking additional sponsorship for next year. He might be doing more modified racing in the area rather than following the World of Outlaws late model series.
"John Lazore (of Hogansburg) is getting out of racing," Fuller said recently.
Lazore backed Fuller's DIRTcar big-block modified program. Fuller also used a hauler owned by Lazore for his World of Outlaws late model tour as well as the modified tour.
"I'm in limbo right now, but I've got some irons in the fire, but nothing definite yet," Fuller said.
The Watertown area resident finished ninth in points in the World of Outlaws late model tour. He did miss some races, but still earned $69,650 for his race team, sponsored by Syracuse businessman John Wight. Fuller won two tour races and finished in the top 10 in seven other races.
In a limited big-block modified schedule, Fuller finished 17th in the overall Mr. DIRT series points. He collected $17,495 in earning for his race team.
Fuller, the 2007 Rookie of the Year on the World of Outlaws late model tour, has been racing professionally since 1995. He quit his job working in a zinc mine to become a full-time driver. His first race car was a street car that he bought for $60 back in the 1980s. The roll cage he installed in it came from rusted pipes off a boat dock. He towed the car to the track using an old ambulance and an open trailer, made out of planks and an old mobile home frame.
PROMOTERS UPBEAT
Track officials from the DIRTcarRacing Northeast Region held their annual meeting Friday during the year-end awards ceremonies at the Shenendoah Golf Club at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona.
Despite the economy, promoters focused on cooperation among the tracks on both sides of the border.
Tom Deery, World Racing Group President and Chief Operating Officer, was upbeat in his remarks to those attending the session.
"History has shown us that tough times don't last while tough people always do," Deer said in a press release following the session.
Cory Reed, director of competition and track sanctioning, said the continued effort to schedule more back-to-back Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series events is the goal again for 2009.
Gaston Salvas, 358-modified series director, said the proposed reinstatement of time trials for all Mr. DIRTcar 358-modified series events in 2009 with the possibility of group clockings based on heat lineups is being studied.
FLORIDA LOOMS NEXT
While most race teams are taking a deserved break from a long season, some are already gearing up for February and the Florida Tour at Volusia Speedway Park. The tour kicks off DIRTcar Racing's 34th consecutive season of operation with the modifieds from the Northeast in action for the 12th consecutive year.
The modifieds will be racing Feb. 11-14. The World of Outlaws sprint car series will be held Feb. 6-8, while the World of Outlaws series will race at Volusia on Feb. 12 and 14.
Local auto notes appears periodically from October to April and weekly from May to September. To supply story ideas or information concerning north country auto racing, contact jodonnell@wdt.net.
