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CUP: Back To Basics For NASCAR, France Says
Written by: Tom Jensen   
01/20/2008
Concord, N.C.
 
Brian France address the state of NASCAR (Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images) ยป More Photos


NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France said Monday that the sanctioning body's theme for 2008 will be "back to basics," with minimal changes and disruptions to the sport long-time fans know.

France, who launched a bold series of initiatives when he took over the reins of the organization in 2003, said Monday that he plans to stay the course this year.

"I think what I hope you'll take out of today is we're getting back to the basics," France said on the opening day of the annual Sprint Media Tour presented by Lowe's. "We're going to try to minimize the change going forward as best we can and focus on what we've always focused on, which is the best product in the world."

Among the myriad changes ushered in during France's regime have been two changes to the point system, two name changes for NASCAR's top division, one name change for its AAA division and another pending in 2009 for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Then there's the addition of Toyota and an influx of open-wheel drivers while Southern drivers are dwindling rapidly.

Those changes and the perception that the sport was moving away from its roots had left many longtime fans disillusioned, which was reflected in struggling TV ratings and disappointing attendance at some tracks last season. France was adamant Monday that NASCAR had gotten the message.

"Our sport is strong. We're determined to make it stronger and maintain the intense commitment of our generations of loyal fans,"
France said. "We'll continue to grow and evolve. We'll always be mindful of our past. And at last month's season-ending awards ceremony in New York, our guest speaker Tom Brokaw called NASCAR the greatest American sport. That was one hell of a compliment. Of course, I agree with Tom."

In stark contrast to recent years, when France's annual Media Tour address would focus on the future, this time he concentrated much more in the past, singling out Martinsville Speedway, Darlington Raceway and Richmond International Raceway, three of the oldest tracks in NASCAR.

"Right from the start, my grandfather, Big Bill, and my father Bill Jr. had a vision for this sport," said France. "It was an ambitious and forward-thinking vision. Both of them had fundamental principles they relied on to run NASCAR. One of those principles was improve the sport and build the fan base all across America. And we're proud of that and we're proud of our growth. We certainly are proud we've been able to attract new fans virtually every year NASCAR has been in existence. But we're also proud of those fans who have been with us for many decades."

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