Appreciation of Jeff Gordon from Around the NASCAR World

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Photo - Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

Photo – Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

Check back for more statements of Jeff Gordon appreciation from dignitaries and media throughout the NASCAR world as they become available….Then add your thoughts by commenting to this post. Thanks!

Statement from Brian France, NASCAR Chairman & CEO:

‘Prolonged excellence and unmatched class continue to earn fans’

 “Jeff Gordon transcends NASCAR and will be celebrated as one of the greatest drivers to ever race. We have all enjoyed watching his legend grow for more than two decades, and will continue to do so during his final full-time season. His prolonged excellence and unmatched class continue to earn him the admiration of fans across the globe. Today’s announcement is a bittersweet one. I’ll miss his competitive fire on a weekly basis, but I am also happy for Jeff and his family as they start a new chapter. On behalf of the entire NASCAR family, I thank Jeff for his years of dedication and genuine love for this sport, and wish him the very best in his final season.”

CEO of International Speedway Corporation Statement from Lesa France Kennedy

“Jeff Gordon’s significance to our sport cannot be overstated. He is an incredible competitor, and a favorite of millions of fans. His contributions throughout his career to NASCAR have elevated our sport’s popularity worldwide. On behalf of the France family and ISC, I thank him for those contributions and wish him the best as he embarks on this next chapter of his career – and his life. We all look forward to watching him take the green flag for his last full-time season, beginning with the DAYTONA 500.”

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A Closer Look at Jeff Gordon’s Amazing NASCAR Career Since 1992

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Photo – Todd Warshaw/Getty Images

It’s now official, 2015 is Jeff Gordon’s last full-time season in the Sprint Cup Series of NASCAR.  His announcement today, adds significance as the season opener Daytona 500 is exactly one month away. After contending for his fifth championship last year, this is Gordon’s last chance at his ‘drive for five.’

Daytona International Speedway marks the beginning of his closing Sprint Cup Series journey and each race from there to Homestead-Miami gives Gordon the chance to add emphasis to his already legendary legacy.

With that said, there are few drivers that can match Gordon’s illustrious career. Take a moment now to take a closer look at Gordon’s amazing NASCAR career since 1992 with special thanks to Hendrick Motorsports.     Continue reading

NASCAR and NASCAR Team Properties Select Fanatics to Operate At-Track Merchandise Business

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NASCAR and NASCAR Team Properties Select Fanatics to Operate At-Track Merchandise Business

New At-Track Shopping Environment to Provide Fans with Convenience and Wide Selection of High-Quality NASCAR-Branded Merchandise

NASCAR, NASCAR Team Properties (NTP) and Fanatics jointly announced today a 10-year agreement for the sport’s at-track merchandise business that will deliver fans an enhanced, experiential shopping environment. As part of the agreement, Fanatics has acquired certain exclusive rights from NASCAR and NTP that will make the company the primary retailer of NASCAR, team and driver merchandise at all 38 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends.

Fanatics, the market leader for officially licensed sports merchandise, powers the e-stores for hundreds of the top sports leagues, teams and schools, including a long history running NASCAR’s e-commerce business (NASCAR.com). The NASCAR at-track deal expands Fanatics’ growing in-venue partnerships.

 

The new trackside retail model will be phased in at NASCAR events over the course of 2015. It will evolve from using solely haulers for each specific team or driver to displaying all merchandise in a climate-controlled superstore retail environment supported by, in instances, smaller satellite retail touch points around the track. The new model will have the following enhanced benefits and added options for fans:

  • Ability to offer the largest at-track selection of NASCAR merchandise ever
  • Selection to include a major expansion of women’s and kids’ items
  • A more functional way to browse, shop and interact with merchandise
  • Separate stores within the footprint for teams, drivers, memorabilia and collectibles
  • Dedicated area for driver appearances
  • An interactive customization center where fans can create their own personal NASCAR gear

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Fanatics Apparel, the company’s manufacturing and customization division, will also produce merchandise to complement the already extensive product line that will be offered by authorized licensees.

“A merchandise center will provide a more personal, organized, comfortable and convenient shopping environment for our fans,” said Steve Phelps, NASCAR executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “Partnering with an industry leader in Fanatics allows us to offer a comprehensive and seamless shopping experience for our fans – whether it is in-venue, online or on mobile devices.”

The new trackside retail model will utilize the latest innovations and initiatives in retail promotional design. According to a study conducted by Experian Marketing Services (Simmons National Consumer Survey, Fall Full Year 2013), NASCAR fans are at least 20 percent more likely than non-fans to notice various types of promotions while shopping, including: video monitor displays, signs on merchandise racks or shelves, and advertising on the floor – among others.

“Fanatics is extremely excited to partner with NASCAR and NASCAR Team Properties to greatly expand their at-track retail presence,” said Ross Tannenbaum, president of Fanatics Authentic. “We have taken the time to listen to what the fans, teams, drivers and NASCAR were asking for and look forward to using our market-leading scale, technology and production capabilities to deliver an improved and entertaining shopping experience for years to come.”

Wendell Scott: Legend, Trailblazer… and NASCAR Hall of Famer

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Scott’s Legacy a Story of Perseverance, Excellence

Note: This release is part of a series in advance of the 2015 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Jan. 30, broadcast live at 8 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network, Motor Racing Network Radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Bill Elliott, Fred Lorenzen, Wendell Scott, Joe Weatherly and Rex White are the five 2015 inductees. 

During a 13-year premier series career, Wendell Scott likely never considered he was making NASCAR history. The Virginian’s sole concern was getting to the next race on a miniscule budget.

Scott wasn’t the only driver to struggle financially. The odds of making a good living racing stock cars were long in the 1960s and early 1970s when purses were small, large sponsors unheard of and manufacturer support came and went with the turning of the calendar’s pages.

But Scott faced a challenge not shared by his fellow competitors: that of an African-American battling to succeed in a still-segregated society.  Continue reading

Fan4Racing Fan2Fan NASCAR & Race Talk – Monday, January 19, 2015

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Guests include ARCA Racing driver, Patrick Staropoli, talking about testing at Daytona with Empire Racing, his Harvard Magazine feature, and more.

NASCAR Next driver Cole Custer, with JR Motorsports talks about his 2015 season and racing in the Chili Bowl Nationals this past week.

Join host Sharon Burton and co-host Sal Sigala every Monday night 8:30 to 10 pm ET as we bring fans the smartest racing talk around on Fan4Racing Fan2Fan NASCAR & Race Talk!

NASCAR Hot Topic Sound Off  is 10 to 10:30 pm ET with Sharon Burton hosting an interactive discussion with co-host Chris Knight from the Catchfence.

Listen to our panel discussion with drivers, crew, and other racing personalities and call 714-202-9918 during the LIVE Broadcast to join the conversation about the hottest topics leading up to the next race.

Check Out Sports Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with Fan vs Fan Radio Network on BlogTalkRadio

Listen to our LIVE broadcast beginning at 8:30 pm ET or to the Podcast afterward.

Thanks for Listening!