‘Sale of NASCAR could be positive step’
NEW YORK: A potential sale of NASCAR could be just the ticket the American auto racing circuit needs to return to its former glory after struggling for years with declining ratings and admissions revenues, according to sports industry analysts.
NASCAR’s jaw-dropping speed and collisions once attracted fans in droves but they have been racing away from the sport even faster over the last decade for a variety of reasons, including the failure to register with millennial viewers.
The France family, who own NASCAR, are now exploring options that include a sale of a majority stake of the sanctioning body, as Reuters first reported on Monday.
A sale could prove to be a muchneeded positive step forward for stock-car racing’s premier circuit.
“The current ownership is maybe not the most forward thinking, maybe not the quickest to respond,” Bob Dorfman, a sports marketing expert at Baker Street Advertising in San Francisco, said in a telephone interview.
“So maybe it would be a good time for somebody new to be in there and try some new ideas and be a little edgier and see if there are ways to capture a younger market and try to make up for all the older folks that are going away.”
A little over 10 years ago NASCAR was dubbed “America’s Fastest Growing Sport” by Fortune given the mix of soaring TV ratings, packed stadiums and sponsors who flocked to make their brands visible on race cars. — Reuters LONDON: Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho believes “nothing is impossible” for Portugal at this year’s World Cup in Russia with Cristiano Ronaldo in the team.
The 33-year-old Real Madrid forward played a crucial role in helping his country to Euro 2016 glory in France, and has enjoyed another impressive campaign with his Spanish club, scoring 42 goals in all competitions.
“Portugal has an interesting squad,” Mourinho told ESPN Brazil.
“Without Cristiano, it would be impossible. But with him nothing is impossible.”
The former Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Porto manager also shared similar sentiments about Argentina, who led by Lionel Messi, are chasing their first World Cup crown since 1986.
“I believe that the Argentinian national team without Lionel Messi wouldn’t be a contender,” the 55-year-old Portuguese added. “But with him, it is one of the favourites.”
Mourinho said five-time champions Brazil have one of the most settled squads heading into the tournament, with the right mix of tactical flexibility and individual talent.
“I like very much the basic structure of Brasil, its tactical and mentality,” he said.
“There is a mixture between Brazilian natural talent, with a serious approach, physical, tactical.
“It is a team capable of defending well, allowing few goals, with a good support base. And then up front with Willian, Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus... all players with outstanding qualities.” — Reuters