If I Had A Nextel Phone…
…I would have one no more!
I’ve stopped looking at NASCAR dot com recently, simply because it’s nothing more than a cheering section for the ever image-concerned NASCAR money making machine. The reporters and writers on NASCAR dot com seem to be in the hip pocket of NASCAR saying only what the hierarchy of NASCAR wants them to say. It also seems the golden rule of many on the site is — Say nothing bad about NASCAR, lest you will lose your job — But, then again, they also only seem to employ wet-behind-the-ears-rookie-writers who know little to nothing about the sport of racing in first place.
Now, as I sit watching the race from Bristol tonight the 31 car driven by Jeff Burton does not look like this…
For years it was known as the Winston Cup and not once did Winston complain if some other tobacco company decided to sponsor a car. After all, I’m sure Winston knew if they kept sponsors out, car owners would drop cars for the simple fact that it takes money to race cars.
A couple years ago Winston left as the main sponsor for NASCAR and a huge deal was signed by Nextel to be the main sponsor of the elite racing series. But, there was one major difference. Apparently Nextel is afraid of competition and they also, along with NASCAR, don’t believe in a free society where anyone can put up money and sponsor a car. In the beginning Nextel said something to the effect of we’re the main sponsor, so no other phone company can be involved in the sport. For whatever reason, NASCAR went along with it! Of course it’s probably because of the huge dollar figure Nextel is ponying up to NASCAR to sponsor the series.
But, now Jeff Burton is going around the track without any sponsorship on his car because NASCAR won a court case saying Richard Childress racing had to take the AT and T logo off the 31 car. I think having Burton go around the track in the brilliant Cingular orange color, is a bigger slap in the face for NASCAR than anything else. It’s Childress’ way of saying Cingular is the new AT and T and look at us! We’re bright orange for all to see!
Personally, my phone happens to be a Cingular now AT and T phone. But, as I said above, if I were a Nextel phone subscriber, I’d be canceling my account and burning rubber with a Cingular now AT and T phone just to show my disgust for the monopoly NASCAR is allowing to take place in racing.
Notice the burning rubber as I leave the pits. Leaving the Nextel competition in the smoke, as I reach for my new Cingular the new AT and T phone.
Just my two cents,
Dr. Rus
P.S. Pictures taken at Watkins Glen by me during this years race at The Glen!
