Fan Commentary

As Crazy as It Sounds, It Does Make Sense

by Grandstand Bob

By now, most of you know that NASCAR and Britney Spears will work together to do a new movie with a racing theme. Apparently, Britney will play the role of daughter of a wealthy stockcar owner who tries to coax a former driver to return the sport.

I must “have it” pretty bad, because I will probably watch this movie – even if Britney doesn’t get naked.

No, I don’t expect it to be authentic or highly provoking, but I imagine that the movie will be fairly entertaining. Think about it. The right mix of speed, drama and sex will always be entertaining, even if the critics pan a film for a “lack of artistic merit.”

Artistic merit isn’t what made Spears a cultural phenomenon. It’s the image that she projects – sex, vibrancy and youth. As such, it’s highly unlikely that she will be listed among the greatest musicians of all time, but it is extremely likely that she’ll be listed among the highest earners. Sensationalism sells. Just ask NASCAR.

NASCAR relies on sensationalism to attract new fans, so this movie fits perfectly into that strategy. The sensationalism of the wrecks, rivalries and personalities is typically what initially attracts fans. Just ask yourself what makes the highlight shows, follow-the-leader races or wrecks and mad dashes for the finish? NASCAR works very hard to make its image as marketable as possible.

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For all its faults, Fox has a firm grasp on this concept, and NASCAR capitalizes on it. The music, graphics and clips of racing action are all specifically selected to create excitement and stir interest. It’s part of the NASCAR marketing package that has hooked most of us.

On the other hand, these tactics annoy the traditionalists, who, I’m willing to bet, won’t be in the theater to see Britney’s boobs. These are the fans who know what camber means, remember North Wilkesboro fondly and can tell you about slingshot passes at Daytona. These are NASCAR’s most loyal fans, and they are not the target market of this movie.

NASCAR is looking for new fans, while assuming that traditionalists will stay loyal. Their strategy is to create a package that appeals to new fans, who will eagerly spend money on race tickets and racing related merchandise. These new fans are also the target of many NASCAR sponsors. For these reasons, a movie meant to appeal to new and potential new fans makes sense. NASCAR really has no financial reason to be involved in a movie for traditionalists.

For the sake of argument, let’s say that wasn’t the case, and NASCAR decided to make a movie for traditionalists. What would work?

That’s what I would like to write about next week, so between now and then, please send me your recommendations for plots, actors and actresses, etc. I’ll include as many as I can in next week’s column. You can reach me at bob@arsracing.com.

Grandstand Bob Profile and Past Columns

note: This opinions expressed in this column are those of writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of ARS Racing Outlet or its parent company, amI, Inc.