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Go For The Gold

8/31/2009

With the complete understanding that NASCAR already is steering through and around plenty of short-term challenges - the economy and CoT quickly come to mind - there's a longer-term, bigger picture task I'd like Brian France and Co. to take on.

I'd like them to go for the gold.

Lead the drive to get motorsports into the 2020 Olympics.

In the last century, the NBA cleared the path for professionals to play in the Summer Games. That gave birth to the "Dream Team" and a slam-dunk worldwide marketing winner for the Association and basketball in general.

Last month, the executive board of the International Olympic Committee voted to recommend golf be included in the 2016 competition. The full IOC is expected to formally approve that proposal later this year. Tiger Woods didn't need a Gatorade boost to exclaim: Count me in!

Golf in the Games didn't drop out of the sky like a John Daly tee shot. PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem realized the benefits. He appointed his top lieutenant, Ty Votaw, to spearhead the effort. Votaw outreached to other key organizations, like the U.S. Golf Association and Royal & Ancient Golf Club, to gain political muscle. They made it happen like Woods does on par 5s. In fact, Tiger spoke on the video presentation to the Lords of the Games.

Now, I'm not saying the IOC should race to embrace Sprint Cup-style stock cars on a Talladega clone in whatever country is playing host. (It could be America, if Chicago's 2016 bid fails.) I think there's a better chance Danica Patrick will win a NASCAR championship next year than the global sports governing bodies OKing that formula. Realistically, Olympic motorsports would be rallying. Or, maybe, touring cars on a medium-distance road course.

That doesn't mean NASCAR shouldn't be interested. It would still be a golden opportunity to showcase its stars on sport's grandest stage. Let's see: In 2020, that could be Joey Logano carrying the flag.

In theory, ACCUS - America's official voice in international racing - should be the group to take charge. Let's be honest, though: The political and economic horsepower in U.S. motorsports is NASCAR. It's Daytona Beach, therefore, that needs to take the leadership position and work with the ACO (which runs Le Mans) and the FIA and others to advance the agenda.

Yes, the roadblocks would be numerous. Where would the cars and crews come from? I say let automakers negotiate with each country to supply and support the vehicles. Ford and GM could submit proposals for Team USA. Mercedes, BMW and Porsche for Germany. Honda and Toyota for Japan. Hyundai for South Korea. Jaguar for the U.K. Countries without an auto industry would be able to seek a deal with any manufacturer, or even piece together their own, unique, one-offs.

If the power-brokers are truly interested in positioning racing as environmentally friendly, what better platform than the Olympics?

It surely would be more impressive than planting trees.

I am sure of this: If motorsports is ever to have a shot at Olympic glory, NASCAR will have to take the lead.

[ Next column: September 14 ]

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(I.N. Sider is the pen name for an independent motorsports business-person who has a quarter-century of professional experience working in almost every major North American racing series. The writer is not an employee of Valvoline or Ashland Inc. The column is intended to inform, entertain, and stimulate thought on the contemporary motorsports scene. The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of Valvoline or Ashland Inc.)

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