Man, how can someone who was once sponsored by friggin McDonalds wind up in this situation? I too have to believe and hope that this won't be the end. I'm sure Jim will be around, even with another team, maybe not driving, etc. He's a great guy and we need people like him on the tour.

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On my arm until the day I die, but in my heart forever

Part of the problem is NHRA gets the money from Sponsors to cover thier costs and makes it hard for teams to tap the same money stream. If I am paying for a piece of the show why do I want to pay for a single player.

The question is how come a company like WAl-Mart doesn't do more in auto racing. They have killed many companies that were racer friendly. Race cars don't run on fuel, they run on dollars.

Jim's a good guy and "SHOULD" be able to get something going. He is a 2 time champ. But he is not 18 or female and thats what NASCAR has done to all racing. If you are 24 and not on a top teams program you are to old.

Wasn't Jim's McDonalds sponsorship when he ran under Larry Minor's banner? I seem to remember Minor's Mickey D's deal originated through his potatoe farm and it's relationship selling product to McDonalds.

I agree that the loss of Jim would be significant. My wife and I were guests of his (and Jerry Bickel) at a Topeka race back when Jim had the big #1 on his window. That was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. He qualified #1, had a #1 on his window, and then won the event! My favorite pic is the 8x10 with his team and car in the winners circle. Watching Maskin tune the Big Chief, and Jerry tune the chassis was like watching an all-star team prepare for battle. This Mopar man was more than happy to wear a Pontiac shirt all weekend long!

Jim and Toni, as well as Jerry Bickel, were great hosts. First class people for sure.

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Mopar to ya'!
Johnny Mopar

I seem to recall that Larry Minor originally had a deal with McDonalds for single TF car, but it expanded to three cars (TF/FC/PS) when Joe Gibbs got into NHRA ownership. I believe this is when Yates ran under the Gibbs and McDonald banners with Cruz (FC) and Cory Mac (TF).

Wal Mart makes so much money they could sponsor every team, but there so widely known that they dont have to advertise. Everyone knows who they are.

Jim is a good guy and I hope he finds some $$$ to keep racing. But you are correct about the 18 and female deal partly. I am amazed that Hillary hasnt gotten a sponsor yet. Enders not having one sorta surprises me as well but not as much as Hillary.

Why would any company that does not need to spend money on advertising do so on a sport that nobody watches? If NHRA didn't pay ESPN to show the races, there would be no sponsorships at all most likely.

And there lies a major problem. Of coarse, it could be worse. Just check out IHRA'S t.v. times .

Funny thing this past weekend at the IHRA race in Rockingham... i ran into a couple old PR buddies... from my Cup and Busch days.... they currently rep some of the big sponsors in the NHRA... i asked them what they were doing here.. and i qoute..." We looking at options where the company is wanted and welcome.... not just their check books"...

i got a feeling some interesting things are about to happen...

Billy

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as would mr. schumacher and mr. force in their respective classes.

also hope that jim yates can find a way to stay out there.

Hey Billy, were these guys there for that amazing daytime qualifying round Saturday? If they were, they probably ran to their cars. The Fuel cars were pitiful. Six funny cars, and none made it through under power. Eight diggers, and, if I recall correctly,only Cannon went down at a blistering 4.90 et. Quite a show.

Even more reason to thank the Multi-millionaires in this sport like Evan Knoll, Connie Kalitta, Don Schumacher, Forrest Lucas, Ken Black and others who spend Unbelievable amounts of $$$ on this sport!

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Shift for Brains!!!!

There's Evan Knoll, Forest Lucas and then everyone else...

Those 2 are in a class all their own when it comes to support of drag racing. <--note the period!

It seems to me that Winston was a great sponsor of the sport. Not only the series sponsor but even sponsoring Scelzi and Bazemore at one point. Come on Powerade/Coca Cola, cough up some more dough.

More than Drag Racing pay to be on TV and my point about Wal-Mart and others is they have crushed more companies than I care to count that were more racing friendly. Now we have all the big and little dogs drinking from a much smaller water bowl becuase of companies like Wal-Mart. It is all about supply and demand. Nascar is starting to lose its following. If you look more and more teams are having problems with $$$'s and head count at some races are down. The aveage family of 4 can't afford tickets, travel and food for a weekend. The demo's on NASCAR is the aveage fan will spend $245.00 on race day. That number is a little old but it includes the ticket, parking, food & drinks and the all important t-shirt or other item. Throw 2.90 a gallon for gas and a family of 4 is spending $1000.00 dollars for a NASCAR race. That "Tony Stewart" says is rigged with all the late yellows for junk on the track.
So with all this said. What to do. SUPPORT the poeple that support your sport and help others see that they can get a good deal for there money here.
Just my 2 1/2 cents

Actualy they were there for 4 days... And there is lot alot more to it that blistering times to them and the companies they represented... they watched the fans... the IHRA's officials.. and the way the two intertwined....

like i said stay tuned.. it could get interesting....

Billy

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