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October 13, 2006
Cingular Wins the NEXTEL Cup?
By Mark Young
OK it's time for the conspiracy theory people to jump in and help me out on this one. Some friends and I were doing our weekly bench racing session at the bowling alley and the topic of Jeff Burton's chances of winning the title was brought up. Everyone all agreed that he has a great chance at winning his first ever championship, but behind the scenes the folks at Sprint/NEXTEL have got to be grinding their teeth.
Just imagine all of the photos in the weeks immediately following the final race in Homestead if Burton claims the Cup. All of these NEXTEL signs, hats, and of course the trophy surrounded by that bright orange Cingular Chevrolet. Talk about counter advertising for the title sponsor!! Will the folks at NASCAR be whispering in the ear of Mike Helton and Pope Brian whenever Burton is in the lead? Will there be ill-timed cautions thrown to try and balance the field? Will they do everything they can to try to keep that Cingular team from winning the crown jewel of racing?
I for one hope that these conspiracy theories are just that, theories. The true racing fan in me hopes that the best team wins the Chase and not someone else because of their sponsor affiliations. I can guarantee you this though, if Burton and Cingular do win the Cup there will be some sort of goofy rule change to insure that as long as Sprint/NEXTEL are on the Cup another cellular sponsor won't be allowed to sponsor any other teams and that is a shame.
What do you think?
October 13, 2006 | Permalink
Comments
Mark,
That's a good conspiracy theory, but there are others:
Mark Martins last shot ever at a Cup - Will they make it easy?
Goodwrench is bowing out - One for the road?
RCR cars are looking good - Too good?
It's this last part of your blog that incites me...
"I can guarantee you this though, if Burton and Cingular do win the Cup there will be some sort of goofy rule change to insure that as long as Sprint/NEXTEL are on the Cup another cellular sponsor won't be allowed to sponsor any other teams and that is a shame." - MWY
That just yells out as a violation of free trade. If a legitimate sponsor, with a legal and socially acceptable product wants to sponsor a driver then NASCAR should have no say. As far as I know cell phone services, while confusing and annoying sometimes, fall into that catagory. NASCAR and NEXTEL better think hard on that move. If it happens, Cingular gets my patronage. LOL, it's not like I can ever find the damn cell anyway.
Posted by: Keith | Oct 13, 2006 8:27:32 AM
Those are good ones as well Keith....Goodwrench and one for the road though is unlikely if you ask me.
Posted by: Mark | Oct 13, 2006 9:00:46 AM
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