Does Racing Really Sell Cars?
By Johnny McDonnald

The boastful automotive industry's advertising slogan used to be: Race on Sunday and sell on Monday.

I don't remember if statistics pointed toward a steady flow of buyers to showrooms, but at least it caught the fancy of the Madison Avenue agencies that produced these grand television commercials, newspaper and magazine propaganda.

Like passing in review of automobile history, the NASCAR racing fields were full of hot-running Hudsons, Oldsmobiles, Chryslers, Matadors, Plymouths, Buicks and Pontiacs. They all had their moments in victory circle to give their companies reason to brag.

But, those names have disappeared from the NASCAR garages. The battles remain among Fords, Chevys and Dodges. Oh yes, there will be a new entry this year from Toyota.

This particular reflection of the past was stimulated by a recent National Speed Sport News column, which posed the question whether Ford might be ready to withdraw from racing.

NSSN's Greg Zyla's asked Ford representatives since it was offering nearly 30,000 factory employees buyouts because of slumping company sales was it wise to continue financing a race program.

Company officials denied it was backing down in 2007. However, one might question the wisdom of spending money in racing when domestic sales have dropped.

With the impending sales strength of Japanese automobiles, it would indicate full attention of the American builders should focus on the non-racing consumer. Still, the younger generation is apparently more interested in trucks.

Kevin Kennedy, Ford's racing technology public affairs manager, said the company's involvement in racing is just fine. He said since Dan Davis came aboard nine years ago as director of Ford Racing, he has done extensive research as to who the fan is, what his or her buying habits are and what type of car in which the consumer is interested.

Fifty-six percent of those surveyed expressed an interest in racing, according to Kennedy. Purchase consideration was 72 percent higher for Ford products among race fans than non-fans.

Still, Ford is facing multi-million dollar losses and hopes its worker reduction will turn things around.

Kennedy claims the company is more efficient (in spending) than anyone else in the racing business.

The big Daytona 500 will open the new Nextel Cup season on Feb. 17 with a 36-race season to follow.

Former El Cajon resident Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart won titles in Chevrolets the last two years while Ford posted championships with Kurt Busch and Matt Kenseth in 2003 and 2004. The last 10 years, Chevy has five titles, Ford three and Pontiac two.

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After a year's hiatus, diesel power will return to the VW lineup. Powering the SUV concept is a 2.0 liter turbo diesel four-cylinder engine.

The "clean" diesel will be optional on the 2008 Jeta and Rabbit. It will produce 140 horsepower and an impressive 240-pound feet of torque.