It’s been interesting to watch and listen to the feedback from drivers (at every level and series) and the main NASCAR beat writers response to Danica Mania hitting NASCAR. Some has been favorable, some has been diplomatic, some has been simple jealousy.

Some of the comments what I would classify under the “jealousy” category are just plain ignorant though – from drivers and media alike:

-Take for example the “writer” who says he feels so bad about Nationwide races being treated as tests (ie taking a shot at Danica), and that it should be used for drivers to hone their craft on the way up the ladder to Cup vs. a training session (ie shot at Danica). What he fails to realize is the economics of racing today. You have teams like JR Motorsports with backing from the most popular driver (is it 10 years running now) that cannot secure full season sponsorship for the 88 team; teams like the #18 JGR NNS ride that sponsors want Kyle Busch in the seat in order to spend their money. More and more teams are running multiple sponsorship programs, and limited schedules because that is the present day racing economics.

It’s pretty obvious that sponsors today are only willing to give their money up on “known” drivers (ie Cup drivers). Without the Cup drivers coming down and without drivers like Danica that can bring their own sponsorship – there would be NO Nationwide series. Nationwide wouldn’t sponsor it (or cut the spend & activation significantly), TV wouldn’t cover it, races wouldn’t be held at top venues, the economics wouldn’t allow it – its all a trickle down effect.

Going one step further in relation to that same “writer” – he was let go from NASCAR Scene recently in one of their round of layoffs. What’s interesting about that? Well when you consider the media storm coverage Danica’s gotten – maybe if she was in NASCAR last year that round of layoffs would have never occured. It’s a proven fact TV ratings are up (ARCA up 87% – NNS Daytona most viewed series race ever on cable, and overall coverage of NASCAR is up because of Danica this season. Something to think about…

-The driver comments about too much coverage of Danica show they just plain don’t get it either. That coverage is bringing eyeballs to your sport. Eyeballs from media, fans, and potential sponsors that may have never looked at Nationwide before. With TV ratings and media coverage up sponsors may take another look at the benefits of sponsorship in the Nationwide Series. DW made a very intelligent comment last week on the air – that everyone should see the coverage of Danica as a huge bonus – because of the eyeballs it brings to the sport overall, and that is so true. Instead of sitting at home crying on Twitter about how much coverage Danica is getting – maybe these drivers should be reworking their sponsorship pitches based on the increased coverage she’s bringing to the Series. But then again – nah that would be asking a lot of a driver and team looking for a big break wouldn’t it.

-Finally to the drivers who have expressed the “she can’t drive” direct and in-direct shots. If you really believe that then that means over in the Open Wheel series there are only 4 drivers that can drive – since Danica finished 5th during the 2009 season. And since you say Danica can’t drive – it must be a pretty easy transition to go run open wheel for you, so hey here’s your big opportunity to prove how much YOU can “drive”. So get your sponsor and go run upfront every race on TV in Indycar. In fact give us a call, we look forward to doing your website now that you’ll be a top-5 drive.