SBJ Unpacks: NASCAR considering rewarding drivers for more promotional work

Tonight in Unpacks: NASCAR may not employ its drivers, but it recognizes that it needs them to better promote the sport. Sources tell SBJ’s Adam Stern that the sanctioning body is in discussions to give drivers a good reason to do more media appearances and in-person events -- more money. You’re reading the Lite version of SBJ Unpacks. Subscribe to SBJ All Access for the full version of this newsletter, plus daily email alerts, executive transactions, virtual SBJ Event access and dozens of other subscriber-only benefits. Here are the stories you’re missing in tonight’s full newsletter: Other headlines: Dodgers launch venture to bring more events to Dodger Stadium San Diego State's J.D. Wicker: Vision of success The state of new college ADs by the numbers Overtime ready to debut boxing series, working with BreakAway Data for hoops Op-ed: How sports betting is shaping up in North Carolina Prime energy drink sees big exposure at Spence-Crawford fight Bluestone Equity Partners invests in PMY Group In this morning's Buzzcast, SBJ’s Abe Madkour wraps up July with thoughts on: A big crowd for El Clásico puts Arlington, Texas, in a good light Steve Cohen shifts his strategy with the Mets after building up record payroll The crowds come out in Baltimore for Yankees-Orioles series Commanders fans show love for new ownership with big practice crowds Buffalo fans continue getting behind the Bills, and Kim Pegula returns to practice Large crowds for Lions training camp, with fan support big for coach Dan Campbell LIV Golf holds "upfront" looking to get brands interested in the circuit Warriors, Raptors, Cavs among NBA team business award winners Sources: NASCAR may invest millions into driver incentive program NASCAR is in discussions about investing millions of dollars into a new driver incentive program that would start in 2025 and reward the sport’s leading spokespeople for promoting it more, sources tell SBJ's Adam Stern. Drivers are not NASCAR employees because -- unlike franchised stick and ball leagues -- NASCAR teams do not own the league. But this program is a recognition by NASCAR, privately owned by the France family, that the sport needs to be marketed better and that its most prominent and influential spokespeople should be at the forefront of that effort. Enjoying This Newsletter?  SBJ offers several must-read newsletters covering Betting, College Sports, Esports, Football, Marketing and Media. To stay in the know, read SBJ's newsletters.   Something in Sports Catch Your Eye? Tell Me About It Manage Your SBJ Preferences Go To Account Be Where the Sports Industry is Every Day No longer wish to receive this email? Manage Your Account. This email was sent by: Sports Business Journal/Sports Business Daily 120 W. Morehead St., Charlotte, NC, 28202, USA

🏎️ Hamlin-Larson Incident Brings Discussion

Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson's Pocono finish has been a hot topic among Cup drivers.

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RICHMOND, Va. — Denny Hamlin restarting on the outside of the front row with three laps remaining Sunday at Richmond Raceway had people wondering. How rough would he race people? How rough would he be raced? It turned out he got a bad restart and Chris Buescher cruised to the victory. Hamlin's move a week earlier to win at Pocono Raceway where he pretty much forced Kyle Larson into the wall once again brought to the limelight of fair vs. foul, especially when going for the win. "Nobody cares what's fair in this sport anymore," said former Cup champion Brad Keselowski. "It doesn't matter. What matters is what the rules are. The rules are it's legal. "And that's what we race to, right? ... In the end, he won the race, he got the trophy, and two or three weeks from now, nobody will remember." Larson probably will remember. He admitted that the sting of losing at Pocono lingered with him more than previous incidents. "I didn't have an option — I did lift, and I still hit the wall," Larson said. "That's what made me the most upset." For the rest of the story, click here. Thinking Out Loud The NASCAR Hall of Fame vote is set for Wednesday, and there is a lot of chatter about whether seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson will be a unanimous choice. He likely won't and here's the reason — there are people who likely believe he shouldn't be on the ballot. A driver is eligible in the third year after retiring. Johnson "retired" from Cup racing after the 2020 season but has returned this year to run select races. Count me among those who think that his racing this year should impact his eligibility. I'm a voter Wednesday, but I'll take the view that because the nominating committee decided he was eligible and put him on the ballot, I vote based on the ballot and not whether he should be eligible. But it is quite likely that reasoning will keep someone from voting for him. There are no guidelines for voters so while I'd disagree with that philosophy, I could see it being a reason not to vote for Johnson. In the end, does it really matter if he's unanimous? No. He'll be enshrined with the 2024 class. But it will certainly create a little bit of controversy and a little bit of stir. Social Spotlight They Said It "We moved from irrelevant to relevant. The next step is to try to be contenders. You get to the contender status by winning races." — Brad Keselowski on RFK Racing after Chris Buescher's Richmond win For the latest news and updates, click here. Follow NASCAR on FOX Download FOX Sports App: Also available on these devices: Trademark & Copyright Notice: ™ and © 2023 Fox Media LLC and FOX Sports Interactive Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Do you have a question? Click here to visit our Help Center. Please do not reply to this message. If you do not wish to receive emails like this in the future, please unsubscribe. FOX Sports respects your privacy. Click here to view our Privacy Policy. Fox.com Business & Legal Affairs - Manager Digital Media P.O. Box 900 Beverly Hills, California 90213-0900