The 2020 NASCAR All-Star Race was bizarre. Outside of the fact that it was in 2020, the race also featured some new twists. It adopted the choose rule from local dirt tracks, where drivers pick which lane they start in on restarts. Additionally, the pre-qualified drivers had manufacturer specific colored underglow on the rear of the car. But alas, the most controversial change of them all, was the number placement on the side of the cars.
A few weeks prior to the 2020 edition of the All-Star Race, it was announced that one of the “experiments” performed during the race would be shifting the number on the side panels back to just ahead of the rear wheel well. This immediately sparked controversy amongst fans. Many were relieved to find out that this was a one-and-done deal. However, some fans, myself included, liked the number placement.
After the All-Star Race, talk of the number movement subsided and became an afterthought. Until it didn’t. On Jan. 11th, Sports Business Journal reported that NASCAR was looking into permanently moving the number back, which would make it the second thing that stuck after this past All-Star Race (choose rule being the other). This sparked some outrage amid fans. I, however, actually think that this is a good move for NASCAR.
Allow me to elaborate here. A few years ago, screenshots from a NASCAR Fan Council survey emerged showing different spots for the numbers. Some options included: the rear quarter panel, a very small number on the rear window, and a small number in front of the rear wheel well, among others. One of the other options was the design we saw during the All-Star Race. So this number placement debate has been going on for a little bit.
Now here’s why I think this move would be good for NASCAR. The number won’t move terribly far; only a few feet back. Also, the number will stay just about the same size. My final point is the biggest one. Sponsor space. The moving of the number opens up sponsor space on the side panel of the car. This could attract more sponsors into the sport by opening up more advertising space. Now, sponsors could place a large advertisement on the side of a moving billboard. Other sponsors affiliated with the team now have space to be prominent on a car when they aren’t the primary sponsor. With lots of options for sponsors, I think this could end up being a very worthy investment for teams, sponsors, and the sport as a whole.
Agree? Disagree? Let me know on twitter!
Motor Max 