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Diversity, alternative fuels and TV ratings were some of the topics NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France discussed with members of the media at the NASCAR Research & Development Center in Concord, N.C., on Monday.
“I think 2008 promises to be a tremendous year and there are some great stories developing,” said France. “Our sport is strong and we are determined to make it stronger and maintain the intense commitment of our fan base.
“We are proud of our growth. And we will continue to grow and evolve, while always being mindful of our past.”
France touted NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program, which encourages women and minority drivers and crew members to become involved in NASCAR.
He also said NASCAR is working on developing alternative fuels for its stock cars to make them more environmentally friendly, The American Le Mans Series recently announced an effort to use an ethanol blend fuel in its cars.
TV ratings for NASCAR races have been down in the past couple of years. But France pointed out that NASCAR is regularly the No. 2 most watched sport on television, behind only the NFL. France said TV ratings are still strong for NASCAR and that the sport is working on making those numbers grow.
There were no major announcements, unlike in recent years when NASCAR announced the implementation of the Chase, the 10-race playoff to determine the Cup champion.
Other announcements made by France included: money collected from fines will go to the NASCAR Foundation rather than the season-ending points fund and a slight change in qualifying procedures.