Dale Earnhardt Jr. names the only team ‘inching close to’ making Jeff Gordon’s NASCAR star-power vision a reality

Dale Earnhardt Jr. doubts Jeff Gordon's vision's feasibility due to driver-centric nature of the sport.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. names the only team ‘inching close to’ making Jeff Gordon’s NASCAR star-power vision a reality

Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Left) and Jeff Gordon (Right) [Credits: IMAGO]

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has voiced his thoughts on Jeff Gordon‘s ambitious plan to cultivate robust team brands within the sport, marking a significant shift from the prevailing driver-centric focus. The dialogue surrounding this transformative vision has rippled through the racing community, sparking introspection and debate on NASCAR’s future trajectory.

Gordon, former NASCAR driver and current vice-chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, has recently articulated a compelling vision for strengthening the connection between teams and fans by building strong brands within the sport. Gordon’s insights reflect the necessity for teams and drivers to adapt to shifting dynamics within NASCAR, emphasizing the significance of enhancing marketability for the sport’s sustained vitality.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr., in his podcast, The Dale Jr Download, reflected on Gordon’s proposition, acknowledging the distinction between building up drivers and building up teams. Junior acknowledged that Gordon stressed the enduring prominence of drivers as the central figures in the sport. However, he expressed doubts about the feasibility of this assertion and also claimed that Trckhouse Racing is the only team building a brand around the team.

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If it's truly possible, the only team that's inching that way, or getting close to creating that reality, is Trackhouse [Racing].

Mike Davis countered, noting team loyalty’s presence, challenging driver loyalty’s shift. In response, Junior said:

I don't think Jeff's wrong. I just don't know how you do it.

Jeff Gordon argued that the fan-team connection is weaker than the fan-driver connection

Gordon, a former NASCAR luminary with an immense fan base during his racing career, underscored the pivotal role of star power in attracting fans. He remarked on how the departure of prominent drivers like himself, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Jimmie Johnson has left an undeniable impact on NASCAR. Gordon stated:

Because the fans seem to not have a connection to the team as strongly as they did to the driver.
Jeff Gordan and Kyle Larson
Jeff Gordan and Kyle Larson (Credits: Autoweek)

The core of Gordon’s argument centers on the imperative need for NASCAR to adopt a more holistic approach. It’s not just about promoting individual drivers but about nurturing and elevating the brand of the teams themselves. This undertaking requires concerted efforts from teams, drivers, sponsors, and a comprehensive strategy to promote the sport.

The decline in star power within NASCAR, as evidenced by numerous renowned drivers leaving the sport within a relatively short span, underscores the urgency of this transformative shift. Gordon’s insights are highly pertinent in a period where the NASCAR landscape is evolving. They emphasize the significance of innovation and adaptability in keeping fans engaged and deeply invested in the sport.

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