Race Weekend Central

BSNews: NASCAR Explains Empty Seats at Kansas

(Dateline Kansas City) – NASCAR officials insisted today that despite what viewers may have thought they saw, all of the seats for Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400 (Oct. 9) were in fact full.

“It’s a similar situation to what we saw in California a few years ago,” said NASCAR CEO and Exalted Ruler, Brian France, referring to the award winning and Oprah-endorsed shopping and eateries under the stands at the race track in Fontana.

“Obviously, we realize that sitting still for the duration of one of our shows is a lot to ask and that is one reason why we had decided to open the new casino a little early. Most of those fans who paid for those seats were having the time of their lives in the gaming area.”

The new casino, which is a joint venture between NASCAR’s conjoined twin, ISC and Penn National Gaming, will feature a 100,000 square-foot gaming floor that will house 61 table games, 25 poker tables and nearly 2,300 slot machines, all of which will be themed around Brian France himself.

Using the statistical research by the same firm that help launch the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the addition of the Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway is estimated to bring nearly 440,000 tourists per year to the facility and create over 1,000 full-time positions; elevating the facility to a year-round tourist destination.

“Not only are we doing everything we can to put Kansas City on the map, we feel the casino will help introduce the exciting world of NASCAR to a whole new, virtually untapped demographic, what we like to call the ‘geriatric fan’,” said France. “If I’m not mistaken, we’ve taken great pains to juggle our yearly schedule to make sure that our race weekends here coincide with the Social Security Administration’s monthly checks to this specific demographic.”

BSNews has learned that each casino chip will have a likeness of NASCAR’s greatest hero, Brian France himself … wait a minute folks … I’m receiving an update through my earpiece … what’s that? This broadcast is to be aired on Friday … before the race?

Oh … er … well, remember folks, you heard it here FIRST on BSNews!

And now, from our ‘Do they REALLY believe what they say’ department. This week’s topic; Goodyear’s contract extension with NASCAR through 2017.

“This extension is the continuation of a relationship between experts,” said Pierre Jambon, vice president of Goodyear’s off-highway business. “NASCAR is clearly the expert in stock car racing and it has chosen Goodyear because of our expertise in delivering outstanding performance. Our tire performance on the track validates our brand, inspires confidence for drivers and helps create exciting racing for fans. We are proud to continue to be an integral part of NASCAR.”

Chad Knaus, crew chief, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy: “I think the level of commitment from Goodyear over the years is incomparable among all levels of auto sports. Goodyear is always here, talking to the competitors, making sure their product performs how we need it to. Goodyear continually tries to evolve to keep up with the sport and puts its resources back in, and that is greatly appreciated.”

“Our longtime relationship with Goodyear is a testament to the company’s consistent high-quality tire it supplies the race teams,” said Jim O’Connell, NASCAR’s chief sales officer. “Not only are they experts in tire performance, but they are also a brand that understands how to effectively engage and connect with our fans through creative activation.”

Brian France: “Oh yeah, I remember now! Goodyear … they are the people who make those big black round things. Yeah that’s cool! Make sure the check clears before you make an announcement.”

BSNews; You’re first thought is our first name!

Stay off the wall

Stu Padasso (filling in for Jeff Meyer)

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The Frontstretch Staff is made up of a group of talented men and women spread out all over the United States and Canada. Residing in 15 states throughout the country, plus Ontario, and widely ranging in age, the staff showcases a wide variety of diverse opinions that will keep you coming back for more week in and week out.

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