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Chairman France: 'NASCAR Is Not For Sale'

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 19, 2007

HOMESTEAD - NASCAR chairman Brian France addressed reporters before Sunday's race, adamantly denying an Internet rumor that the family may be interested in selling NASCAR and/or International Speedway Corp. - or he may step down as chairman.

"The beauty of the Internet is that there is a lot of information floating around; the negative is there are also a lot of false reports," France said. "I am committed to my job for the unforeseeable future. The family has no plans to sell NASCAR or ISC. Let's put that to bed. We're committed to the long run. ...

"NASCAR is not for sale."

France also confirmed that NASCAR is considering changes to the Cup Series qualifying format, which currently guarantees starting positions to the top 35 teams.

"Qualifying in general will get a good review from us," France said. "We're going to see if we can make it more exciting, more relevant for the weekend."

More change may be in store for the 2009 Nationwide Series (formerly called Busch Series) as well, including the possibility of its own all-star race.

"We want to distinguish that series for what it is, incredible competition," France said. "We'll look at everything from the format of the events to does it need an all-star race to a better way to leverage the manufacturers - a lot of things that can enhance that series."

GOODBYE: Sunday's race finished the season but started an offseason full of transition.

In addition to Dale Earnhardt's high-profile move from his family team to the champion Hendrick organization, Sunday's start was the last race for veteran driver Ricky Rudd (906 starts) and the last for legendary team owner Robert Yates. Both are retiring.

Former champ Dale Jarrett made his last start as a full-time driver. He will run a limited schedule in 2008. It was also the final time champion organization Joe Gibbs Racing fielded Chevrolets. JGR will move to Toyotas in 2008.

FOUR-PEAT: Greg Biffle fell short of a fourth consecutive win at the track, but his Roush Fenway Racing team kept the win streak alive with his teammate Matt Kenseth's win. Biffle, who was trying to become the third driver in the past 20 years to win four straight at a speedway, was 13th.

ANGER CONTROL: Neither NASCAR nor Kasey Kahne would comment on an investigation by the Homestead Police Department that Kahne shoved a track security officer to the ground Friday night.

According to a team spokesman, Kahne was trying to enter the drivers' motor home lot following a Busch practice when a security guard stopped him and asked for a credential.

Kahne was still dressed in his driver's suit and didn't have any ID. According to reports, the guard put his hand out to stop Kahne and the driver just kept going. The guard reportedly fell down and was later taken to the medical center complaining that he had high blood pressure. Kahne was detained and handcuffed briefly.

Kahne and his team owner, Ray Evernham, described the incident as a "misunderstanding." No charges had been filed as of Sunday night.

ODDS AND ENDS: David Reutimann of Zephyrhills finished 25{+t}{+h} - his best finish since a 17{+t}{+h} place at Martinsville on Oct. 21. ... Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani attended the race. "It's my third race this year; now I'm starting to feel like a real fan," Giuliani said addressing the prerace drivers meeting. ... Five of the top 12 points positions changed by virtue of the race. Matt Kenseth (fourth) and Kurt Busch (seventh) each improved three places. Kevin Harvick lost the most ground, falling from seventh to 10{+t}{+h}. Only the top 10 drivers are honored at the Awards Banquet on Nov. 30.

Holly Cain

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