| A Little Light Reading | | Date Created: Jan 28, 2008, 12:21 PM |
In a follow-up of sorts to my rant about growth and diversity (see the blog entry below), I came across some interesting reading this week.
From Portfolio.com (a Conde Nast site. CN owns many influential magazines such as Vogue, Wired, GQ, Glamour and Vanity Fair), comes the analysis called "NASCAR's Race Problem." I like Marc Davis a lot and I hope he continues his progress. The article points outs how anemic NASCAR's efforts have been (a weak PR plan with no real financial investment) and correctly credits Joe Gibbs Racing's commitment (and - more importantly - capital investment) to further the diversity effort.
Another interesting read involves what is called "the Tiger Woods Effect." While NASCAR is much more a team sport, I still think there may be some parallels between the haves and the have-nots among the Cup teams as are examined in the golf-specific article. There are many reasons the have-nots will remain the have-nots, but could the dominance of teams like Hendrick (which will likely be even more pronounced this season with the addition of the kid in the #88 car) have a similar impact on the competition? Read "The Tiger Woods Effect" from Slate.com.
Speaking of the #88 team, I laugh whenever I read or hear speculation of the immense pressure Junior is under this year. Don't believe it: he suddenly can go out and race with an owner that is supportive professionally and personally as well as not having the hopes and expectations of an entire company on his shoulders. I've said it before and I'll probably say it again, this move will be as valuable to Dale Jr. on a human level as it is an opportunity to drive the finest equipment. Any true competitor thrives on this: the chance to show your stuff in the best possible scenario.
I recall a brief exchange between the spotter and Dale Jr. during last year's Talladega race with the CoT.
Spotter: "It looks like the Hendrick cars can go whenever they like..."
Dale Jr: (droll) "Yeah... I remember what that feels like."
He will experience that feeling again this year.
Caroline Kennedy: if only all political endorsements were this well-crafted and heart-felt. In a semi-related topic it's Republican candidate Ron Paul's head on Jimmie Johnson's body as he sponsors the Yates #28 at Daytona. Does this mean Paul will have to begin turning to the left?
The last thing I'd do as a Kansas fan is to cheer for Texas Longhorns basketball, but one can't help pull for Alexis Wangmene, who came from Cameroon to the United States for an education. Read his heart-warming story here, and about my friends the Buford family. Check out the site for Anne Buford's upcoming documentary called "Hoopland." Very inspiring.
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 I've no idea why I find this so funny, but if you've ever wanted to know everything you ever needed to know about Guidos, here is your site, "Guest of a Guest."
And, in a related and equally hilarious site, check out the snarky "HCwD." No Guido hate mail, please. |
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