race team union

[Matt Albee]

An interesting development in NASCAR, about 25 of the teams have announced that they're forming a unit to be able to have a bigger voice in the direction NASCAR is heading. They want much more of the tv money package of course, but they will also have a say in many aspects of the sport.
Biggest headache i see for the new group is that it's being run by the money guy behind Michael Waltrip Racing. Yes, the guy who backs that goofy Michael Waltrip.

[OldSchool+]

Am hoping it is to get a good deal on a bunch of seatbelts, or wheels, or whatever, much like Humpy's short track co-op deal does.

Otherwise, NASCAR has already indicated that they will strive to look out for everyone, including the shareholders, including the "little guy".

Translation: "Y'all didn't see what happened to Curtis Turner and Richard Petty on the last two rounds...?"
(they got sent to the house)

[Phil Jacques]

I find this to be a very interesting thing... And likely very good for the sport if done properly. But let's not get it twisted too much out of shape here... To call it a union as your subject title calls it seems to be inaccurate by what is being said. I have spent the better part of last night and this morning reading multiple articles trying to learn as much about this as I can. MWR co-owner Robert Kauffman did an interview with AP and said "Calling it a union would be incorrect. A union would be for employees," he added "The right way to characterize it would be a 'business alliance.' Unions are about employees directly trying to negotiate something. The RTA is pooling together to look at things we can be doing better. No one is looking to start a fight or be controversial."

This is the piece of the last article I ready that seems to clarify it best to me... "By working together and speaking with a single voice, it should be a simpler and smoother process to work with current and potential groups involved with the sport. Whether it be looking for industry-wide travel partners or collaborating on technical issues – the idea is to work together to increase revenue, spend more efficiently, and deliver more value to our partners."

To me it doesn't seem to be that they are trying to get more of NASCAR's earnings. It seems like they are more interested in making what they do operate better and save them money which can increase their income. At least that is what I am getting from this... It will be very interesting to see how it continues to unfold, but I think those that can really benefit from this are Tommy Baldwin Racing, Front Row, Leavine Racing, Wood Brothers etc... All the smaller teams.

[OldSchool+]

Phil,

...say what?

The only way the little teams benefit (and that would be fine with me) is if the Big Teams want, um, the things you say they do not want--and I say they better not want (lol).

Or hep me out, did I get that wrong?

[Phil Jacques]

Phil,

...say what?

The only way the little teams benefit (and that would be fine with me) is if the Big Teams want, um, the things you say they do not want--and I say they better not want (lol).

Or hep me out, did I get that wrong?

Uhhh... You get the award for most confusing post I think

The way it seems to be explained, is that they are looking for ways to make things more efficient thus cutting costs. Something like that can greatly benefit TBR or Front Row...

[OldSchool+]

Aight.

>My understanding is the smaller teams are not (as yet, at least) part of the deal. So big purchases = discounts will not help them.

>But IF the "Alliance" (cue Star Wars Vader theme...) is foolish enough to say, demand part of the gate (an extreme example, for sure), and the Big Team participants are "banned", then the smaller teams will benefit.

And thanks for the award! Maybe this post tops it, I dunno!

[Phil Jacques]

Aight.

>My understanding is the smaller teams are not (as yet, at least) part of the deal. So big purchases = discounts will not help them.

>But IF the "Alliance" (cue Star Wars Vader theme...) is foolish enough to say, demand part of the gate (an extreme example, for sure), and the Big Team participants are "banned", then the smaller teams will benefit.

And thanks for the award! Maybe this post tops it, I dunno!

It does... You (to me) are thinking of it too much as a Union where they are going to start demanding money from NASCAR etc... Doesn't seem to be the case. Go scour google for articles on it for a bit. They are making it a point to say it's NOT a union.

No the little teams are not currently included. But they will be in time. It sounds as if the big teams are trying to lay down ground work for everything first as they have the manpower to do so.

[OldSchool+]

The following is all supposition, of course...

I would suggest that the Big Teams like having the little teams available to purchase last year's stuff--so including them in this year's stuff purchases would be counter productive.

Unless they could leverage it into an advantage for the Wood Brothers/Furniture Row-type sattelite teams--making it more attractive to form that relationship--and provide funding to the Big Teams for engine rental and etc.

[OldSchool+]

"You (to me) are thinking of it too much as a Union where they are going to start demanding money from NASCAR etc..."--PJ

"...NASCAR's mission, as it has always been, is to create a fair playing field where anyone can come and compete. Our job is to support and strengthen all of the teams, large and small, across all of our series and we'll continue to do that. NASCAR is a unique community with hundreds of stakeholders. They all have a voice and always will."--NASCAR Spokesperson

To me, that indicates a concern on NASCAR's part, and their statement is a veiled shot across the bow.

[Phil Jacques]

"You (to me) are thinking of it too much as a Union where they are going to start demanding money from NASCAR etc..."--PJ

"...NASCAR's mission, as it has always been, is to create a fair playing field where anyone can come and compete. Our job is to support and strengthen all of the teams, large and small, across all of our series and we'll continue to do that. NASCAR is a unique community with hundreds of stakeholders. They all have a voice and always will."--NASCAR Spokesperson

To me, that indicates a concern on NASCAR's part, and their statement is a veiled shot across the bow.

NASCAR has every right to be overprotective... Remember the drivers union that was formed back in 1969 by Petty, the PDA? They basically boycotted the first Dega race. Turned into a shit show. So I don't blame NASCAR for not commenting yet, especially cause they were apparently not aware of this coming. However I feel people are making a much bigger deal of this alliance than should be made. As was said in the article, they are trying to form a unified voice. Think about it for a minute... If you were Brian France, would it be simpler to have 1 voice speaking to you and suggesting things, or 43?

[Phil Jacques]

The following is all supposition, of course...

I would suggest that the Big Teams like having the little teams available to purchase last year's stuff--so including them in this year's stuff purchases would be counter productive.

Unless they could leverage it into an advantage for the Wood Brothers/Furniture Row-type sattelite teams--making it more attractive to form that relationship--and provide funding to the Big Teams for engine rental and etc.

Not 100% sure about all the little teams, but I know TBR pretty much buys/builds almost everything they use brand new.

Even with used parts though, if the big teams are able to save money on those parts with their partners etc, they are able to pass the savings down to the little guys. Whether they actually will or not would be something to be seen.

[OldSchool+]

Phil,

From a "Power"/leverage point of view--43 are easier to "manage".

Right now, any infraction, any silly call (like, I had to speed up on pit road to avoid the spinning car heading for me--and then I got a penalty), ANYTHING they do is heavy handed and the Teams have to like it --or lump it.

If I am NASCAR I am thinking that if any of the major players is offended they may ALL go home--or threaten to.

That equates to a threat to the already falling number$.

The response? Same as always! Bring it on, you need US more than we need YOU.

[Phil Jacques]

Phil,

From a "Power"/leverage point of view--43 are easier to "manage".

Right now, any infraction, any silly call (like, I had to speed up on pit road to avoid the spinning car heading for me--and then I got a penalty), ANYTHING they do is heavy handed and the Teams have to like it --or lump it.

If I am NASCAR I am thinking that if any of the major players is offended they may ALL go home--or threaten to.

That equates to a threat to the already falling number$.

The response? Same as always! Bring it on, you need US more than we need YOU.

I believe you are missing my point here... They are not referring to stuff like that. That stuff would likely still be handled individually as it always has been.

This is all referring to the business side of things and helping the sport grow.

Rob Kauffman, the co-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing, has been elected the RTA's chairman.

"With the encouragement of NASCAR and the manufacturers, the teams have met in various forms and forums over the years to explore areas of common interest," Kauffman said in a release. "This simply formalizes what was an informal group. The key word is 'collaboration'. We all have vested interests in the success and popularity of stock car racing.

"By working together and speaking with a single voice, it should be a simpler and smoother process to work with current and potential groups involved with the sport. Whether it be looking for industry-wide travel partners or collaborating on technical issues – the idea is to work together to increase revenue, spend more efficiently, and deliver more value to our partners."

This all refers directly to the business aspect of the sport. It has nothing to do with a pit road violation or stuff of that sort.

[Phil Jacques]

This isn't a UNION to form against nascar. It's a team alliance to all get on the same page and work to help nascar improve and grow the sport.

[OldSchool+]

I get your point, sir, and you have a good heart.

Hoping you are correct on all counts.

My only counterpoint would be NASCAR's response, which, to me, jumps to all of my conclusions and indicates that a concrete barrier with no soft wall awaits if they "cross the line".

Of course, I am wrong most of the time...