The NASCAR on NBC analyst known as "The Mayor" runs down some hot topics for the new season: Is the Brett Moffitt-Johnny Sauter situation a new trend for NASCAR? (2:00) ; Other examples of drivers “bringing” sponsorship that aren’t talked about as much (4:00); “To a hammer, everything looks like a nail” (6:00); Why the optics still aren’t great if Johnny Sauter is left without a ride (7:00); Car owners making tough decisions that always get made (8:30); The balance of selling drivers vs. programs that take money (10:00); Should NASCAR be based solely on merit? (12:00); The necessity of families always helping younger drivers at the outset (14:00); Returning to the constants of drivers and sponsorships (16:30); Young driver marketing and why Jeff believes NASCAR tried to force the creation of heroes and stars? (18:30); The transitional period of fans latching onto new favorites (21:30); The importance of needing teams and drivers to root against (23:00); The significance of Chase Elliott’s breakthrough at Watkins Glen (24:15); The backstory of Harrison Burton’s new social media initiative (26:30); What bugs Jeff about “there are no personalities in NASCAR” (29:00); Why the “relatability” argument against younger drivers might be misguided (31:00).
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