Automakers say they are still committed to NASCAR
Headlines in the automotive industry don't paint a pretty picture these days.
Detroit's Big Three — General Motors, Ford Motor and Chrysler — have cut more than 100,000 jobs since 2006 to offset billions in losses and their steadily declining market share due to rising gas prices and an overall down economy. A Merrill Lynch analyst issued a report last month saying "bankruptcy is not impossible" for GM if the overall market continues to deteriorate.
And Toyota recently reported a 38.9 percent drop in operating profit.
But amongst the gloom and doom the manufacturers remain committed to NASCAR, which showcases the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series this weekend in the hub of the automotive world at Michigan International Speedway.
While the days of win on Sunday and sell on Monday, no longer exist, top executives at Ford, General Motors, Toyota and Dodge still believe racing is vital to its marketing.
They still believe it's as important to beat each other on the track as it is in the showroom.
"It's win on Sunday, please consider us when you're in the market for a car six months from now," said Kevin Kennedy, Ford Racing Technology's communications manager.
In many ways the manufacturers play a bigger role in the sport than ever. They no longer simply supply parts and pieces as they did 20 years ago. They are more actively involved in engineering and innovation. ESPN.com