It has been made public that Dale Earnhardt Jr. has purchased a majority of the stock in Caraway Speedway. The news was first noted on Twitter, when a fan expressed his approval to see the legendary driver venture into NASCAR owning. Later that day NASCAR confirmed the news, and while some people may see it as a positive development, it’s still up in the air whether or not this is a good thing for the sport.
Why Is It Good?
Dale Jr.’s investment in Caraway Speedway is likely a good move for a number of reasons. First, he has a deep-rooted love for the sport, and he has been a part of it for his whole life. Second, he has a good eye for business, having won the Daytona 500 three times and becoming one of NASCAR‘s biggest stars. Finally, he is one of the most well-known and-liked drivers in the sport, and having a stake in a NASCAR team gives his name more credibility. In today’s world of social media, it’s easy for people to believe what they hear rather than what they see. Having a face behind the team gives this venture more credibility.
What Does It Mean For The Sport?
When a celebrity buys into a club or franchise, it often means that the investment will draw more attention to that area. If Dale Jr. invests in a new football team, then it will draw attention to Caraway Speedway. People will want to know more about the man behind the team and what he is up to.
On the other hand, when a fan invests in a sports team, it is often an expression of support. Having an owner as famous as Dale Earnhardt Jr. lends credibility to anything that he is involved in, and it is likely that many NASCAR fans will see this as a positive step forward for the sport. It’s an investment in a sense, but it is also an investment in fan support.
More Than Meets The Eye
Even though Dale Jr. has purchased a majority of the stock in Caraway Speedway, it does not mean that he owns the entire team. There are still large chunks of stock that are up for grabs, and the ownership of the team remains with co-owner Rick Hendrick. Whether or not this is a good thing for the sport is yet to be seen, but at least we know that this is no ordinary NASCAR team.
For years Hendrick has had the reputation of saying one thing and doing another. Having a face behind a team may prove that even the biggest mouthpieces can be bought off, and that is indeed a positive.