More Imports Coming?

Usually when NASCAR heads out to Michigan the buzz before the race is about which of Detroit's Big Three is going to earn bragging rights by grabbing the big win at the home track.

Of course this year the talk was about the depressing state of the American auto manufacturers, precipitated by GM's recent announcement that it was scaling back financial and technical support for the Nationwide and Truck Series. Brian France, CEO and chairman of NASCAR, was quick to assure the media that NASCAR was open to having more foreign manufacturers in the sport. And anyone who knows NASCAR knows that comments like that mean that something is probably already in the works.

A large portion of NASCAR fans groaned several years back when it was announced that Toyota would be coming aboard. Today, NASCAR is finding it harder to connect with those older fans, a problem evidenced by decreasing attendance and waning interest. They have to believe that reconnecting with those older fans is important for moving the sport back in the right direction. But how will those fans react if Ford and Chevrolet become also-rans while foreign nameplates dominate the fields?

Of the potential participants, Honda seems the most likely to join the fray. They have a well-developed racing program and already supply V8 engines for Indy Racing League teams (and not just some -- all of them). One possibility worth laughing over is Hyundai. Hyundai in NASCAR... that would go over real well, especially with the old-school folk.

Another badge given serious consideration has been BMW. Now certainly BMW has, like Honda, an established international racing program. But there would just be something odd about a European luxury sedan racing in NASCAR. Kind of a mix between yuppie and redneck. Think about it -- BMW's on the high banks of Darlington, SC? Ehhh... I don't think this is a step in the right direction.

I think NASCAR shot itself in the foot with its whole "common template" philosophy that culminated with the infamous "Car of Tomorrow". Scratching their heads, wondering where they fit in with the new NASCAR, The Big Three in Detroit were left with nothing more than providing push-rod engines and headlight decals for the front bumper.

So... who's excited about BMW?