February 05, 2003

NASCAR Walmart Cup?: RJR may end its 32 year old sponsoring relationship at the end of the year. Already nixed for 2003, the "No Bull 5" program that gave out million dollar bonus payouts to qualified winning drivers and a lucky fan.

posted by machaus to other at 10:45 PM - 5 comments

*let's the NASCAR hating begin*

posted by machaus at 10:46 PM on February 05, 2003

There's no implication of WalMart in the article, machaus, but it does seem a match made in heaven, no? < tongue in cheek, broad paintbrush in hand> Other possible sponsors... The NRA, John Deere, whoever makes Moon Pies... < / tongue, paintbrush> This is kind of a big deal though, b/c that had to be a rather large chunk of RJ Reynold's advertising budget. I mean, it was known for years as the Winston Cup. If NASCAR has a tough time finding a new sponsor, it could mean trouble for the industry (not that I've ever watched a NASCAR race anyways). By the way, can anybody explain "No Bull 5"?

posted by Ufez Jones at 11:24 AM on February 06, 2003

By the way, can anybody explain "No Bull 5"? 3 or 4 races during the year are "no bull" events. The top 5 finishers in each of those races qualify for the next race. If a qualifier wins the race, they get ONE MILLION DOLLARS!, as does a randomly selected fan. You could identify the cars that had a chance to win the million by a bright orange front spoiler and number on the roof. The first winner of the million dollar bonus was Bill Elliott, back in the heyday of the Coors-Melling T-Bird era. Hence, he is known as million dollar Bill. Probably more than you wanted to know.

posted by machaus at 11:33 AM on February 06, 2003

Yeah, but thanks for the explanation anyways. I knew that Winston had been using "No Bull" for a while, I just didn't get the 5. I must share this new-found knowledge with...well, someone.

posted by Ufez Jones at 11:40 AM on February 06, 2003

Ah, but back when Elliott won the bonus in '85 (then the Winston Million), it was structured differently -- I believe you had to win Daytona, Talladega, and I think the World 600 to get the cash. Sad that I know this, I like Formula 1 much more than NASCAR.

posted by PeteyStock at 01:19 PM on February 06, 2003

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