Check out the latest in NASCAR products

Don't forget to review all the current NASCAR merchandise after reading this article. Come visit www.nascar-things.com.

From its modest beginnings in the Southern US, NASCAR has exploded to huge popularity across the whole united States recently. From the first races run in 1948 to the current NEXTEL Cup and Busch series, NASCAR has become arguably the leading spectator sport in The USA, sporting 75 million rabid fans.

The NASCAR brand is recognized worldwide as a leading sports property. More Fortune 500 firms utilize investment in NASCAR racing than any other spectator sport. Landor Associates was cited in December 2004 as stating "NASCAR was the #6 brand in 2004 and is forecast to be the #2 brand in 2005, in front of Google and iPod,"

Surprisingly, 40% of current race fans are female and 53% work in white-collar or skilled labor jobs. And even with this variety, the numbers continue to be impressive; annual attendance at the tracks is over 7 million and over 275 million People watch on tV.

The NASCAR formula is one that no other spectator sport uses. Weekly, the top teams (drivers) are competing straight up against each other. Unlike, for instance the NFL, where you could have to wait weeks for that huge competition, at a NASCAR race, you can follow number 1 challenging number 2 every week. It's virtually like having the Super Bowl of this sport every week.

Those who follow the circuit ascribe several reasons to its' success. Decades of tradition and a grass beginnings origin are a few of the reasons given for the sport's success. The roots of the sport in the "bootlegging" days and the modest background of numerous of it's initial aces seems to be motivating to followers in this day of the spoiled, indulged, disrespectful pro athlete.

Within the big NASCAR product market, robust sub markets pop up. NASCAR collectibles have become huge merely by themselves. A variety of products from plaques and autographed pics to diecast cars are snatched up, partly due to success, but also in hopes of gain in value for the collectables market.

Even though the NASCAR diecast market has softened of late, it is still reasonalbe in strength. As drivers change their paint schemes, it allows makers to expand the items several times over in this niche and that helps keep sales moving.

Apparel such as NASCAR jackets, NASCAR jerseys and t-shirts, etc appear to be thriving in popularity as makers release expanded items and are even including more expensive items like leather jackets and specialty items like NASCAR jewelry. The true devotee can even dress the entire family unit with fresh introductions of full NASCAR kids clothing and youth lines.

Race buffs seem to have a large desire for merchandise that shows backing for their favored driver, whether it is by wearing NASCAR apparel, grabbing NASCAR accessories for their auto or sport utility vehicle, or even decorating their house. NASCAR clocks, even NASCAR throw blankets, sheets and wall tapestries are appearing in homes everywhere.

From little local courses in the Southern US, NASCAR is very big business today. With television revenues, sponsorship money, and licensed product sales, NASCAR generates big money today. NASCAR merchandise gross sales now have moved up to top $2 billion per year and the markets continue to stay substantial. This is built on a 250% growth from 1995 to 2004.

Where will it all stop? I don't imagine we know, but when I see corporate secretaries donning NASCAR hats and white collar managers putting on NASCAR shirts with photographs of "Junior" plastered on them, I wonder if there is a limit to this arena.

Important Info

Business Software

Family Software

Free Reports