NASCAR's Steve Phelps Discusses Helio, FOX, and IndyCar Ahead of Daytona 500
NASCAR's off-season is as short as a driver's fuse, with President Steve Phelps barely having time to catch his breath before planning for the next season. The festivities kick off with The Clash in February, followed by the granddaddy of them all, the Daytona 500 two weeks later. The 67th Daytona 500 is scheduled for February 16th at 1:30 PM ET, and even the President of the United States will be in attendance.
Phelps sat down with Our Website Sports Money to discuss a plethora of topics, including four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves making his Daytona 500 debut. Castroneves is driving for Trackhouse Racing's PROJECT91, a move Phelps believes adds another layer of luster to the already-sparkling Daytona 500 event.
The inclusion of "world-class drivers" like Castroneves can only be good for the sport, says Phelps, praising Trackhouse Racing's Justin Marks for pushing boundaries and bringing talent from outside the NASCAR box. With Castroneves' impressive IndyCar resume and undeniable racing abilities, Phelps is excited to see what unfolds in the world's biggest Stock Car race.
NASCAR champion and grassroots racing star Kyle Larson will attempt his second Indy 500, which Phelps believes is a tremendous opportunity for both NASCAR and IndyCar. Larson aimed to complete the 'Double' (Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600) last year but was hindered by a four-hour rain delay and rained-out remainder of the 600. Overcoming these challenges will help boost both series and draw a wider fanbase.
Phelps sees significant value in FOX's promotion of the IndyCar Series as its new television partner. Targeted commercials during the Super Bowl LIX telecast, featuring IndyCar and NASCAR stars, played a significant role in raising awareness for both series and attracting new fans. The interconnectedness of NASCAR and IndyCar, from a fan perspective, provided a unique opportunity for both series to leverage each other's popularity.
As the grid prepares for the 67 Daytona 500, Phelps emphasizes the importance of continuously growing and evolving within the ever-changing media landscape. With the upcoming 2025 television and media partnership changes, NASCAR is poised to harness the power of streaming platforms like Amazon Prime and Turner/MAX. Join us as the much-anticipated event unfolds, streaming live on FOX Sports, showcasing the unwavering loyalty of NASCAR fans and solidifying its place as the 'King of the Hill' in U.S. motorsports.
[1] NASCAR and IndyCar: The Interdependent Bond[2] Leveraging Popularity Cross-functionally[3] IndyCar Stars Shine in NASCAR Events[4] NASCAR-IndyCar Partnership: A Symbiotic Relationship
Sources: https://www.sportsmoney.com/nascar-news/nascar-indycar-partnership-gains-steam-with-2022-season/608589/ https://autoweek.com/article/nascar/nascar-daytona-500-2022-helio-castroneves-possible-contender-daytona-friday-race https://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/nascar-and-indycar-series-racing-formula-1-2022/6281841/
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The Daytona International Speedway is where the NASCAR Cup Series and IndyCar converge for the grand occasion of the 67th Daytona 500. Steve Phelps, the NASCAR president, is eager for this event, scheduled for February 16th at 1:30 PM ET. This race will see the participation of Helio Castroneves, a four-time Indianapolis 500 winner, making his Daytona 500 debut. Phelps believes this addition will further enhance the prestige of the Daytona 500.
In a discussion with Our Website Sports Money, Phelps expressed his enthusiasm about Castroneves driving for Trackhouse Racing's PROJECT91. He praised Trackhouse Racing's Justin Marks for bringing in talent from outside the NASCAR box, noting that such inclusions benefit the sport. The 67th Daytona 500 offers a significant opportunity for NASCAR champion Kyle Larson to attempt his second Indy 500, a move that Phelps believes could attract a wider fanbase.
Phelps also sees the value in FOX's promotion of the IndyCar Series as its new television partner. He believes that targeted commercials during the Super Bowl LIX telecast, featuring NASCAR and IndyCar stars, have raised awareness for both series and attracted new fans. Phelps emphasizes the importance of continuously growing and evolving within the ever-changing media landscape, with the upcoming 2025 television and media partnership changes affording NASCAR an opportunity to leverage streaming platforms like Amazon Prime and Turner/MAX.
Rarely has the NASCAR and IndyCar series enjoyed such a symbiotic relationship, but Phelps believes that this bond is not only beneficial for both sports but also for their fans. As the grid prepares for the 67th Daytona 500, NASCAR fans and enthusiasts can anticipate an event that showcases the unwavering loyalty of NASCAR fans and solidifies its place as the 'King of the Hill' in U.S. motorsports, streaming live on FOX Sports.
The inclusion of world-class drivers like Castroneves in the NASCAR Cup Series and the partnership between NASCAR and IndyCar provide an exciting interdependent bond between the two series. Leveraging the popularity of both sports cross-functionally has the potential to create new opportunities for growth and fan engagement, while IndyCar stars shining in NASCAR events further cements the mutual benefit of this unique partnership.
