For one race, at least. High Price Andy Petree knows how to sell his teams to a sponsor - perform well and the companies will come. Winston Cup racing is not just a beer, tobacco and auto parts sport. These days the names of retail stores, of pharmaceuticals and of non-consumer products also emblazon the sides of cars. Sponsors no longer just use cars as billboards.
Races are promotional events for employees.
Racing is much more than a sport for those paying the bill. To get into the race field, you've got to be a winner. If you haven't won lately, it's OK if you're a former Winston Cup champion. And, of course, you can race your way in, but you've got to be eligible for The Winston Open and No Bull Sprint events leading up to the race itself, which pretty much limits it to the usual suspects. Tempers have flared quite often in the early part of 2001, and Jeff Gordon has been the focal point of more than one scuffle.