Owner: Nascar has implemented several rule changes, which are going to raise the cost of doing business significantly this year. In addition, with all the multiple car teams being able to consolidate resources we are really at a competitive disadvantage. I’m going to need to increase my budget by at least 2 million dollars just to be competitive. If we want to race up front on a consistent basis, we are going to need even more money.

Sponsor: That’s a pretty hefty increase.

Owner: I understand, but we have a great driver who will get us into the show each week and allow us to work on making the car as fast as possible. I think we should be able to run near front most every race, which in turn will give your company the exposure they want.

Sponsor: Well, if we are going to spend this kind of money, we need to see results. Our consultants tell us we need a driver we can market. I feel driver "X" has what we are looking for. He is good looking, he speaks well in front of the camera and he is young. He is perfect for representing our product and reaching the demographics we want.

Owner: OK, but he is only 18 and doesn’t have very much seat time. I don’t think he has even seen many of the tracks we visit each year. I really think my driver is a better choice. He has over 40 years experience, works well with the team and knows every trick in the book at getting a car up to speed. He should give us a fighting chance to run with the big boys.

Sponsor: That’s all fine, but can we sell t-shirts and diecast’s with your driver? It’s all about money, put a good car under him and he will be just fine. Look at the 24 and the 20 car. That’s what I want.

Owner: I agree with you, but both of these drivers spent a lot of time racing in open wheel before moving up and don’t forget they both drive for 2 of the best funded teams out there. I think I could drive those cars and be competitive.

Sponsor: I understand your concerns, but the decision has been made. I’ll have my people call driver "X" and you both can chart your course for the year.

(6 races into the season and the team has missed 4 of them)

Sponsor: We have to do something about this. I was able to get you your additional 2 million and I expect to at least make the show each week, not to mention it would be nice if you could run in the top 10 so we can get some TV time.

Owner: It seems like we are always a step behind the other big teams. It doesn’t help that driver "X" can’t tell us what is wrong with the car, or give us any suggestions to make it better. Nascar is constantly changing the rules; we are having a heck of time keeping up. It would also be nice if driver "X" was able to be in the shop from time to time to help.

Sponsor: It is driver "X"’s job to drive the car and yours to make the cars under him fast. I need him to be out signing autographs at our stores and meeting the manufactures. I not only got you the money, but I also was able to land one of the up and coming drivers. I don’t have to tell you how much money I had to give him to sign on the dotted line. I expect a return on my investment.

(The broadcast companies refuse to provide sponsors with anything more than passing exposure, unless the sponsor buys ad time during the race. The team makes the next 2 races, but then miss the next 3.

Sponsor: This is just not working. We expect to see a return on our investment, but instead we are the laughing stock of the series. I just can’t figure out what is wrong. We have the perfect driver to represent our product. All we need now is to put decent rides under him.

Owner: I don’t see anyway to put the kind of car under driver "X" it would take to make him competitive. I think we should take a look at bringing in a more experienced driver. It’s next to impossible to work on the cars unless we can see them in competition. We need to make the show week in and week out.

Sponsor: Look, I made my driver choice and you have 3 more races to turn things around.

(The team misses 2 of the next 3 races)

Sponsor: I’m sorry but I did everything I could to give you the tools you needed to be successful. I’m going to have to pull the plug on this now, and cut our losses.

(The owner is forced to close down and only 39 team’s show up for the next race)

Nascar: We are not concerned and feel everything will work itself out.

(Meanwhile Driver "X" is in a new ride within a week and another driver sits by the phone waiting for it to ring)