ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, August 23, 1996 TAG: 9608230060
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
Word of a planned crackdown on tobacco by President Clinton sparked an angry reaction Thursday throughout the tobacco-fueled NASCAR empire.
``It all goes back to getting the government out of our daily lives. This is still America, isn't it?'' said Jim Hunter, president of Darlington (S.C.) Raceway. ``Somehow this administration seems to think they can do things better than private entrepreneurs, and all you have to do is look at the government to know that's incorrect.''
Hunter's sentiments were echoed by others in the Winston Cup racing community as they considered the effects of Clinton's anticipated curbs, especially a ban on brand-name cigarette advertising at sporting events.
``If they do cigarettes, what's next?'' said W. Clay Campbell, president and general manager of Martinsville Speedway. ``It's always going to be something, and I just think they're on the wrong path right now.''
Prohibiting brand-name cigarette advertising could create significant changes on the Winston Cup circuit, which has had R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. as its primary sponsor since 1971.
``It could have all kind of short- and long-term problems,'' said H.A. ``Humpy'' Wheeler, president and chief executive officer of Speedway Motorsports Inc., which either owns or holds an interest in five major tracks in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
R.J. Reynolds, based in Winston-Salem, N.C., will not divulge the extent of its financial involvement with the Winston Cup circuit, but various sources have placed it in excess of $10 million annually.
Reynolds backs the yearly points fund for drivers, worth $4 million; it sponsors races such as the annual all-star event, the $1.1 million Winston Select at Charlotte; sponsors the car driven by Jimmy Spencer; and contributes to construction and sponsorship projects at virtually every track on the circuit.
The company's familiar red-and-white Winston Cup series logo has become a highly visible constant in a series that is enjoying record attendance, purses and television ratings.
``I think they've been pretty darn responsible in how they've promoted the product with all the heat they've had on them,'' Wheeler said. ``I think as long as it's a legalized product, they've got the right to promote it.''
Clinton's stated objective - to curb teen-age smoking - has been met with skepticism in the racing community. Many point to a survey by the Centers for Disease Control that claims less than 2 percent of underage smokers use Winston brands.
``The whole idea of their corporate sponsorship of Winston Cup is not to make smokers out of nonsmokers, but to switch smokers to their brand,'' Hunter said. ``It's a brand-awareness thing, and it always has been.''
Campbell concurred.
``They're not going after children,'' he said. ``Maybe it may make someone who is a smoker switch to Winston from another brand, but I don't think it's going to make somebody start smoking.''
Chris Powell, a Reynolds spokesman, pointed to a recent Gallup Poll that dealt with several smoking-related issues, including why people start.
``Advertising did not even rate as an answer,'' Powell said. ``It got 0 percent as a reason for starting smoking among adult smokers who were asked, whereas family influence and peer influence led the way. To that end, we don't believe that our involvement in sports sponsorships causes young people to start smoking.''
The proposed curbs by the Food and Drug Administration raise questions about the future of Reynolds' involvement in NASCAR racing. If the proposals are approved by Clinton, the circuit might have to find another corporate backer.
``As popular as NASCAR is today, I feel there would be somebody in the wings who could come along,'' Campbell said. ``But Winston and NASCAR have worked together for so many years, I would hate to go down the road of seeing somebody else become the primary sponsor.''
LENGTH: Medium: 76 lines KEYWORDS: AUTO RACINGby CNB