Reactions: NASCAR Sponsor

With R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. considering ending its longtime sponsorship of the NASCAR Winston Cup series, we asked you who would make a good replacement. Following are some of the most interesting responses.

Why not just call it the NASCAR Series?. Name the trophy after a former driver. How about the Petty Cup or the Earnhardt Cup? Or the Earnhardt/Petty Trophy. Name it after the guys who have one it the most. Just have a sponsor for the series, not one that's associated with the trophy.
-- Brian Devereaux, Birmingham, Ala.

I love RJR as the title sponsor of NASCAR Winston Cup series. However, the replacement should be Anheuser Busch. We already have the Busch Series. It could be the Budweiser Cup. It is the only other company that makes any sense.
-- David Harrison, Charlotte, N.C.

Who else but a beer company? They've been around forever and they're not going anywhere in my lifetime. Instead of the Winston Cup we can call it the Bud Suds or the Miller Mug Championship. Let's face it, they always have the best commercials anyway. Cars? No. Soda? Nope. Clothing? No way! Then again, Victoria's Secret might work. We can call it the Victoria's Secret C Cup. C as in Championship, of course.
-- Rod Lander, Las Vegas

It would be pretty hard to change names of your racing series after 30-plus years. The series should remain NASCAR Winston Cup presented by (company of choice). Winston has done a lot for the sport just to drop them because of money.
-- Shannon Hiller, Mercer, Wisc.

This truly is shocking news to race fans. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. and NASCAR have had a wonderful "marriage" for several decades. As a fan, I couldn't imagine calling the series anything other than the Winston Cup. NASCAR should consider a sponsor that will be true to its fans as well as its history. NASCAR needs to consider the amount the series has grown over the years and realize this is a family sport. NASCAR should stay away from tobacco companies as well as beer companies.
-- Mary, Dallas

Coke should be the sponsor. What other non-confrontational product is so well known around the world? McDonald's is a close second with Pepsi coming up in the draft. I think Coke is it.
-- Jim Defrank, Earlysville, Va.

Gallo Wines should be the next sponsor, so the series could be called the Gallo Winer's Cup. This would be particularly fitting when teams start complaining about aerodynamic advantages.
-- Mark Simmons, Jacksonville, Fla.

 

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