What's the point of running NASCAR races if your team has little chance team of winning?

Question

Is it unrealistic for me to believe that cars other than those owned by Hendrick, Gibbs, RCR, and Roush ("the big four") should actually be able to win a few races. I know that teams like Penske, Gillet/Evernham, and DEI win sometimes but every time I watch a race I have a feeling that only the one of the big four teams will win.

Are the teams/drivers that regularly finish in the 20's and 30's just going through the motions? Do they still get finanical benefits when finishing this poorly?

Answer 1

no, it's not unrealistic;several small named drivers, such as, allmendinger, paul menard, kvapil, & david ragan all have enough potential. Yes they still get financial benefits.

Answer 2

1.  its really fun to drive a race car

2.  you still get sponsorship money.  Corporations pay a lot of money to get their logo on the hood of a stock car

Answer 3

Because if they actually get a good run, that may get them $ and better equipment. They never give up.

Answer 4

Sponsors pay them (in most cases) to run each and every race.  And to the drivers, its their way of life.  Considering finishing dead last in a single race probably gets paid more than I do working a whole year.

Answer 5

Those lower teams are working hard and trying to improve. If the whole team can't improve enough to step up at least some of them can move up to top tier teams. The drivers and crew at the top level don't start there, they work their way up.

Answer 6

MONEY!!!!!

Answer 7

they hope for improvement, either in their team, or by showing their potential and moving to a better team. look at the change in rcr in just a few years. i believe there are a few more teams that have the potential to make the next step.

Answer 8

They are paid by their sponsors to run every race.  Sponsors get the benefit of TV and ad exposure.  So yes, they do get financial gains from running the races.  These people are true racers and just love to race.  If you can get paid to do something you love to do, why not do it?