I have been to many races and even did some work for NAPA for a while where I had garage and pit access but nothing like being able to provide the inside scoop for millions of people. How cool would it be to be in on the latest press conference, interview the hottest driver, or break the news of a driver change. Hearing the cars at full speed still makes the hair on the nape of my neck stand up even after all these years and being able to mingle and report on my favorite sport would just be icing on the cake.

NASCAR has realized that there are not as many reporters from the print media and is starting to embrace the grassroots form of media/reporting known as blogging; and with the power of such social networking sites as Twitter, Facebook, etc., it is an easy decision for NASCAR to tap into these reporters and resources.

I believe that this could be a win win for all parties involved. There will definitely be a new perspective that some reporters might not give seeing as they are always at the tracks and their routines become repetitive. I would envision seeing passionate reporting possibly more opinion based but maybe that opens the doors to continue the discussion in a forum environment.


Here are some excerpts from the press release:

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) today announced its intention to invite the top independent NASCAR-related websites to join a newly-formed “NASCAR Citizen Journalists Media Corps.” NASCAR is providing this group of new media access to cover the sport while maintaining their independence. The initial list of Citizen Journalists will be formally announced in the coming weeks.

The media landscape has changed dramatically in recent months especially for sports coverage. As the newspaper industry adjusts to a new age of information, NASCAR fans and former traditional media have taken it upon themselves to report, cover and opine on the sport. Today there are thousands of NASCAR related websites. Many of these sites cover the sport on a daily basis and offer unique and fresh perspectives to a large audience.

The Citizen Journalists will be selected as part of a review process including: professionalism, reporting and commentary, use of social networking tools.

“Many of these outlets have covered NASCAR from afar for many years, but now they have the opportunity to cover the sport up close and personal,” said Managing Director of Corporate Communications, Ramsey Poston. “The Citizen Journalists will have the very same access as the traditional media including credentials to race events, access to media centers, press boxes, press conferences, teleconferences, news releases, video, audio, photos, stats and graphics. We expect the Citizen Journalists to maintain their journalistic independence and continue to provide unique points of view,” said Poston.

I am eagerly awaiting to find out who the Citizen Journalists are and follow their reporting. I have always said my dream job would involve NASCAR, wish it was me!!