Hanging your hat on an ‘also-ran’ bad for business

Speedway Motorsports Inc. Chairman Bruton Smith has his own take on the impact of a sub-par season so far for NASCAR's most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr. "It personally affects the sale of souvenirs, which you know we are in that business. I guess that means that Dale Jr. is losing fans rapidly and I don't like that because he's great for the sport," Smith said. "I've talked to Rick (Hendrick) and Rick is working with him. I've got to believe you will see a change. Dale Jr. is improving. He is tired of some of the bad press he's been getting. I think you will see Dale will start to win some races." Charlotte Observer