Why CDW may leave Champ Car

A reader writes, Dear AutoRacing1.com, I have heard that CDW is not going to sponsor Justin Wilson at Newman/Haas/Lanigan because CDW's new owners have come in and are cutting every budget. Is this true? Donna Josephson

Dear Donna, Nothing could be further from the truth—CDW just signed a big deal sponsorship with the PGA Tour to be their Official Technology Partner for 5 years. People do not want to accept how badly the CCWS have screwed up—losing CDW is all of a piece with the hideous TV deal, losing Matos, losing Tony Cotman and sheer neglect of CDW.

In fact, CDW achieved a record full year and fourth quarter sales.

• Full year 2007 sales: $8.145 billion, up 20.0% year-over-year
• Full year average daily sales: $32.065 million, compared to $26.714 million in 2006.
• Fourth quarter 2007 sales: $2.134 billion, up 17.0% year-over-year
• Fourth quarter average daily sales: $33.866 million, compared to $28.951 million in 2006.

Mark C.