NASCAR cranks down on counterfeiters

NASCAR is racing to clamp down on counterfeit merchandise in the Carolinas and beyond.

The sanctioning body wants to limit knockoff T-shirts and hats by halting sales of unlicensed goods around NASCAR tracks, including Lowe's Motor Speedway. NASCAR, along with the major track operators and race teams, recently filed suit in U.S. District Court in Charlotte to seize counterfeit racing collectibles.

Stakes are high for all involved. NASCAR-licensed products generate $2 billion in sales annually, with royalties distributed to the sanctioning body, teams, drivers and sponsors.

This week, Concord-based Speedway Motorsports Inc. blamed its disappointing financial performance on poor sales at Motorsports Authentics, the top producer and seller of NASCAR-themed souvenirs. Charlotte Business Journal