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NASCAR chief executive Brian France praised the talents of Jimmie Johnson but conceded that the triple series champion has failed to become a household name outside racing circles.
“He’s a California guy, a very nice guy, a cool customer and obviously very talented,” France said.
“But he’s not going to do a lot of things that are going to wow you or stun you or surprise you in the ways that sometimes other athletes make their mark.”
France admits that merchandise sales of the companies that sponsor NASCAR vehicles “are based on doing the right thing.”
France said NASCAR has lessened penalties for drivers who show their frustration.
“We’re telling the drivers that’s what the fans want to see,” he said. “We’re trying to encourage them to have some new flexibility to be themselves.”
France also said NASCAR had no plans to tinker with the season-ending Chase format, a system designed to have the series winner determined on the final day of the season.
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