Title: An appraisal of stock car racing's economic and geographic development in North America: NASCAR as flexible accumulation

Authors: Michael B. Edwards, Derek H. Alderman, Steven G. Estes

Addresses: Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences, Texas A&M University, 2261 TAMU, College Station, TX 27695, USA. ' Department of Geography, East Carolina University, Brewster 227-A, Greenville, NC 27858, USA. ' College of Professional Studies, Missouri Western State University, 122 Popplewell Hall, St. Joseph, MO 64507, USA

Abstract: Despite the growing popularity of NASCAR stock car racing throughout North America, it has remained largely ignored in the sport management research literature. This article suggests that unlike other major spectator sports, which formed cartel systems based on the principles of industrial Fordism, NASCAR organised within a capitalist system more characteristic of Harvey|s theory of flexible accumulation. Using NASCAR as a case study, we describe its organisation within an ideal type methodology. The unique characteristics of NASCAR include fragmentation of production systems, new dimensions of labour practises, new consumption processes, and geographical manipulation and re-configuration. Because of its economic system, NASCAR is better positioned than other North American sports to break free from geographic constraints and exploit emerging markets. However, approaching NASCAR within the framework of flexible accumulation reveals that the sport may be more vulnerable to future crises than other major North American spectator sports.

Keywords: sport management; motor sport marketing; stock car racing; NASCAR; flexible accumulation; motorsport; North American sport; motorsports; motor racing; Harvey; theory of flexible accumulation; emerging markets; economics; geographic development; economic development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSMM.2010.033955

International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing, 2010 Vol.8 No.1/2, pp.160 - 179

Published online: 05 Jul 2010 *

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