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# Judge: Let AT&T into NASCAR logo race UPDATE Image, NASCAR Statement: A federal judge on Friday ruled that AT&T can replace a Cingular logo with its own on a NASCAR race car, following its absorption of the Atlanta-based wireless company. The decision marks an important victory for AT&T. The company sued NASCAR in March, alleging that the racing organization improperly prevented AT&T from putting its brand on the #31 car driven by Jeff Burton.The vehicle currently is branded for the former Cingular Wireless. AT&T took control of Atlanta-based Cingular in late December and is in the process of shedding the Cingular name. NASCAR objected to AT&T's proposal for adding its logo to Burton's stock car. The racing organization cited a deal with Sprint Nextel, which holds the title sponsorship for NASCAR's top racing series. NASCAR said its agreements with Sprint Nextel prohibit the addition of other telecommunications companies as sponsors. Judge Marvin Shoob, of the U.S. District Court in Atlanta, ruled that AT&T would be likely to win the case. He agreed with AT&T's argument that a change in brands is allowed under a grandfather clause that was put in place to protect Cingular, despite Sprint Nextel's deal with NASCAR.(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
UPDATE: been told the AT&T-branded car is scheduled to make its debut tomorrow at the All-Star Challenge race in Charlotte, NC., see an image of the new scheme on my #31 Team Schemes page.
NASCAR Statement Regarding Today’s Court Decision: NASCAR is disappointed with today’s ruling but will continue to provide a sponsor friendly environment for the industry and its partners. NASCAR is currently weighing any and all options for appeal of today’s decision. Meanwhile, NASCAR will continue to protect the industry from actions designed to interrupt a business model which has been beneficial to all. It is important to understand that Sprint Nextel is a cornerstone sponsor that benefits the entire industry by way of its contribution to the championship point’s fund, technology bringing fans closer to the sport, and its massive marketing and advertising campaigns.(NASCAR PR)
UPDATE 2: NASCAR has requested and has been granted a hearing by Judge Marvin H. Shoob to stay today’s decision. The hearing will be held at 11:30am/et tomorrow morning, May 19, 2007. If the judge grants the stay, then the #31 car will remain with its current branding. If NASCAR’s request is denied, then NASCAR will seek an emergency stay from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday morning. Today’s ruling is limited to the facts of this particular case and does not have broad implications. NASCAR will continue to provide a sponsor friendly environment for the industry and its partners and will protect the industry from actions designed to interrupt a business model which has been beneficial to all. It is important to understand that Sprint Nextel is a cornerstone sponsor that benefits the entire industry by way of its contribution to the championship point’s fund, technology bringing fans closer to the sport, and its massive marketing and advertising campaigns.(NASCAR PR)(5-18-2007)

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Auto racing, bull fighting and mountain climbing are the only real sports... the rest are just games........ Earnest Hemmingway

this is all AT&T wanted.....

since they won... this is what you will now see at the all star race:

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Auto racing, bull fighting and mountain climbing are the only real sports... the rest are just games........ Earnest Hemmingway

this is what you will now see....

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Auto racing, bull fighting and mountain climbing are the only real sports... the rest are just games........ Earnest Hemmingway

so that is a big size difference....

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Auto racing, bull fighting and mountain climbing are the only real sports... the rest are just games........ Earnest Hemmingway

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Ryan Newman, Daytona 500 Champion!!
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Yea I like it too because it meshes AT&T with Cingular!!!

NASCAR is disappointed with today’s ruling but will continue to provide a sponsor friendly environment for the industry and its partners. NASCAR is currently weighing any and all options for appeal of today’s decision. Meanwhile, NASCAR will continue to protect the industry from actions designed to interrupt a business model which has been beneficial to all. It is important to understand that Sprint Nextel is a cornerstone sponsor that benefits the entire industry by way of its contribution to the championship point’s fund, technology bringing fans closer to the sport, and its massive marketing and advertising campaigns. - NASCAR, Press Release

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Ryan Newman, Daytona 500 Champion!!
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this from jayski:


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# Nextel joins NASCAR in AT&T lawsuit: NASCAR Nextel Cup series sponsor Sprint Nextel has joined the legal battle on NASCAR’s side, as it hopes to have the AT&T decision overturned on appeal. “In response to the ruling by the court, we have formally filed to join this proceeding,” said the company’s director of NASCAR Nextel Cup Series marketing, Dean Kessel, in a statement issued Saturday. “We intend to vigorously protect our sponsorship from these unfounded claims of AT&T. This weekend is for celebrating NASCAR’s best and the best fans in the sport.”(SPEEDtv.com)(5-20-2007)

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Auto racing, bull fighting and mountain climbing are the only real sports... the rest are just games........ Earnest Hemmingway

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# AT&T suit could have Alltel rethinking its plans: The court ruling that allowed AT&T to rebrand the #31 Richard Childress Racing Chevy has Alltel thinking about challenging the restrictions placed on its NASCAR team sponsorship. Until now, Alltel has abided by a set of rules that aren't specifically written into its deal with Penske Racing, and many of those rules restrict Alltel from activating its deal the way other sponsors do. Because it is a wireless company that competes directly against Sprint Nextel, which spends close to $100 million a year to be NASCAR's top series sponsor, Alltel can't set up interactive displays, it can't title sponsor a race, it can't do any more than put its mark on driver Ryan Newman, the car, the pit crew and a single merchandise trailer. And like Cingular, Alltel has always been told that it can't change its name if ever acquired by another company. But these prohibitions could be subject to debate after a judge's ruling on May 18 that allowed Cingular's #31 car to carry AT&T sponsorship. Sprint Nextel has said that the ruling diminishes its exclusivity in the sport. U.S. District Court Judge Marvin Shoob granted AT&T a temporary injunction to put its blue globe on the #31 car because, in part, NASCAR's restrictions weren't specifically outlined in Cingular's team contract with Richard Childress Racing. Alltel's restrictions are likewise vaguely referenced in its contract with Penske, said Samira Zebian, Alltel's director of sponsorship marketing. "Could this allow us to leverage the race track and other platforms that have been off-limits to us?" Zebian asked. "What has been conjecture in the past now must be formalized. We've always been very respectful of Nextel's rights, but we need a better understanding of how far-reaching those rights are. What the suit brings to light is that a league deal shouldn't impact our category so negatively that we can't put our product in front of the fans the way every other team sponsor can." Alltel has no plans to challenge NASCAR legally, Zebian said, but "it does force a conversation" about Alltel's activation rights.
NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said the case could prompt NASCAR to review the way its team contracts are written. The governing body has purposely kept the wording in the contracts as neutral as possible to maintain flexibility with the teams and sponsors, he said, but that flexibility could be lost in future contracts. NASCAR likely will be much more specific in its wording on any sponsor restrictions.
Once the AT&T trial concludes, though, the issue still might not be settled. Alltel was recently acquired by TPG Capital and GS Capital Partners and while the name is expected to remain the same, some analysts believe Alltel remains a target for one of the larger wireless companies.(SportsBusiness Journal/SceneDaily.com)(5-30-2007)

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Auto racing, bull fighting and mountain climbing are the only real sports... the rest are just games........ Earnest Hemmingway