It’s only appropriate that Time Magazine’s recent list of the “Top 10 Most Influential Car People in Sports” would include three individuals who have made their respective marks in the NASCAR ranks.
Brian France, chairman and CEO of the sanctioning body, was No. 5 on the list because he “puts cars in front of more eyeballs than just about anyone else in sports.”
Stewart-Haas Racing co-owner Gene Haas followed at No. 6 for joining forces with Tony Stewart to make his organization a “top-tier Sprint Cup contender.” Also worth mentioning is the over-achieving Haas F1 team, which has already scored championship points in its debut season in Formula One racing.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. weighs in at No. 7 because “one of every five marketing dollars spent on NASCAR is spent on Dale Earnhardt Jr. One visit to the Fanatics Trackside Superstore at any NASCAR track is all you need to confirm that assertion.
For the record, here’s the full list, topped by reigning F1 champion Lewis Hamilton:
1. Lewis Hamilton, 31; Formula One race car driver
2. Ken Block, 48; Global Rallycross Driver, Hoonigan Racing Division; founder, D.C. Shoes
3. Floyd Mayweather, 39; Retired boxing champion
4. Alex Vega, 41; Owner of Auto Firm in Miami, Florida
5. Brian France, 53; Chairman and CEO of NASCAR
6. Gene Haas, 63; Owner, Stewart-Haas Racing and Haas F1
7. Dale Earnhardt Jr., 41; Driver, #88 car, Hendrick Motorsports
8. C.J. Wilson, 35; Pitcher, Los Angeles Angels and owner of C.J. Wilson Racing
9. Yoenis Cespedes, 30; Outfielder, New York Mets
10. David Beckham, 41; Retired soccer player
Source: NASCAR Wire Service
