"I would challenge the Pentagon to give me one example of someone today in Iraq or Afghanistan who saw the Go Army car going around the racetrack and that's why they joined the Army," Bill Harper, McCollum's chief of staff, told HamptonRoads.com. "It may be the reason why they go to Home Depot but not necessarily Afghanistan."
McCollum, and her chief of staff, don't understand anything about marketing.
Neither one has ever been to a NASCAR race and witnessed the thousands of people going through the military displays at a race. It's not just the logo on the side of the race car - it's the access to tens of thousands of people for the entire race weekend.
I have. And my grandson has. My grandson graduates in a few weeks and is planning to enlist in the Air Force.
These display areas are for NASCAR sponsors only. That is what part of that $100 mil over 10 years has purchased. How much do TV commercials cost the military? Does anyone get to see/touch/feel anything while watching a commercial?
At the Coke 600 coming up in a few weeks over the Memorial Day weekend - there will be a huge military show for the fans.
I was there several years ago and watched the Golden Knights parachute team jump onto the infield grass, an artillery unit "blow up" a building, the Marine Band perform and a special forces unit rappel out of choppers onto the infield grass...
These are very unique things to see in person and up close. These things will influence young people more than a TV commercial for a sitcom.