Re: Last Lap For Test Track?

**coasterfreak516** · 03-08-2009, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by dsnyqwn1

Against popular belief NASCAR is also suffering during this hard economic time. I dont think NASCAR would have that kind of money to support this attraction, they have cut prices on all of their tickets and souviners. In this rough economy it will be hard to get another sponsor if GM does have to cut ties.

Actually the tracks are cutting the prices, not NASCAR themselves. It's not like Disney who decides the prices for most items in their parks and resorts. I am not saying that NASCAR isn't suffering but they still have had pretty good turnouts during their first four weekends of racing.

**Caribbean Lady** · 03-08-2009, 09:48 PM

That would be sad if GM pulled out - they're been such an integral part from the very beginning! Hopefully, they can both work something out - I'm sure both parties recognize how intertwined and, overall, successful their merger has been!

**MJMcb** · 03-08-2009, 11:06 PM

I think GM should pull out frankly. The company is in dire straits and the money can certainly be better spent elsewhere, even if its just more effective advertising

**coasterfreak516** · 03-08-2009, 11:36 PM

Yeah this and NASCAR should be a low priority due to the public view. Personally I understand the whole idea that people may buy more GM cars from winning a NASCAR race or sponsoring a ride but, the public don't see it that way.

**Sorria** · 03-11-2009, 01:15 PM

Well, its official. GM and Disney failed to reach an agreement on renewing the sponsorship of Test Track. No word on a new sponsor yet.

**Disney05** · 03-11-2009, 01:42 PM

Not surprised. Wonder what will happen. Hope it doesn't interfere with anything.

**J&J** · 04-05-2009, 02:00 PM

shame but gm has been having so many problems

**Zipadeedooda** · 04-06-2009, 12:44 PM

I highly doubt that EPCOT's top e-ticket ride will close because of a loss of a sponsor. Someone will pick it up, hopefully an American car company like Ford or Chrysler.

**Jetjaguar** · 04-16-2009, 10:46 PM

Maybe GM pulling out isnt' a bad thing... the ride is constantly breaking down!

**wannabimagineer** · 04-18-2009, 12:24 AM

I would think it would be pretty cool if they turned it into a "Cars" themed ride. That wouldn't take care of the sponsorship, but it could be pretty fun.

**ImaMouser** · 04-18-2009, 02:00 PM

NASCAR is not gonna sponsor this attraction. The teams in NASCAR receive a lot of money from the car companies and that money is drying up. The car companies used to put a lot of money in testing and R&D but they cant afford it anymore, at least not right now. There are teams in NASCAR that have folded because of lack of funds. And don't forget NASCAR has a huge attraction themselves about an hour Northeast of WDW called Daytona International Speedway with the Daytona Experience. I'm sure they would rather people come there than to Test Track in WDW.

Toyota is the only viable, potential sponsor. Toyota is the only car company that is not losing a lot of $$$$. And Toyota is #1 in automobile sales in America. I hope the US auto makers can get it together but they have a long way to go.

**pranker51502** · 04-19-2009, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by ImaMouser

NASCAR is not gonna sponsor this attraction. The teams in NASCAR receive a lot of money from the car companies and that money is drying up. The car companies used to put a lot of money in testing and R&D but they cant afford it anymore, at least not right now. There are teams in NASCAR that have folded because of lack of funds. And don't forget NASCAR has a huge attraction themselves about an hour Northeast of WDW called Daytona International Speedway with the Daytona Experience. I'm sure they would rather people come there than to Test Track in WDW.

There has always been teams closing and leaving for lack of funds.
Testing was stopped by NASCAR at NASCAR tracks to save the teams money, not because they can't afford it. Teams still test at non-NASCAR tracks.
As far as Daytona USA being over powered by a ride sponsored at WDW, is there not a NASCAR restaurant at City Walk?
NASCAR may or may not sponsor this attraction, but for surely not these reasons. From what I've been hearing NASCAR has been pretty well off, like someone else said, the reason tickets are going down is from the track owners, not NASCAR.

**toyz33** · 05-18-2009, 08:37 PM

I hope something gets worked out. I would hate to see this ride close because of the lack of sponsorship.

**thegoz85** · 05-18-2009, 08:53 PM

I would be really surprised if no one sponsors Test Track. Personally, I see a company like Nissan picking it up.

I don't think it will be NASCAR, and I do think the fact that Daytona USA is so close has an effect on that. Having a NASCAR restaurant in City Walk is a little different, because Test Track offers a ride experience somewhat similar to what they're trying to sell at Daytona while the restaurant offers an eating experience with some simulators. I think NASCAR would want to keep that ride experience as a one-of-a-kind thing you can only get at Daytona.

**pranker51502** · 05-18-2009, 10:19 PM

Originally Posted by thegoz85

I would be really surprised if no one sponsors Test Track. Personally, I see a company like Nissan picking it up.

I don't think it will be NASCAR, and I do think the fact that Daytona USA is so close has an effect on that. Having a NASCAR restaurant in City Walk is a little different, because Test Track offers a ride experience somewhat similar to what they're trying to sell at Daytona while the restaurant offers an eating experience with some simulators. I think NASCAR would want to keep that ride experience as a one-of-a-kind thing you can only get at Daytona.

There is not a ride at Daytona USA, it's a like an arcade with race cars and racing simulators. Until you go there I'll refrain from saying anymore. A ride a good bit of miles away would hardly effect it.