NAPA dropping MWR, does it change where you will shop for 1:1 parts?

[mikemodeler]

So yesterday NAPA announced that they were dropping Michael Waltrip Racing at the end of the year due to the "scandal" and subsequent fallout/penalties from the Richmond race. On their Facebook page, there were many responses, good and bad, to NAPA's decision.

My question is- Does NAPA's announcement affect where you will purchase parts for your 1:1 vehicles?

Without starting an argument over auto parts suppliers, please keep your responses to my question above.

[mikemodeler]

I will state that I am an employee of NAPA and think they did the correct thing as the intentions of MWR were certainly intended to alter the race results. Yes, NAPA pays a lot of money to MWR and expects results and exposure, but this is not what they had in mind.

Having personally met the two drivers they sponsor- Martin Truex Jr. and Ron Capps- I can tell you they are some of the nicest people I have met in motorsports and I feel bad for Martin as he was not aware of the team's actions.

[Daddyfink]

Nope!

[DavidChampagne]

Sorry, I disagree with the decision that NAPA made. If it were to happen again, then yes, drop them.

I don't believe it would affect the sales at all.

I am not a Ron Capps fan, but, I still shop at NAPA.

The only product I buy because of who they sponsor is CASTROL.

But, that's just me.

[Chuck Most]

My question is- Does NAPA's announcement affect where you will purchase parts for your 1:1 vehicles?

Nope. My local NAPA is one of the best parts stores I frequent. I've only ever gotten the wrong part through no fault of my own once (times I got the wrong part and it was my own fault is another matter), and if they don't have it in stock, they can get it same day 95% of the time. Participation in motorsports sponsorship has nothing to do with my decision on where I purchase parts and supplies. I will say that splitting with MWR after all the controversy surrounding them does seem like a sound business decision to me in the long run- why would NAPA want their brand aligned with one that's been involved in what might be called "shady dealings"? - even though I realize it will hurt MWR, and I do think MWR is capable of getting their poop in a group and bouncing back eventually. NAPA pretty much made them what they are.

[slusher]

Napa did what they tought was best and for thier image also. l am not surprised.

[Fabrux]

I rarely purchase parts from brick-and-mortar stores anymore. If I do, it is the one that has the cheapest whatever it is I'm looking for. Far more economical for me to order the parts online, ship it to my US PO box, and drive 1.5 hours to pick it up than it is to buy local!

[slusher]

This wasn't the first time MWR was caught in a cheating scandal, remember the jet fuel issue at Daytona in 2007?

I did not know about this one...

[Guest]

Unfortunately, there are only two parts stores in the county I live in. Both are the mom and pop style businesses. One is a joke. It's ten miles closer. But, you can't even get a set of spark plugs without them having to order them. Napa definitely made the right decision. Put yourself in their place. Would you want to have your company name associated with a race team that has been caught cheating? If anything, I think Napa will gain customers. I know that the next time I'm in the area, I'm going to check them out.

[DavidChampagne]

This wasn't the first time MWR was caught in a cheating scandal, remember the jet fuel issue at Daytona in 2007?

My bad..I did not know that.

Don't follow NASCAR as much as I did.

[Lunajammer]

I have to think this was a decision being kicked around before the foul and this was the incident to give them an out. I would think it would take more than a one race incident for NAPA to leave NASCAR. My wager is they are (have been) in discussions with another team.

I also notice their stock (GPC) jumped 5-percent on the news.

Edited September 20, 2013 by Lunajammer

[johnbuzzed]

Doesn't affect me either way. But the way NASCAR "adapts", changes, alters or whatever their rules, I can't really fault teams for trying something outside the box. Not that I know what DWR did that would be considered "cheating". Im ny opinion, counting laps run under the yellow flag is cheating on NASCAR's part, but, that's OK, 'cause it's NASCAR's rules.

("Jet fuel"??? Really?)

Edited September 20, 2013 by johnbuzzed

[Deano]

I don't let NASCAR affect where I shop or what I buy. For me NAPA's my go-to store. I have an old (1953) Plymouth and they can get what I need; the other (chain) parts store don't seem to realize that they made cars before about 1980 .

[Eshaver]

I was buying from N A P A well before they decided to became part of the stupid NASCAR Lemmie say it like them, NASCAR NAPA Syndrome . I'll continue to buy from N A P A as I haven't supported that venture since the Generic car that races .................

Edited September 20, 2013 by Eshaver

[MAGNUM4342]

Why should it? I've known and been saying for a couple years now, that NASCAR has become like professional wrestling. If you don't believe that just go back and watch the 2001 Firecracker 400 and try to tell me they didn't hand that race to junior. Let me say right now I am not an Earnhardt junior hater. But that race was awful fishy and NASCAR has been since! MWR did nothing different than any other team has tried over the years...they just got caught at it! Find me a team that's squeaky clean. There isn't one!

I'm one of the biggest Petty fans you'll ever see and I'll readily admit they were the best at cheating. If a team tries it today, the Petty's tried it two decades ago. I think NAPA should have left it alone and gone about it's business. What MWR pulled has nothing to do with their parts.

[James2]

I shop Napa because of Napa. Not because of who they sponsor. I really don't care for the 48 team, but still shop at Lowe's.

As far as cheat'n goes, a Cup employee once told me, "They all cheat! Some are just better than others."

[mikemodeler]

I think when you are spending upwards of $16,000,000 per year on sponsoring a race team, not to mention countless millions more entertaining customers and employees at the race track, you have to consider what the actions of MWR means from a PR perspective.

I don't believe NAPA was looking to leave MWR, they have had several chances over the last 8 years to do so and have stood by them through thick and thin. This had more to do with perception of fair play and the image it portrayed.

Cheating in NASCAR is a given, although the France family would probably prefer to say " Gain a competitive advantage ".

[Harry P.]

I go online and do a google price search, then either buy what I want online for the lowest price that I can find, or I shop at the place that has what I want for the lowest price. Couldn't care less what the name oh the sign says... I'm buying the merchandise, not the store's business philosophy.

[Danno]

I get all my wine from Napa, and I will continue to do so, I don't care what them boys do down South.

[gtx6970]

Who they sponsor( or don't sponsor ) has ZERO influence as to where or who I buy auto parts from ( or any thing I buy actually) .I buy based on service 1st, price 2nd

I try my best to buy locally and usually try my local mom and pop shops first for as much as possibile

[Harry P.]

I get all my wine from Napa, and I will continue to do so, I don't care what them boys do down South.

You should try Asti or Sonoma...

[lordairgtar]

I do not let things like this affect my purchasing habits. Those that do are spineless kneejerk reactionaries with no ability of creating their own choice.

[Vince Nemanic]

If NAPA moves its sponsorship to another team, then it is a matter of principle. If not, then it was just an excuse for them to get out of NASCAR...

[martinfan5]

Not really a customer of Napa, more of who has the lowest price on the parts that I need.

Edited September 20, 2013 by martinfan5

[mikemodeler]

Fox Sports is reporting that Michael Waltrip has stated that he would let Martin Truex leave his organization and go to another if an opportunity were to present itself. MWR is in search of another major sponsor to replace NAPA and possibly 5 Hour Energy Drink as they are "evaluating" their deal with Clint Bowyer.

I think you could see Martin Truex & NAPA show up together at another team, the question is..which one? My money would be on Joe Gibbs Racing.