NASCAR has tested moving the numbers backward with blacklash that followed; Now, they could actually be moving forward instead
Number placement have become a great debate in the world of NASCAR. The majority of fans want them to stay centered on the door. However, that’s the least-likely place to see the numbers in 2022.
View the forward NASCAR number concept image below.
Starting in March 2020, a NASCAR Fan Council Survey showed various options for number placement. Centered, moved forward, moved backwards and even the rear quarter panel were some of the options.
Later that year, the NASCAR All-Star race at Bristol Motor Speedway featured underglow lights as well as numbers pushed all the back on the doors. For the most part, fans hated both.
“Move the numbers and I won’t watch,” says the avid die-hard NASCAR fan.
Related: NASCAR car number placement discussed for 2022 (May 2021)
Forward NASCAR numbers
Moving the numbers backward in the All-Star race allowed a much larger advertisement placement for crucial team sponsors. And the Next Gen car is going to present a new issue for the current preferred sponsor placement, the rear quarter panel.
The Next Gen car features a much shorter rear quarter panel. That’s going to significantly trim were the biggest side logo is currently placed. Moving the numbers backwards or forwards will give the sponsors a much larger portion of the door to play with.
Previously, the Race Team Alliance has sent data for review regarding the placement of the numbers. Nielson was hired to provide details on the added value for sponsors by moving the numbers.
NASCAR has been in communication with the teams, reviewing all options.
In the latest update, Adam Stern of SBJ reported that NASCAR is set to announce the official placement of the 2022 numbers will actually be forward, instead of backwards. He also added that the release could be sent in the coming weeks.
Moving the numbers forward will give sponsors the option of using both the door and quarter panel to display sponsor logos. See the NASCAR number concept in the image below.
Related: NASCAR sponsorship costs? New court documents provide numbers
