NASCAR denies ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ car; Sponsor threatens lawsuit

“Now it’s war.”

Brandon Brown is the NASCAR driver that indirectly began the “Let’s Go Brandon” movement. The driver of the No. 68 NASCAR Xfinity Series car drove to victory lane at Talladega Superspeedway.

He climbed from his car on the front stretch for a quick post-race interview. In the background, fans chanted, “Fuck, Joe Biden.” The chant had become popular at sporting events across the country.

Related: NASCAR fans chant: “F*** Joe Biden!” (VIdeo)

The reporter speaking with the race winner incorrectly heard the chant. She missed on the pass it on game stating, “Let’s Go Brandon.”

Overnight, the phrase used in sporting events switched. “Let’s Go Brandon” was suddenly heard at all sporting events, well beyond NASCAR.

Recently, Brown stated that his family-owned BrandonBilt Motorsports was struggling to secure sponsors after his name is forever attached to the chant. However, in late December, a sponsor was announced, LGB Coin.

LGB is an acronym for “Let’s Go Brandon.”

The sponsor deal was announced after the team sent the paint scheme graphics for NASCAR approval. However, after the announcement from the team, NASCAR stated that the sponsor wasn’t yet approved, walking back their emailed approval.

On Tuesday, NASCAR officially denied the sponsor.

Founder of Typhoon Capital Management and LGBcoin investor James Koutoulas is quoted in the team press release announcing the new sponsorship. He’s now saying that he intends to sue NASCAR.

LGB Coin is a cryptocurrency that was born just two months ago. It’s value jumped about 50% a day after the sponsor announcement. On Monday, it’s value crashed to 50% below it’s value ahead of the sponsorship announcement.

Related: NASCAR team thought they had approval for Let’s Go Brandon sponsor

NASCAR approval given via email

Koutoulas posted emails from NASCAR on social media. The emails clearly state that the paint scheme and sponsor were approved.

“The sponsors are approved however please clean up the markings around the number especially the white stars touching the white number,” a message from Dale Howell of NASCAR Racing Operations read.

The email added, “2022 we are really going to hone in on keeping the numbers clean per the rule book, nothing within 2″ should be touching the numbers. We understand some step and repeats, however in this case white and white make it blob.”

Related: NASCAR president comments on “Let’s Go Brandon!” movement


NASCAR Rule Book: Sponsor approval

“NASCAR may refuse to permit a Competitor to participate in an Event if NASCAR determines that any advertising, sponsorship or similar agreement to which the competitor is or will be a party, is detrimental to the sport, to NASCAR, Series Sponsor or to the promoter for any reason, including without limitation, the public image of the sport.”

The rule book continues, “Decals, advertising slogans, paint schemes and other graphic designs and text on the vehicle that have not been previously approved by NASCAR must not be used unless and until they have been submitted by the crew chief to NASCAR Headquarters and approved by NASCAR prior to the Event.”

“The review and approval of decals, advertising slogans, paint schemes and other graphic designs and text on the vehicle that have not been previously approved by NASCAR is at the sole discretion of NASCAR and such approval may be withheld for any reason.”

The rule concludes, “All NASCAR Members agree to accept NASCAR’s decision in this regard.”

Related: NASCAR driver Brandon Brown breaks silence on ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ chant

Brandon Brown - Let's Go Brandon NASCAR Paint Scheme - LGBCoin
Brandon Brown – Let’s Go Brandon NASCAR Paint Scheme – LGBCoin (Photo: Lakeside Media)
Lawsuit threatened against NASCAR

James Koutoulas stated, “The Brandon Brown 68 went through proper NASCAR approval process and received formal written approval.”

“If NASCAR revokes approval, we will bring suit upon them on behalf of all @LGBcoin_io HODLers who were damaged by their reliance on NASCAR written approval & #cancelnascar.”

He added, “NASCAR did a review of the LGBcoin_io website and of me personally as a name HODLer. They were well aware of everything and we complied with their request to leave the phrase “Let’s go Brandon” off the car and they accordingly approved in writing.”

“No reason has been given for the revocation. Steve Phelps refused to discuss with the LGBcoin_io team when offered via the team despite hundreds of millions of dollars in damages being caused by their early leak of the revocation. So now it’s war.”

The LGB Coin website has already been filled with marketing pieces featuring the NASCAR paint scheme.

Related: NASCAR driver says ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ movement hinders sponsor search

Brandonbilt Motorsports comments

Max Marcucci is a spokesperson for Brandonbilt Motorsports:

“NASCAR did not speak with Brandonbilt Motorsports prior to making their decision to rescind the approval and multiple attempts to setup a conversation to address this matter went unacknowledged,” Max Marcucci stated.

“The bottom line is that Brandonbilt Motorsports followed the standard process for sponsor and paint scheme approval and received approval from a NASCAR official empowered to make those decisions, and who makes those decisions on a regular basis.”

“The official then confirmed and reiterated that we had received approval in a phone conversation after the announcement was made.”

“We are disappointed that NASCAR leadership has chosen to rescind approval of this sponsorship and feel they should have the confidence to own their decision to backtrack and not gaslight a team or a driver.”

“Like every team, we rely on productive and friendly working relationships at all levels of NASCAR.”

The statement concluded, “Unfortunately, NASCAR leadership’s handling of this situation now threatens to strain our relationships and places us in an incredibly awkward position, yet again.”

Links

Brandon Brown | Brandonbilt Motorsports | Joe Biden | Talladega SuperSpeedway | NASCAR | LGBcoin.io

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