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Originally Posted by HJJ
I think they realize the Nascar demographic is not the Red Bull demographic.
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That's pretty much true for all auto racing and Red Bull.
Based on going to clubs, the Red Bull demographic are college students on speed, adrenaline, and vodka shots at 2 in the morning.
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Any indication that Red Bull might be shifting focus to for example IndyCar?
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They were there in the early part of last decade with Eddie Cheever's team. It's possible, but I don't think so.
Jayski:
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Red Bull leaving NASCAR? UPDATE: Multiple people familiar with the decision say Red Bull [#4-Kahne & #83-Vickers] plans to leave NASCAR at the end of this season. Those familiar with the decision also say a team official traveled to Michigan Speedway last weekend to inform industry leaders of Red Bull's decision. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because an official announcement has not been made to team employees. Red Bull is both the owner and sponsor of the two-car NASCAR team. The team has struggled since its 2007 entry into NASCAR. Red Bull also owns a pair of two-car Formula One teams. Current points leader Sebastian Vettel is the reigning world champion and has won five of seven Grand Prix races this season.(Associated Press)(6-20-2011)
UPDATE: Sources say employees at Red Bull Racing have been told that the NASCAR Sprint Cup operation will close at the end of the year. A surprise visit by race director Thomas Ueberall had crew members scrambling for job openings at Michigan this weekend. Two scenarios mentioned for the existing equipment could be general manager Jay Frye bringing in investors and starting a new operation with Mark Martin and engines from Hendrick Motorsports, a plan that Frye had tried to expedite over the last two years with pushback from Austria. The hot rumor of late has been the return of Ray Evernham in an ownership role similar to Tony Stewart's at SHR, with Red Bull as the sponsor. On Monday Evernham told FOXSports.com he "had zero desire to be an owner again." Evernham said he had no knowledge on a Red Bull deal. Apparently, Red Bull was fairly far down the line in negotiations with Clint Bowyer for the #4 ride next season. It was one of the few companies that could afford Bowyer. Another dilemma with the Red Bull situation is what happens to Cole Whitt, who currently drives for the organization in the Camping World Truck Series. Certainly, if Frye acquires the assets, Whitt must be part of that plan.(Fox Sports)(6-20-2011)
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Might see a shell of the current team enter one car next year under Frye's leadership. They'll have a guaranteed top 35 starting spot for the first few races after all.
Bowyer's a good driver, but he overrates his worth if Red Bull was one of the few that could afford him, especially if that car he's in now as rumored doesn't have money to last this season.