The Sporting News has named its Power 100 in the world of sports. Here are some of the highlights for racing fans (top 40 ranked by number and the rest split into categories): 8. Fox Sports Chairman David Hill – “Fox may lack ESPN’s omnipresence, but it’s darn close — there’s Fox Sports Net (nicely profitable in 2002), FX Channel and Speed Channel, plus a website and radio network. And Hill’s bold approach often gives Fox products a distinctive (albeit frequently crass) identity. Fox’s big spending on the NFL, MLB and NASCAR makes it the most important broadcast network. Of course, if Fox steps back, we may look back and say Hill and NBC’s thrifty Dick Ebersol (see No. 33) should have been flip-flopped. But for now Hill is paying and he’s a player. 11. Bill France Jr. – “NASCAR keeps zooming toward (past?) the big three of sports. Only shaky health and the lack of day-to-day involvement keep France from the top 10.” 18. Fox Sports President Ed Goren – Runs last broadcast powerhouse, which aired the World Series, Super Bowl and NASCAR in 2002 and garnered 11 Sports Emmy awards last spring — four more than the ESPN networks combined. 21. NASCAR President Mike Helton 33. NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol In the specific categories, Fox Chairman Rupert Murdoch was named the #2 Emperor, NASCAR’s Brian France was named the #6 Sports Executive, Tony Stewart was the #6 Athlete, Turner Sports President Mark Lazarus was #2 and Fox Sports Net President Tracy Dolgin was #3 in the Media Executive rankings, and DEI chief engine builder Richie Gilmore was the #3 Technology Wonk.( MotorsportsTV )(1-13-2003)
