“What we will bring to Montreal is a first-class package,” [Brian France] said. France said that if that means the sanctioning body might have to sweeten the purse to attract drivers like Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick and Jimmie Johnson, then that is what will happen. “We will work with the promoter (Normand Legault) to make sure we have the stars at Montreal,” he said. When asked if that meant that NASCAR might use its influence to lean on some drivers to be in Montreal, France answered “yes.” He also said that the Montreal already has signed a TV deal that will see the race broadcast in Canada on TSN and on the full ESPN network in the U.S. (Toronto Sun)(10-3-2006)
AND: France said he hopes to get several Canadian drivers to enter the race, much like the number of Mexican drivers who competed in the first two Busch Series races in Mexico City. France added that he hoped some Nextel Cup drivers would enter the race, which is being held the same weekend as a Cup race at Pocono Raceway. He said NASCAR would not offer extra incentive for Cup drivers to race in Montreal, saying the attraction of Montreal to sponsors would be incentive enough.(SceneDaily.com)(10-3-2006)
