A spokesman for NASCAR’s first-year title sponsor said the publicity stemming from some owners’ opinions on national anthem protests likely will not impact its longevity in the sport. Monster Energy vice president of sports marketing Mitch Covington told USA TODAY Sports: ‘The comments should have no affect on our decision. Lauded as an industry by Trump for its unanimity with his view, NASCAR became a foil for late-night television Monday. In his monologue on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, the comedian wondered how African-American driver Bubba Wallace could make a lap without being stopped by police, even including Monster Energy in his punchline. Optics of the issue would seem important as Monster Energy must inform NASCAR this year whether it will pick up a two-year option that would run through 2020. Monster is currently in the first year of a two-year pact. Sports Business Journal reported this week that the energy drink company requested in late summer to extend its December deadline for the reported $20 million annual deal.(USA Today)
