Freshrubber Blog

The storied Ferrari team threatened to not race in Formula One next season unless the sport’s governing body revokes its new budget cap. The Italian team, which has been involved in all 60 seasons of F1 competition, said Tuesday the new FIA guidelines were arbitrary and would set a double standard. “The same rules for all teams, stability of regulations, the continuity of … endeavors to methodically and progressively reduce costs, and governance of Formula One are priorities for the future,” Ferrari said in a statement after a board meeting. “If these indispensable principles are not respected, and if the regulations decided for 2010 will not change, Ferrari does not intend to enter its cars in the next Formula One world championship.” Ferrari said it hoped fans would understand this “painful choice.  Sportsillustrated

Mark Martin’s 37 victories and more than $70 million in earnings make him one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. But only recently has he found a better balance. Hendrick provides him with some of the best cars in the sport, and Martin brings 29 years of experience and a youthful exuberance. A pessimistic approach has been replaced by a big smile. He remains guarded, but he often drops his guard long enough to enjoy the ride. “I am a different person,” he said. “I still think that I’m cautious about what I set myself up for. But I know I’m going to have some fun. You know, I mean, if everything turns into a disaster, maybe not. But then the next week we will [have fun]. “I’m having a blast.” And still winning. He’s 11th in points, above the cut line to qualify for the Chase for the Championship. “You are supposed to mellow [at 50],” Martin said. “I feel very, very fortunate. … And you know what: I am more excited than I was in 1981 to be here right now.” — Florida Times-Union

A double-digit decline in ratings for NASCAR on Fox has officials researching why the audience is shrinking and what, if anything, can be done to reverse the trend. Through the season’s first 10 races, Nielsen ratings on Fox are down 11.5 percent and viewership is down 10.8 percent from 2008 numbers, which don’t include a 2008 rainout. Ratings for each of the last seven Sprint Cup races going into last week’s event at Darlington were down by double digits. Fox’s average rating for the season was a 5.4 with 8.9 million viewers prior to Sunday’s race at Darlington, compared with averages of 6.1 and 10 million for 2008. “As you look at the current snapshot, it’s been a challenging year,” said Paul Brooks, president of NASCAR Media Group. “That being said, we’re still the No. 1 sport on television six of the last nine weeks. Our position in the sports and entertainment landscape is strong. — Sports Business Journal