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Sprint is on to change NASCAR series names

Sprint Cup could come in 2008, sources say

It appears NASCAR’s top two series will change names next season, the Observer has learned. Sprint Nextel is primed to change the name of the Nextel Cup Series, with the likelihood of such a change by next season called “fairly certain” by multiple sources Sunday.

NASCAR is in the process of seeking a new sponsor for its Busch Series.

A Sprint Nextel spokesperson reached at Las Vegas Motor Speedway said the company had not reached a decision on whether to change the series name, or what it would be if such a change was made. The company hoped to have a decision by mid- to late-summer, the spokesperson said.

Nextel Communications signed a 10-year agreement in 2003 to become the sponsor of what is now the Nextel Cup Series beginning in 2004. Nextel replaced Winston, which had sponsored the series for 33 years. In 2005, Nextel merged with Sprint and, almost immediately, speculation started on a new name for the Cup series. Nextel is allowed a name change in its agreement with NASCAR. The most discussed name at the time was the Sprint Cup Series.

Sprint Nextel officials decided to delay a decision while the new company evaluated how best to leverage its sponsorship with the merger.

NASCAR confirmed late last year Anheuser-Busch would not extend its sponsorship of the Busch Series beyond 2007. The company has sponsored the series since its inception in 1982.

NASCAR and officials with ESPN, which now televises the entire Busch schedule, have been working in partnership in obtaining a new sponsor.