Miami new car finance

The Big Apple 500. The Steinbrenner 400. The naming rights possibilities will be endless when NASCAR races in New York City. And that goal is one step closer to reality after the International Speedway Corp. last week paid $100 million for a site on Staten Island.

If this is all news to you, it shouldn't be. This is a big deal. Why? It's all about NASCAR's growth-both in measurable numbers and immeasurable image. NASCAR doesn't want to be the little brother of sportsdom. Getting noticed in the media capital of the world certainly is a way for NASCAR to boost its sports cred. Why else does the sport make such a big deal about having its awards banquet in Manhattan?

Plus, NASCAR loves TV ratings and is determined to have races in each of the country's major television markets. Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago and Phoenix have tracks nearby; Boston and Detroit are within a few hours of tracks. New York City is the obvious next target.

With the announcement of the sale came caveats from ISC president Lesa France Kennedy. (France Kennedy also is on NASCAR's board of directors; ISC and NASCAR are both controlled by the France family.) She said a feasibility study will determine whether a track is built, but it's hard to believe ISC would pay $100 million for a property it isn't going to build a track on. Nonetheless, don't expect racing in front of the Manhattan skyline anytime soon: If a track is built, the first green flag won't fly until 2009 or 2010.--M.C.