Column: NASCAR must push its newest winners into superstars

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A race car driver can have all the personality in the world but skills not much better than an old moonshine runner. Or a driver might be the second coming of Richard Petty himself, then fail to transfer any of that on-track energy into a sponsor appearance.

Sometimes a driver is the perfect mix of talent and marketability, yet get stuck in mediocre equipment or a team on a slide. It's hard to build a fan base with a car that can't compete.

NASCAR got a true gift when Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney — YOUNG GUNS! — put together back-to-back playoff victories. The two are part of the next generation of NASCAR superstars, but marketing that becomes difficult when the drivers don't win.