NASCAR releases statement on NBC snubbing its ‘Always Forward’ float on Rose Parade coverage and fans are “not buying it”
The NASCAR community is furious with NBC for snubbing the premier stock car racing’s float at the Rose Parade. The float named “Always Forward” was fielded to start the celebrations of the 75th-anniversary edition of the sport. It featured three iconic cars of the sport, the No:43 of Ricard Petty, the No:3 of Dale Earnhardt, and the No:24 of Jeff Gordan. The “King” and Rajah Caruth were on the float representing NASCAR.
Many fans were disappointed after NBC didn’t feature the NASCAR float in their two-hour event coverage. They are one of the broadcasters of the NASCAR cup and Xfinity series races, so the racing community didn’t take it lightly. Claire B Lang of SiriusXM NASCAR Radio contacted the organization enquiring about the incident. She then shared her official reply with fans via her Twitter handle.
NASCAR claimed that an unexpected postponement caused the float to miss the broadcasting window. The statement read, “Unforeseen delays in the parade resulted in the parade running beyond the national broadcast window, and unfortunately that resulted in the NASCAR float not making the broadcast,”.
The statement further added that they were disappointed that fans didn’t get to enjoy the float on television. NASCAR added, “While we are disappointed that many of our fans at home couldn’t see it on television, we appreciate their unwavering passion and support, and we look forward to seeing them all at the Busch Light Clash on Feb. 5,”.
Twitter’s reaction to NASCAR’s statement
Fans were quick to call the reason’ rubbish as they are still furious with the miss. They wanted a strong response from NASCAR towards the broadcaster for their actions. Few fans pointed out that the float should have been upfront instead of at the back of the parade. Some fans also shared their frustration with the absence of Jimmie Johnson’s car in the float once again.
Yeah, not buying word of the PR rubbish provided. A good parade director knows how to keep things flowing so all items maintain schedule. @RoseParade botched this hugely
— KHarper (@KHarper_CE9Fan) January 2, 2023
Lets see, NASCAR doesn't show a 7x Champ car on float that covers 75 yrs History, Rose Parade is cut short on national TV…Hhhmm not very auspicious for NASCAR to begin the year!
— Jessie Collins (@JessieLC24) January 2, 2023
No offense, that’s a BS response! Until @NASCAR starts pushing back & calling out the networks for their blatant disregard towards the sport & fans; NBC, ABC, & Fox will continue neglecting them. It’s sad that the higher ups at @NASCAR keep allowing such disrespect! #RoseParade
— Nicole Huttie (@nicole_huttie) January 2, 2023
Claire, have you asked #NASCAR why they waste so much money building a track for one race? Do they really think they’re gaining fans? #NASCAR judgment is way off. They have unrealistic expectations. I’ve been a fan for my entire life and I feel #NASCAR is at its lowest.
— James Martin (@jamesshred1) January 3, 2023
It's like spending time and money promoting "the best season ever" just to have it turn out like any other season! Oh well, we got our money, please tune in to watch more of the same hype, thanks
— Eddie Smith (@Gump638) January 2, 2023
I just saw it a second time so it is on the digital broadcast on KTLA 5 and repeats. And they gave them a good few minutes talked about NASCAR and float Petty and Caruth clearly shown. It was good PR. Petty was also in a preparade interview KTLA news.
— No Blue Check club (@mustangmario) January 2, 2023
I apologize for being a negative ninnie but the Clash is not about racing. People were there for the concert & entertainment. The racing was subpar & if someone got out front they stayed up front. I will not be watching. I'm a big fan of NASCAR and great competition.
— Keith Hayes (@KeithHa93578985) January 2, 2023
Rose Parade releases statement on the snub of NASCAR Float
The Rose Parade organizers also released a statement similar to NASCAR’s earlier via Instagram. “We are extremely disappointed that the Nascar and Snapchat float, as well as the Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band, was not seen on the national broadcasts of today’s Rose Parade due to unforeseen delays,”.
They added that it’s heartbreaking to know the result of months of efforts by many was missed by many fans. “We appreciate the time and energy that goes into each unit in the Parade, and for the results of that effort to be missed by those watching across the country is heartbreaking,”.
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