Join us on the fast track.(Brief Article)

Yes, that is Dale Earnhardt on the cover of your copy of THE SPORTING NEWS.

And, yes, that means we are expanding the magazine that has focused on the "Big 6" sports for the last several years to cover the "Super 7"--the first national sports publication to make NASCAR a vital part of its weekly coverage.

Why? NASCAR has burst into mainstream sports consciousness in an undeniable way. Its television ratings on both broadcast and cable networks far outstrip more established sports and are, on average, second only to the NFL.

That's why Fox, NBC and Turner Broadcasting were willing to plunk down $2.4 billion over the next six years to televise NASCAR races. NASCAR merchandise sales were estimated at $1.2 billion last year, again second only to the NFL.

A study sponsored by NASCAR found that 33 percent of U.S. residents consider themselves NASCAR fans, including 14.4 million avid fans who spend 6 1/2 hours per week watching NASCAR on television.

We already have many dedicated NASCAR fans among current readers, and I am certain that number will only grow over the coming months. We are dedicated to bringing you coverage that is every bit as in-depth as it is for our other sports.

We will have a regular "Insider" columnist, Lee Spencer, whose first colunm is on page 22. Lee's name will be familiar to anyone who reads our NASCAR coverage at sportingnews.com. You will now find her work in the magazine and on the ...