City Manager Praises Exposure on National TV
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, found itself in the national spotlight during the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway last weekend, thanks to the Cook Out 250. The event, sponsored by Cook Out, a popular fast-food chain with roots in North Carolina, was broadcast nationwide, repeatedly mentioning Winston-Salem throughout the race.
City Manager Patrick Pate acknowledged the impact, saying, “Winston-Salem was mentioned on national TV so many times. We can’t count how much that would cost if we were trying to put those ads out there ourselves.”
Boosting Winston-Salem’s Visibility
NASCAR broadcasts reach millions of viewers, with the Daytona race serving as a marquee event in the Xfinity Series season. With Cook Out’s deep ties to North Carolina—its headquarters being in Thomasville, just a short drive from Winston-Salem—the brand’s presence at one of NASCAR’s biggest venues inevitably brought attention to the region.
The race broadcast repeatedly mentioned Cook Out’s connection to Winston-Salem, giving the city valuable exposure that local leaders see as a major win.
A Strategic Marketing Opportunity
For a city that prides itself on its business-friendly environment and Southern charm, this kind of national recognition is invaluable. Advertising at this scale typically requires major investment, but as Pate pointed out, Winston-Salem received the coverage organically, thanks to its association with Cook Out and NASCAR.
The exposure could have long-term benefits, from attracting new businesses to increasing tourism. Winston-Salem has a rich motorsports history, and its connection to NASCAR could play a role in bringing more racing-related events and fans to the city.
Racing’s Influence on Local Business
Beyond the race itself, NASCAR’s strong regional influence continues to benefit North Carolina communities. Many race teams and businesses supporting the industry are based in the state, making every mention of North Carolina cities in NASCAR broadcasts a potential economic boost.
For Winston-Salem, the unexpected national spotlight is just another example of how motorsports can help drive interest and economic growth in the region.
