|
|
|
Home Page  Copyright © 2000-2005. All Rights Reserved. Nextel Cup® and NASCAR® are registered trademarks of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. This web site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by NASCAR®. The official NASCAR® website is "NASCAR® Online" and is located at..www.nascar.com |
Jeff Gordon: NASCAR's Reigning Metrosexual 
February 14, 2005
By Rebecca Gladden
As the 2005 Nextel Cup season launches, one thing is clear: This ain't your grandaddy's NASCAR. The point was driven home on Tuesday when Jeff Gordon appeared via satellite on KTLA Los Angeles' Morning News show. Given the opportunity to interview the four-time Cup champ, did the anchors start with a question about how testing was going, Gordon's thoughts on the new spoiler rule, or an assessment of his Daytona chances? Well ... no.
Interviewer #1: What's this I hear about the word 'metrosexual' being involved with NASCAR? Did I read this wrong? This just doesn't seem right to me. Interviewer #2: Are you a metrosexual, Jeff? Interviewer #1: What's going on? Jeff Gordon: I like to think that I have a little sense of style, and, you know, when you're out there at the racetrack, and there's nothing but burning rubber and gasoline everywhere, you need to smell good. So I'm excited about launching off the new campaign for Halston Z-14, and I will be smelling good with a classic fragrance, so it's a great way to get the season started. Interviewer #2: How does it blend with the fumes from the racetrack? Jeff Gordon: Perfectly, perfectly.
Then, after a brief race-related exchange, the conversation drifted from cars to cologne again.
Interviewer #1: I don't think anybody banging fenders with you is going to care how you smell or what you smell like. Jeff Gordon: It's not those guys I'm concerned about. Interviewer #1: I much prefer the smell of burnt rubber to Halston. Jeff Gordon: No way, man. Interviewer #2 (to other anchor): That's because you're not metrosexual enough. Interviewer #1: You're right, I'm not.
In fairness, Gordon was apparently there to promote the upscale men's cologne. But, he seemed perfectly comfortable with the direction of the discourse. Jeff Gordon does not eschew the metrosexual label. In fact, he embraces it. This trend may simply be a part of the natural evolution of the sport. NASCAR has strived to reach a mass-market audience and has succeeded in distancing itself from it's southern roots. But if a chasm still exists between rednecks and yuppies, Gordon is more than happy to be the bridge-builder. He combines unparalleled racing credentials among current drivers with rakish good looks and an urbane, articulate style that appeals to sponsors, advertisers, and a well-defined target market of consumers. The term metrosexual was first coined in 1994 by British journalist Mark Simpson. He combined the words "metropolitan" and "heterosexual" to describe an emerging breed of affluent, style-conscious males. Answers.com defines a metrosexual as, "a dandyish narcissist in love with not only himself, but also his urban lifestyle; a straight man who is in touch with his feminine side." Wikipedia.com offers: "An urban heterosexual male with a strong aesthetic sense who spends a great deal of time and money on his appearance and lifestyle. He is the fashion-conscious target audience of men's magazines." Even ESPN.com took up the metrosexual discussion with an online quiz aimed at helping men rate their metrosexuality. The questions included: How many times do you look in a mirror each day? Can you leave the house without putting product in your hair? Do you moisturize daily? Have you ever tweezed, waxed or trimmed your eyebrows? And, how much do you spend on a haircut? You can rate your own answers at: http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/quiz?event_id=418 In discussing his association with the Halston brand, Gordon stated, "Coming off my 14th year of racing in NASCAR, Halston Z-14 will be my signature fragrance. I love wearing it because it is a bold, masculine scent that's perfect for men like me, who are active, sophisticated and modern." In other words, metrosexual. No doubt some will bemoan this movement away NASCAR's traditional fan base, personified in a commercial a few years back by a racing fan who dabbed motor oil behind his ears instead of cologne. If so, then mission accomplished. Gordon has aligned himself with a number of other high-end products, including TAG Heuer, a line of luxury Swiss watches, and his own series of upscale wines bearing the "Jeff Gordon Collection" label. The first wine, a 2004 Carneros Chardonnay, will be available in October, 2005. Halston Cologne, TAG Heuer watches, Jeff Gordon Chardonnay. Toto, I've a feeling we're not in North Wilkesboro anymore.
You can contact Rebecca at.. Insider Racing News The thoughts and ideas expressed by this writer or any other writer on Insider Racing News, are not necessarily the views of the staff and/or management of IRN. Although we may not always agree with what is said, we do feel it's our duty to give a voice to those who have something relevant to say about the sport of auto racing.
illnesses through research and treatment
 |
