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Optimism abounds that Monster Energy will sign extension with NASCAR

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series STP 500

MARTINSVILLE, VA - MARCH 26: Clint Bowyer, driver of the #14 Haas Automation Demo Day Ford, celebrates with a burnout after winning the weather delayed Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series STP 500 at Martinsville Speedway on March 26, 2018 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images)

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An International Speedway Corp. executive says the company is “optimistic” that Monster Energy will extend its sponsorship of NASCAR’s Cup Series beyond this season.

John Saunders, president of International Speedway Corp., which owns several tracks that host NASCAR races, including Daytona International Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway, made the comment Tuesday morning during an earnings call with investor analysts.

NASCAR previously stated it is negotiating with Monster Energy and that the deadline for the company to decide was extended from Dec. 31.

Asked about Monster Energy’s status, Saunders said on the ISC earnings call:

“The initial term was 2017 through 2018. It’s our understanding that NASCAR is still engaged in negotiations for an extension. Don’t have a line of sight on how long that extension will be. Initial indications from NASCAR leave us feeling optimistic that there will be an extension.

“It’s been a great brand for our sport. It speaks to a younger demographic. By all metrics from their perspective we think it’s been successful. This is ISC’s position that we think it’s been a successful entitlement for them. So we’re optimistic.’’

NASCAR declined comment Tuesday to NBC Sports about Saunders’ comments and the status of negotiations with Monster Energy.

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