NASCAR’s Decision to Remove a Fan YouTube Video: Five Lessons Learned

During the NASCAR Nationwide race at Daytona International Speedway, Kyle Larson crashed on the last lap, slammed into the fence and sent debris flying into the stands where fans were sitting. It’s no surprise people were tweeting, taking pictures and filming during the moments of the crash; firsthand accounts popped up all over social media.

Among the things circulating on social media was a video of the crash a fan posted on YouTube (see video below). Though the video does not show anything graphic, the view from the eyes of the fan is terrifying. It is also apparent through the clip that a tire flew into the stands, injuring a fan.

This one video (below) would turn into a social media / PR debacle for NASCAR:

Brief Timeline
NASCAR had the video taken down from YouTube, without any acknowledgement of doing so. People were outraged that NASCAR  censored the video and conversations unfolded with people trying to explain their copyright laws, reason for removing the video, etc. Through all of this, NASCAR had no voice in the conversation.

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Warning: Everyone Has the Harlem Shakes

We have seen it before… those video crazes that take teams, athletic departments and universities by storm. It happen with Call Me Maybe, Gangnam Style and now the latest, the Harlem Shakes.

So far the UGA swim team steals the show with their underwater rendition that has garnered more than 2 million views. But lets’ face it, we are probably just getting started. If these video crazes prove one thing, it’s that people and fans love a little personality and humor. In fact, they don’t seem to mind when teams push the boundaries a little bit.

This post is strictly for your entertainment. Yes, I’ve compiled a list of the latest Harlem Shake videos floating around. Be sure to let me know of other Harlem Shake videos by teams, leagues or athletic departments and I will add them. Enjoy!
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