Note: My articles are based on my own observations and feelings about racing and how I feel. Normally I do not offer stats.
When I first began writing articles for NASCAR, I mentioned on the forum I was posting my articles on at the time, that I like all types of motor sports and watch a lot of them. I still watch some, but not as many as I once did. Although I still enjoy motor sports with NASCAR and NHRA being near the top of the list to watch, my favorite is dirt track motorcycle racing, namely Supercross and Motocross along with Flat Track. I enjoy watching all three during their seasons and sometimes choose them over NASCAR if there are time conflicts. I chose to no longer have a DVR so can’t record any of them. As I have aged, tv is no longer one of my top priorities.
Lately, I have been watching the number of fans at the races I watch on television. It seems the attendance has dropped at all types of racing events. Although I do not count, nor research each event, just glancing at or studying the stands, one can see there continues to be less fans than there once was. By the way, David Nance, another author here is the one who is excellent when it comes to stats on a lot of different venues.
As I watched a Supercross on Saturday, March 30th, the stadium was full of fans. I asked my inhouse expert if all the Supercross events had a full house where fans were concerned. He agreed with me that they had a very full stadium. It brought a smile to my face. It continues to attract as many fans as it has in the past.
Sunday, April 7th, I sort of watched some of the Cup Race, Stage 1, but then I chose to go out to breakfast and a long drive afterwards with my inhouse expert on racing. Was it the weather or just a plain boring beginning of a race? I sort of listened to the race on Sirius – but trouble was – I found it boring. The scenery, including the ocean, we were driving near was so much more interesting. We changed stations about halfway through the 3rd stage so we would not know who won the race. After we returned home, we started watching a replay of the Cup race. It was kind of predictable as to who would win. Three Hendrick cars in the top 3 and the broadcast team really made a point of telling us it was the 40-year anniversary for them. That feat was amazing. However, the race itself was boring. At times, I am not sure if it is the racing or my age that makes it boring. Maybe it is who is in the booth during the broadcast. Personally, I think Mike Joy over emphasizes Toyota and their drivers. Most of the people I speak with seem to think Toyota now owns NASCAR. Perhaps, but then there is also a lot of fairness in some of the broadcasters.
Ummm, that brings up something interesting…age and racing. Have I become what we call a casual fan? Our definition of casual fan comes from the time Brian France was in charge of NASCAR He wanted casual fans – mainly stars who would watch only occasionally and sit around the track in the more expensive areas and sip on wine and eat hors d’ Oeuvres, while being seen. Or they could be ones who would come to a race once in a while when there was nothing else to do.
I have always, until lately, loved watching NASCAR racing on tv. It seems lately something else calls me during the live broadcasts. It could be anything from going out to eat to just going out and sitting by the river when weather permits. I am not sure, but many other fans seem to be having the same problem as I do. They have either stopped going to the races and/or have stopped watching them on television. It seems a lot of fans spend a lot of time on their phone. Are they watching the race on their phone or busy posting and reading something else? Social media has taken over so many people, especially the younger ones.
Has anyone else been having these same problems? Do you have an explanation as to what has happened to the fans? I remember a time when one had to buy seats for NASCAR races up to a year in advance. Ticket sales stayed high for many years. That is no longer an issue for the sales. Something else is amiss and I am not sure what it is.
What do you think is the reason, or are the reasons, NASCAR fans have turned or tuned away from the sport?
Thank you for reading and your comments would be much appreciated.
Vivian Simons
Photo Credit (cover): Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images
I have gone to Dover and Martinville, and watching them go round and round is so boring. You have to focus on a couple of cars, and the rest is a blur. It is not worth the money and hassle of dealing with traffic. I only watch the races in the 10 laps. Sadly, I would rather read a good book. The same goes for the awful NBA and overhyped NFL.
Hi Dale,
It was definitely more fun when I was younger and my mind could stay more focused. These days I have a hard time watching on tv as it seems most of the announcers think they are the stars. They jump to conclusions which seems to sway a lot of newer fans.
Going to races in the past was an event for my group and me, or just me at times. I used to love the hustle and bustle of the days of the past.
Today, I am happy just multi tasking during the commercials or delays in the races.
Thanks for reading and commenting as all comments give us ideas for future articles or re publishing of articles!
Hello George and thank you for reading and commenting! We need more like you on this site. Glad you found us!
I am still loyal to Chevy and then Ford. I have always felt there are racers and there are drivers. We used to watch and follow a lot of racers, but now a lot of drivers bore us. However, there is one racer/driver in a Ford that I am fond of. I like and follow Ryan Blaney . I feel he is basically reserved and calculating when he is driving. Most of the things that happen to him seems to be either pits or other drivers, imo. Whatever the deal, I like him! I love it that he started the trend of giving a young fan the checkered flag.
Do you remember Robin Miller and how he said Toyota would ruin NASCAR? I think of that ever so often and wonder sometimes about how things are going and if that is what happened in some people’s beliefs.
Thanks again, and please come back to read and comment.