Does the popularity level of Nascar matter to you? Is it important to?

Question

you that the sport continues to grow and gain new fans? Do you care about ratings at all? The pundits make it out to be very important to the fans but now I'm asking you because for me, it is not important at all. Is the sport any greater now than it was 10, 20, 40 years ago because they have greater tv ratings and sell more tickets?! I'd rather see less fans at the track if anything. I get tired of waiting 2 hours to get out of the parking lot. I understand its important to the people involved - Nascar, sponsors, drivers, teams, etc. But is it important to YOU?

Answer 1

40 years ago there was no TV coverage.  TV ratings are important because they keep the races on.

If fewer fans show up at races, tracks will close and the number of races will diminish.

You had better be careful what you wish for.

Answer 2

No I don't really care about the ratings I just like it.  A lot of my friends like it too so we have fun talking about it.

Answer 3

Not at all, I agree I'd rather see less fans, less lines and less traffic!

Answer 4

Actually, I like it.

When I was growing up they only broadcast parts of the race if anything. The first Pole to checkered broadcast wasn't until 1977(???).

Now I can watch the race, see results, replays, etc. Instead of having to hope that there was something in one of Monday's papers.

Answer 5

It matters to me only from the standpoint of the races and race related programs are on the television.  The more popular the more advertising the networks can sell and more that will be on tv.  However I would like to see that if it does gain in popularity that the ticket prices would go down and the track owners or NASCAR itself would get their revenue from other sources beside the individual race fan.

Answer 6

The only positive to the popularity level is that it keeps it being broadcast. If popularity dropped significantly we'd probably not see all the races televised. At my age I don't go to the track so I'm at the mercy of t.v.

Answer 7

It DOES matter to me. The reason being is that the more popular it gets and the bigger fan base that television coverage will be that much better and easier for all to see. If the demand is lower we'd be force to go to the tracks more. Not that going to the track is a bad thing but, it is easier for the majority of us to be able to watch it from home or the bar or what have you.

Answer 8

I was into Cup racing when everyone pretty much ignored it. Most of the race fans back then knew the difference between a wrench and a screwdriver. There's a new breed of fan that follows the sport just because everyone else is into it. They have very little knowledge of cars and  racing and have never been to their local short track. They only know what the tv screen shows them. I also think this type of fan won't hang around very long and will eventually find something new to occupy their attention. I swear if I hear the words "boring" and "race" mentioned in the same sentence again, I'm going to punch someone. The Cup series' popularity is a double edged sword, and many of the people who helped get the sport where it is today have been pushed out because of the escalation in ticket prices, etc.

Answer 9

Doesn't bother me a bit.  I am glad to see all the newbies come into the sport. I think it's great that the sport I love is becoming so popular.  I have been a fan for a very long time so I have gone from it being just my group of friends that like the sport to finding new fans every day around me that like it too.  I think it great fun & I enjoy helping someone understand it better.  

No I don't enjoy the long wait to get out of the parking lot but that is why we tailgate for a while after the race.  I hardley ever sit in traffic anymore.  As for the crowds in the stands and at the track I LOVE IT!   I am a people person so the more the merrier in my book.  I love sitting elbow to elbow with a couple hundred thousand people, everyone cheering on a driver, you get to know most everyone around you.  It can get a little stinky on the really hot days though...LOL!!   So many different kinds of folks at these tracks even if you don't like the sport it sure is a great place to people watch.

Answer 10

The only reason it bothers me is the bigger it gets the more further away from what stock car racing is supposed to be it gets.Stock bodies with modified factory based engines.In other words a car you could buy off the showroom floor and modify yourself that is what stock car racing is really supposed to be.

Answer 11

It is ultimately great for the sport, but to me it's not that important.  The more people watching, the more money they are going to try to make.  More commercials, more rules favoring an even playing field, etc..

And like you, I hate the 2-3 hour wait to get out and the cramped grandstands...

Answer 12

It is important to me but only because I want the full race to be broadcast on TV. If the popularity drops too low, it could jeopardize that. I have a 2 year old which makes going to races harder. I only go to the Bristol Races so the 2 hour wait isn't that big of a deal.

Answer 13

No it doesn't matter to me. It is a pain in the butt waiting to get out of the race. And forget going to the bathroom, that's usually a 30 min wait in itself. But hey, that's the price we fans pay for being fans of such a popular sport.

However, it's popularity does help make a compelling argument aginst those who don't like the sport. It's great seeing their reaction when I tell them that NASCAR is the 2nd most popular sport in the US, behind football. Most don't believe me though so I usually have to prove it to them.

Answer 14

No. As a matter of fact, I kinda miss the days when it was 'the best kept secret'.