Fixing Attendance

jws926 said:
And that is something NASCAR cant change , no matter what they do, but its not just NASCAR that is facing this problem though.
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If you’re gonna tank anyway at least stick to your fan base. Just seems like NASCAR is frantically floundering.
I hope so. Once the idiots are gone we have hope of returning to real racing, instead of worrying about maintaining a lavish lifestyle gifted by your parents.
 
BobbyFord said:
If you’re gonna tank anyway at least stick to your fan base. Just seems like NASCAR is frantically floundering.
I hope so. Once the idiots are gone we have hope of returning to real racing, instead of worrying about maintaining a lavish lifestyle gifted by your parents.
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I agree, NASCAR screwed the pooch when they decided to focus on those bandwagon fans of the mid 2000's that were just here because it was the trendy thing to do for time, and they have all moved on, but so did a good part of the core fan base that got them to that point in the mid 2000's because NASCAR gave them middle finger.
 
BobbyFord said:
For a few years I just quit watching after Richmond because The Chase was a damn joke.
Then they went to “playoffs, elimination rounds and stages.” That did it for me.
I still love auto racing but this isn’t racing anymore, it’s manufactured, cartoon drama.
I miss NASCAR. Brian France isn’t NASCAR.
I’ll wait for, “But there’s still cars on the track.” I believe the count was 14 for the last crap plate race. I’ve got better ****t to do for three hours than to sit and wait for 14 cars to finish.
Too bad Brian doesn’t read this crap.
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Each year Nascar dithers and loses more fans and doesn't entice new ones makes it more difficult to get the ship turned around. As long as everyone is getting paid I see more of the same but if/when the broadcast contracts change it could mean the series changes in a positive manner.
 
BobbyFord said:
If you’re gonna tank anyway at least stick to your fan base. Just seems like NASCAR is frantically floundering.
I hope so. Once the idiots are gone we have hope of returning to real racing, instead of worrying about maintaining a lavish lifestyle gifted by your parents.
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The key words...... ''maintaining a lavish lifestyle gifted by your parents''...... Brian and Lesa never had to earn their way...... I was really impressed with what Bill Jr. accomplished and how he furthered the sport under his reign .
 
Skoalbandit33 said:
Each year Nascar dithers and loses more fans and doesn't entice new ones makes it more difficult to get the ship turned around. As long as everyone is getting paid I see more of the same but if/when the broadcast contracts change it could mean the series changes in a positive manner.
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Just like the current sponsorship deal, NASCAR is going to take it in the shorts on the next broadcast contract. That’s when the crap will get closer to the fan blades.
I commend Carl Edwards for saying bye-bye.
 
BobbyFord said:
Just like the current sponsorship deal, NASCAR is going to take it in the shorts on the next broadcast contract. That’s when the crap will get closer to the fan blades.
I commend Carl Edwards for saying bye-bye.
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Carl did the very best thing by just walking away...... Kenseth would be smart to do the same....... Jr.... should have done it this year.....
 
kymartin6 said:
Carl did the very best thing by just walking away...... Kenseth would be smart to do the same....... Jr.... should have done it this year.....
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The popular drivers need to make a stand. NASCAR has a monopoly on their earning abilities. I pray the sanctioning body tanks and racing returns to it’s roots.
 
Thegeneral23 said:
So let me get this straight.. a lot of y'all don't even watch, but come on a forum to speak on something you don't even watch?? Wow that's really confusing lol
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Different strokes for different folks is the way I see it. As I said earlier I do watch most of the races to one degree or another but the on track product is not my favorite part of the series unless of course a good race happens like at Martinsville.
 
This is the first year I haven’t watched a lap, Trucks, Xfin, Cup. Not a single lap.
I want to be a part of the negative ratings because I believe the sport is off course.
My dad took me to races where guys like Petty, Tim Richmond, David Pearson were winning races. Nothing compares. The sport, under it’s current management, couldn’t be farther from real racing. Bull****t stages disguised as scheduled yellow flags, elimination races, playoffs? WTF?
You have to be an idiot to question the decline in fan interest.
 
I personally know several people who used to be hardcore NASCAR fans, and have met many many others who used to be fans as well. The overwhelming majority of them lost interest specifically because of the many changes since 2003. When you lose fans at a faster rate than you gain them, this is the result. Simple as that. And in my opinion, NASCAR doesn't do a good enough job of marketing their product.

I'll say this: despite all the constant changes to the fundamental structure of the sport, the fan experience at the track is still like nothing else. Tickets are very affordable, and seeing a race in person is such an amazing experience. If you stay in a hotel near the track, yeah it sucks to spend $300/night at a freakin Super 8, but that's not NASCAR's fault. You can still plan a weekend around a race without breaking the bank if you're smart about it.

I just don't see how NASCAR can look at the numbers and think that all of their changes have made a positive impact. They took something that was beautiful in it's simplicity and added a ton of BS that most of your hardcore fans hate, and your casual fans couldn't care less about. They are constantly tinkering with the points/playoffs/etc almost every year, which is what irks me the most. I've stuck around because I still enjoy the races, but I couldn't care less about the championship anymore and the broadcasts (especially NBC) certainly aren't helping the TV experience IMO.
 
ladyspartan16 said:
Well the CEO and the most popular up coming driving not endorsing- nevermind. Not the place.

But yes, they can change it if they try.
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Maybe, I think its a long shot, but I would loved to be proved wrong though.
 
ladyspartan16 said:
Exactly. It's not the racing, it's the culture.
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Can I get you or someone else to expand on that? Are there aspects of the 'NASCAR culture' (I'm not sure I know what comes under that heading) that are turning off Millennials, or are there things they think are missing? Is it just NASCAR or all motorsports?

Thanks to whoever responds.
 
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2 Sweet said:
I personally know several people who used to be hardcore NASCAR fans, and have met many many others who used to be fans as well. The overwhelming majority of them lost interest specifically because of the many changes since 2003. When you lose fans at a faster rate than you gain them, this is the result. Simple as that. And in my opinion, NASCAR doesn't do a good enough job of marketing their product.

I'll say this: despite all the constant changes to the fundamental structure of the sport, the fan experience at the track is still like nothing else. Tickets are very affordable, and seeing a race in person is such an amazing experience. If you stay in a hotel near the track, yeah it sucks to spend $300/night at a freakin Super 8, but that's not NASCAR's fault. You can still plan a weekend around a race without breaking the bank if you're smart about it.

I just don't see how NASCAR can look at the numbers and think that all of their changes have made a positive impact. They took something that was beautiful in it's simplicity and added a ton of BS that most of your hardcore fans hate, and your casual fans couldn't care less about. They are constantly tinkering with the points/playoffs/etc almost every year, which is what irks me the most. I've stuck around because I still enjoy the races, but I couldn't care less about the championship anymore and the broadcasts (especially NBC) certainly aren't helping the TV experience IMO.
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Well said and your experience is similar to mine. Nascar has made a series of poor choices and compounded the problem with more poor choices. As I have said before Nascar is on the "Hope Plan" and that is really no plan at all because all it means is that you do a series of dumbass things hoping fortunes will improve. I learned long ago that your best loss is your first loss so even if it means eating some humble pie and reversing course it it worth it. Nascar does not subscribe to this theory,
 
The fans have the most power to fix the attendance problem. It's pretty simple actually...buy a ticket and go to the races. At least then we are part of the solution and not part of the problem.:)
 
Charlie Spencer said:
Can I get you or someone else to expand on that? Are there aspects of the 'NASCAR culture' (I'm not sure I know what comes under that heading) that are turning off Millennials, or are there things they think are missing? Is it just NASCAR or all motorsports?

Thanks to whoever responds.
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To the best of my knowledge a good percentage of millennials would not go to a Nascar track because apparently most of the tracks have crappy WiFi, lack common areas where you can chat with your friends before, during and after the event and overall the venues are too loud. I struggle to understand what a Nascar or Monster lifestyle is or what makes a brand edgy.

The rest of the stuff concerning culture, a person's color or national origin escapes me as if you are an athlete or driver I value you for your ability to get the job done and in the real world I value people for their character. I didn't love my Philadelphia Eagles when Ron Jaworski was the leader and then think less of them when Randall Cunningham, Rodney Peete and Donavan McNabb were under center. I didn't start to love them again when Carson Wentz took over as none of that sort of thing makes any sense whatsoever to me.


Nitro Dude said:
The fans have the most power to fix the attendance problem. It's pretty simple actually...buy a ticket and go to the races. At least then we are part of the solution and not part of the problem.:)
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Good point as some people feel casting and illegal stream to their TV is doing Nascar a solid.
 
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N.on-
A.thletic
S.port
C.entered
A.round
R.ednecks

It's not just a stereotype folks... this is really how the rest of the country views NASCAR. When Talladega nights came out everybody watched it and had a good laugh, even those in the sport. Little did they know the rest of the world was laughing at them, not with them. They still are, and frankly, it's getting painful as a fan.
 
Skoalbandit33 said:
Are more people going to tune in from home to see a tightrope walker walk 3 feet off the ground with a safety net under him or walk between 2 skyscrapers with nothing but 38 floors and the ground beneath him? Why was Evel Knievel so popular and why do people always gravitate to daredevils?
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Your post is very illuminating, and helps explain many posts here. Those who crave a daredevil show with the ultimate consequences would find modern motor racing bland in comparison to 20-30-40 years ago.

I love racing as a sporting contest of skill. It requires bravery, but the hook is not a daredevil hook. When I was racing, I never considered it a daredevil thing. I know a fair number of racers more successful at it than myself, and they are not daredevils either. They are Racers... a completely different mindset from daredevil.

A batter trying to hit a 98 mph fastball is a contest of skill. The worth of that contest is not that a ball to the temple can end a guy's life. A modern batting helmet does not lessen the worth of the contest of skill. Not to me.

Hockey goalies wear facemasks these days. That has not cheapened what they do in their skill-based competition, IMO.

People who view racing as a daredevil show that has become bland due to safety initiatives... good bye and good riddance. You were here for the wrong reasons. We'll gladly adjust to racing without your numbers and without your money. Fans of racing know that a driving mistake will cost you the race, cost you the championship perhaps, but less likely today to cost your life and that is a good thing.
 
LewTheShoe said:
Your post is very illuminating, and helps explain many posts here. Those who crave a daredevil show with the ultimate consequences would find modern motor racing bland in comparison to 20-30-40 years ago.

I love racing as a sporting contest of skill. It requires bravery, but the hook is not a daredevil hook. When I was racing, I never considered it a daredevil thing. I know a fair number of racers more successful at it than myself, and they are not daredevils either. They are Racers... a completely different mindset from daredevil.

A batter trying to hit a 98 mph fastball is a contest of skill. The worth of that contest is not that a ball to the temple can end a guy's life. A modern batting helmet does not lessen the worth of the contest of skill. Not to me.

Hockey goalies wear facemasks these days. That has not cheapened what they do in their skill-based competition, IMO.

People who view racing as a daredevil show that has become bland due to safety initiatives... good bye and good riddance. You were here for the wrong reasons. We'll gladly adjust to racing without your numbers and without your money. Fans of racing know that a driving mistake will cost you the race, cost you the championship perhaps, but less likely today to cost your life and that is a good thing.
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What you say makes perfect sense as I think it is great that football players don't wear leather helmets and that the NFL is always looking for ways to improve player safety. I love the game and making better and safer helmets and improving other equipment take nothing away from that joy. I also think that many of the safety initiatives Nascar has undertaken have been godsends. Even if nothing other than safer walls/barriers had been accomplished it would still be a huge win.

I think a problem for Nascar is that the perception is that the safer it has become the less entertaining it is. Please hear me as I am not saying it is true but if people perceive something to be true it is reality for them. There are folks like you and @Revman that can watch and enjoy a race on a higher plane than many others and I am sincere in saying I am happy for you and all that do see things at a deeper level and get enjoyment from it. The problem is that people either need to be educated and taught to appreciate those nuances or the product needs to be changed into something they wish to see.

IMO, Nascar is suffering due to a series of self imposed cuts where some are small and some are gaping wounds. I don't know how to fix Nascar but I think some things like having the fastest car get the pole would be nice and setting up a point system similar to the classic system with added tweaks would be a good start. If stages are deemed necessary then keep them but don't stop the race because of them. Nascar started out for me like the game show Jeopardy and has devolved into the silliness of the Newlywed Game but that is just how I feel.
 
Charlie Spencer said:
Can I get you or someone else to expand on that? Are there aspects of the 'NASCAR culture' (I'm not sure I know what comes under that heading) that are turning off Millennials, or are there things they think are missing? Is it just NASCAR or all motorsports?

Thanks to whoever responds.
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1. NASCAR is still seen as hick sport. People laugh at drivers and fans, it's the butt of jokes in most circles. On the other hand you have F1 that is seen as sexy, fun, and something to be enjoyed by the elite.

Basketball, football, baseball have many many high profile fans, it also helps that many of the players themselves are among common gossip blog fodder. The most high profile person in NASCAR is Jeff Gordon..... he doesn't even drive anymore and that's a problem. He and his wife are constantly elbow rubbing with the Hollywood and social elite. Dale Jr, the most recognizable, is smoking meat and drinking beer on the weekend.... Up and comers Chase Elliott are Ryan Blaney are drinking their way through Ireland, hunting, and putting out pod casts. Bubba is on a cringeworthy campaign to get sucky pizza companies to sponsor him.

Now look at other sports:

Lebron James sat ring side at the biggest fight of the year, is covering GQ this month, and is creating a TV Series (his third btw).

Lewis Hamilton is front row at fashion week shows, is constantly hanging out with A list celebrities, going to movie premieres and has some incredibly lucrative endorsement deals.

Serena Williams (is on maternity leave) is generally seen hobknobbing with A list Celebs, was on the cover of vanity fair, did a TED talk, and has her own very lucrative workout brand.....

NASCAR has relate-ability problem and not a single person over there is even trying to fix it.... instead they are trying to show they are still one of the good ole boys, but the good ole boys aren't spending the money or giving the exposure needed to keep this sport alive.
 
Acs said:
N.on-
A.thletic
S.port
C.entered
A.round
R.ednecks

It's not just a stereotype folks... this is really how the rest of the country views NASCAR. When Talladega nights came out everybody watched it and had a good laugh, even those in the sport. Little did they know the rest of the world was laughing at them, not with them. They still are, and frankly, it's getting painful as a fan.
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That's because the people that go to races and NASCAR fans don't want it to change .. the fans want to be seen as what u just described..
 
I love Vince Martin on his take. I highly recommend you follow this guy.

attendance still is declining, and Q3's strength comes largely from Daytona

Even including Daytona, attendance in the quarter dipped about 3% year-over-year

Attendance for both ISC and Speedway Motorsports is down. NASCAR TV ratings have been abysmal this year, dropping double-digits for basically every race. Anecdotally, there are a lot of complaints from fans around the new segment-based format, and there are a lot of former and current fans long frustrated with the direction of the sport. The idea that the sentiment surrounding the sport is improving seems purely contradicted by the data relative to ratings and attendance. The sport, by any measure, is shrinking, not growing.

Saunders, as he has in the past, justified his optimism by citing growing digital consumption and supposed ratings declines elsewhere in sports. But both baseball and basketball have had significantly smaller drops in their most recent seasons, with NBA playoff ratings in particular up in recent years. The drop in NASCAR ratings and attendance isn't just a factor of less live sports viewing overall (which, even if it were, isn't bullish for ISCA stock) or increasing digital viewing/following. The number of NASCAR fans is declining - and has been for years, based on every available measure.

Nothing in Q3 implies a change in that trend. And 2018 is going to get worse. Dale Earnhardt Jr., the sport's most popular driver for the last fourteen years, is retiring. Saunders called it "good news" that Earnhardt would move to the broadcast booth, ensuring that he at least would be at the track. But it's hard to imagine the legion of Dale Jr. fans showing up to Watkins Glen or Talladega to see Dale Jr. talk.


Saunders compared Earnhardt's retirement to that of Peyton Manning a year ago - but that's not the right comparison. The more likely outcome is one similar to that faced by the NBA when Michael Jordan retired - a retirement that contributed to crashing ratings and fan interest.

https://seekingalpha.com/article/41...1cu1kb4:5987765f6d90727ac13fc710dbfde2b2&dr=1
 
Skoalbandit33 said:
I know for a lot of us here short tracks are nirvana but when you look at tracks like Daytona (even excluding the 500) and Talladega they do exceptionally well in attendance and TV ratings. The Talladega chase race will be the second or third most watched race of the last 10 and will have the largest attendance by far. Give the people what they want.
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It's because of the crashes, the racing isn't any better, if anything it's worse.
 
jws926 said:
I agree, NASCAR screwed the pooch when they decided to focus on those bandwagon fans of the mid 2000's that were just here because it was the trendy thing to do for time, and they have all moved on, but so did a good part of the core fan base that got them to that point in the mid 2000's because NASCAR gave them middle finger.
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Yep!
 
PeopleAreStrange said:
Playoffs and gimmicks drove many fans away, and hasn't attracted many fans in return. We need to start here.

More diversity in this sport would be nice, but NASCAR used to thrive despite a lack of diversity.
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. we use to thrive without diversity smh pathetic .. it's 2017 .. it should be more diversity just like it is in other sports.. yes I'm black .. if it was more blacks in the sport that would open up the eyes to more people with color.. that would bring tons of new fans.. I hope bubba gets a ride.. that would make me happy.. I would support him and I'm sure others would to.. it makes no sense that others can get sponsorship and he can't smh..
 
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