Indeed. Bill France Jr and Bruton Smith seriously over expanded capacity in an orgy of building during the 1990s, and their heirs are still struggling with the result. Bill Jr and Bruton and others foolishly viewed the millions of "Nascar Lifestyle" bandwagon fans as structural growth that would continue forever, rather than as a fad. The "Nascar scene" was white hot from coast to coast... until it wasn't. When pop society moved on to graze in a new pasture, the boom went bust. It was a helluva party. And it is a helluva hangover.
Nascar has compounded the fall with lackluster leadership implementing a lackluster vision. I do see major improvements on multiple fronts in the last few years. Current aero rules have made the racing a lot better. The championship format is much better than the last few years. The charter system is an important step in making team ownership viable, although further steps are needed. Policies and rules are more collaborative than previously. I don't know know if it's enough. I don't think any of us do.
