NASCAR and the younger crowd

TV ratings for football are just fine though.
That's a yes and a no. Of course a Sunday Night game between Denver and New England will get big ratings, but does a 1'o clock game between Jags and Texans get ratings? It's hard to make a comparison between a single event and multiple games.
 
Drag racing suffers the most from this.

99.9% of the experience of watching nitro dragsters and funny cars live is lost watching it on the boob tube.

You're right. Drag racing is terrible on television. You've got to be there. That's a complete invasion of the senses right there. 14,000 ponies on the line (or 28,000 if you go to Charlotte)... if that **** doesn't get you amped up, I'd suggest watching bad romance movies or something.
 
without having to read all 5 pages my answer is this.

I think it starts at the home tracks. I know for me personally as a kid I remember my Dad watching Nascar. I never watched it a whole lot with him. When I was14 we went to Stockton 99 Speedway here in Northern California. I was immediately hooked by the show. From that point forward we spent virtually every weekend at a racetrack until I was 20 years old. Stockton/Altamont/Madera/Merced(dirt)/Chowchilla(dirt)/Watsonville(dirt). We would get the schedules when they were released and make our own schedule based on where we wanted to go. Friday nights was for dirt, Saturdays at the asphault tracks. I have watched virtually every Nascar race since we started going.

Now today all that is left is Stockton(after closing and reopening), Madera, Merced and Watsonville. Car counts are down. Money is down. Sponsors are down. As much as I love supporting my local short tracks I find it hard to justify taking my 2 1/2 year old to a show that has 10 late models, 10 modifieds, 8 hobby stocks, 4 4 cylinders etc.

So to sum it up, the local tracks need to get there **** together and find creative ways to put on good promotions with solid car counts that will draw good attendance. From there it rolls down hill. People show up, they garner interest in the sport, they watch the big leagues of the sport because they enjoy the local shows they see and all of that equals life long fans and generations of fans to boot.

In my personal experiences every girl I have dated or had any sort of a relationship with that has joined me at the races didnt have a clue about the sport. After going to one of the local tracks they become fans of the sport to at least the point where they enjoy to watch it. My wife enjoys the sport a lot and we go to Sonoma every year. My son is hooked so there is the generational fan kicking in. My Dad, Me, my Son. Who knows what the future will hold from here.

People need to get invovled in things at an infantile stage in order to truly be a fan for a lengthy period of time. Not to say some cannot be fans later in life, but the ones that breed more fans are the ones who get into it at its lowest levels.

Problem right now is that the "hometown heroes" don't make it up the ranks because NASCAR K&N and ARCA is where all the rich kids go to play. Often times, those kids run a couple races in a Legends car at Charlotte or Atlanta, get a top-15 finish and they're suddenly the next NASCAR superstar.
 
That's a yes and a no. Of course a Sunday Night game between Denver and New England will get big ratings, but does a 1'o clock game between Jags and Texans get ratings? It's hard to make a comparison between a single event and multiple games.

A 1pm game between Jacksonville and Houston is only shown in two markets. NASCAR is shown nationwide. That's apples and oranges. But we'll take the Jacksonville/Houston scenario and turn it in to another apple.

The game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans, who at the time were the two worst teams in the NFL, which was televised on NFL Network on a Thursday night last year earned a 1.7 in the 18-49, compared to the 1.1 in the 18-49 for NASCAR on TNT.
 
as to what TRL said about checking the transmission? Get this, they are producing cars this year with the transmission sealed...no dipstick or lower pan to pull to change the filter.

Interesting, but how would you refill the trans after changing out a radiator with the built in cooler? A leaky rear seal or chafed line?

A friend of my son bought a '05 Accord a couple of months ago. Complained of "oil"
spots in his driveway. He said the oil level is full. My son suggested he check the trans fluid. Blew the trans running it dry. He said he couldn't find the dipstick. The dipstick is now trying to find a way to pay a estimated $2500 bill for the rebuild..
 
Somebody earlier mentioned needing wifi in the stands because kids these days have to have that stuff with them all the time. I don't know why Nascar doesn't push that actually. After just the one tweet from Keselowski blew up so big at Daytona, you'd think they would want kids in the stands to be able to post pictures of themselves in the stands, of what's going on, etc. Free publicity to the group that they need to reach out to the most.

But yeah, muscle cars are not the thing now like they used to be.... But, apparently the new big thing is chipped out jacked up diesel trucks spewing black smoke out of stacks in the bed of the truck. So, maybe the Truck series should start paying attention to that trend.
 
\But yeah, muscle cars are not the thing now like they used to be.... But, apparently the new big thing is chipped out jacked up diesel trucks spewing black smoke out of stacks in the bed of the truck. So, maybe the Truck series should start paying attention to that trend.

Complete with bumper stickers about how they're spiting Prius owners. Yeah, the owners of those lifted trucks probably six times as much for gas as the "wimpy liberal hippie" in the Prius.
 
as to what TRL said about checking the transmission? Get this, they are producing cars this year with the transmission sealed...no dipstick or lower pan to pull to change the filter.

Yeah its insane. Manufacturers have been omitting transmission dipsticks since the early 2000's. Hell some MB's dont even have engine oil dipsticks. People treat cars like refrigerators these days. Drive it till it breaks then throw it away.
 
The computer on my 1 1/2 week old Ram 1500 Big Horn Hemi will let me know when to do what. Change oil, get it serviced, it even checks the tires etc etc. The book say's it will let me know about the oil change between 3500 and 10'000 miles. A round dial gear shift knob, manual gear shift buttons on the steering wheel, touch screen everything. That's some weird sheet right there. I WANT MY 70 TORINO GT BACK.
 
Yeah its insane. Manufacturers have been omitting transmission dipsticks since the early 2000's. Hell some MB's dont even have engine oil dipsticks. People treat cars like refrigerators these days. Drive it till it breaks then throw it away.
Not this chick --- drove my last Town Car for 10 years --- 127K when I sold it.
Found a 2010 demo in 2011 with mileage low enough to enable me to get the 7yr, 100K mile extended warranty. Plan on keeping this one for a while.
 
The computer on my 1 1/2 week old Ram 1500 Big Horn Hemi will let me know when to do what. Change oil, get it serviced, it even checks the tires etc etc. The book say's it will let me know about the oil change between 3500 and 10'000 miles..

First time the low tire pressure warning went off on the 2010, I about jumped out of my skin. LOL Bugs me about changing the oil every 3500 miles, even though the book says every 5K.
 
Not this chick --- drove my last Town Car for 10 years --- 127K when I sold it.
Found a 2010 demo in 2011 with mileage low enough to enable me to get the 7yr, 100K mile extended warranty. Plan on keeping this one for a while.

I have a 99 Ford Explorer with 202k miles, and a 99 F250 with 298k miles. I hear you.
 
How will NASCAR attract the younger crowd? Most of the people my age (mid 20s) dont watch NASCAR because ofcourse their excuse is that its just "cars going around in circles." We all know theres alot more too it, but that opinion is the status quo with my generation. I feel they (NASCAR) can do it with more road course racing on the schedule. Thoughts?

:)
They won't.
 

Here is my top 5 list. My qualifications: I participate in the local autocross and rallycross circuits (autocross on dirt) in my Subarus in New England. (a 99 and a 2004 WRX). There a lot of young people that participate. They mostly drive Subarus, Hondas, old BMWs, Fords (focue and fiestas), a mini. Side note, no one ever brings a GM to race. Nobody. I

I laugh when I hear that young kids are not into cars. There is a thriving car culture among the kids. They just don't like what old NASCAR fans like. (This is also why NASCAR won't actually do anything about it)

1) The kids today do not like to watch Grampa's Ford Fusion race against a Chevy Taxicab. Mustangs and Cameros are not cool either. These models are for old people and middle aged people going through a mid-life crisis. Mom's Camry isn't that cool either.

2) Pretending that NASCAR actually used models that kids were into, it still wouldn't work unless they actually looked like production cars with bolt on front and real spoilers. Compare a GRC car to a NASCAR taxi. Take a look and tell me which one a teenager identifies with. Also, tailpipe decals? That's just awful.

SCPreview-Featured.jpg


3) When was the last time you saw a pass for the lead, then saw a pass back for the lead in the next corner? NASCAR is boring to watch if you want to see action. I'm apologize to the purists who think we should all appreciate the intricate beauty of side-drafting, but it's dull as **** to watch for most of us. (F1 fans are like this too btw). This needs to be fixed

4) Sponsors. They are destroying the sport with the demands for robot drivers like Jimmy Johnson. JJ is a great driver, but he's boring. NASCAR needs more drivers like Kyle Bush, drivers that bring out an emotional response.

5) The engines. Get rid of V8's. Every engine used should be based on Engines actually used in the production models. Ford Ecoboost shouldn't be a decal, the Fords should actually be running real Ecoboost engines.


Like I said, This will never happen. Brian France isn't a risk taker, he's a corporate drone. He's just going to play it "safe" and do little tweeks to the sport as NASCAR continues its long slow decline into a sport that's as relevant as Horse racing.
 
Wow BenzTech99 , over 200 replies in one day , great topic . My thought is that Nascar has made a lot of great moves and needs to keep on trying . Young people can't really be expected to relate to drivers who are over 40 , or cars that their families don't drive . Nascar brought Toyota in and hopefully Honda and other popular brands will follow . Personalities like Pastrana and Danica are a big step in the right direction , as is the Drive For Diversity program . New kids like Elliott , Larsen , Dillon and the rest are another great addition . Older Nascar fans have been mortified to see Toyota and Danica come into the sport , but Nascar needs to keep trying .
 
Manufacturers have been omitting transmission dipsticks since the early 2000's.
my car doesn't have a transmission dipstick, it's a sealed transmission. after last oil change, they thought i was ready for a 160.00 transmission flush.
 
My dad must of wanted me to be a mechanic when I was growing up. He called me something that started with dips- all the time. I assumed he was just abbreviating dipstick.
 
My dad must of wanted me to be a mechanic when I was growing up. He called me something that started with dips- all the time. I assumed he was just abbreviating dipstick.

My dad used to call me dipstick.. Couple screw ups when I got older I graduated to *******. And here I am!!!
 
2) Pretending that NASCAR actually used models that kids were into, it still wouldn't work unless they actually looked like production cars with bolt on front and real spoilers. Compare a GRC car to a NASCAR taxi. Take a look and tell me which one a teenager identifies with. Also, tailpipe decals? That's just awful.

3) When was the last time you saw a pass for the lead, then saw a pass back for the lead in the next corner? NASCAR is boring to watch if you want to see action. I'm apologize to the purists who think we should all appreciate the intricate beauty of side-drafting, but it's dull as **** to watch for most of us. (F1 fans are like this too btw). This needs to be fixed

giphy.gif
 
as to what TRL said about checking the transmission? Get this, they are producing cars this year with the transmission sealed...no dipstick or lower pan to pull to change the filter.
My 2006 Explorer doesn't have a transmission dipstick and it pisses me off. There's no way to add oil or to see how much is inside unless you take it to a shop.
 
Here is my top 5 list. My qualifications: I participate in the local autocross and rallycross circuits (autocross on dirt) in my Subarus in New England. (a 99 and a 2004 WRX). There a lot of young people that participate. They mostly drive Subarus, Hondas, old BMWs, Fords (focue and fiestas), a mini. Side note, no one ever brings a GM to race. Nobody. I

I laugh when I hear that young kids are not into cars. There is a thriving car culture among the kids. They just don't like what old NASCAR fans like. (This is also why NASCAR won't actually do anything about it)

1) The kids today do not like to watch Grampa's Ford Fusion race against a Chevy Taxicab. Mustangs and Cameros are not cool either. These models are for old people and middle aged people going through a mid-life crisis. Mom's Camry isn't that cool either.

2) Pretending that NASCAR actually used models that kids were into, it still wouldn't work unless they actually looked like production cars with bolt on front and real spoilers. Compare a GRC car to a NASCAR taxi. Take a look and tell me which one a teenager identifies with. Also, tailpipe decals? That's just awful.

SCPreview-Featured.jpg


3) When was the last time you saw a pass for the lead, then saw a pass back for the lead in the next corner? NASCAR is boring to watch if you want to see action. I'm apologize to the purists who think we should all appreciate the intricate beauty of side-drafting, but it's dull as **** to watch for most of us. (F1 fans are like this too btw). This needs to be fixed

4) Sponsors. They are destroying the sport with the demands for robot drivers like Jimmy Johnson. JJ is a great driver, but he's boring. NASCAR needs more drivers like Kyle Bush, drivers that bring out an emotional response.

5) The engines. Get rid of V8's. Every engine used should be based on Engines actually used in the production models. Ford Ecoboost shouldn't be a decal, the Fords should actually be running real Ecoboost engines.


Like I said, This will never happen. Brian France isn't a risk taker, he's a corporate drone. He's just going to play it "safe" and do little tweeks to the sport as NASCAR continues its long slow decline into a sport that's as relevant as Horse racing.


got tv ratings for cars in pics.....or just dreams ?

friggin hogwash post .
 
Those cars may work well for Rallycross but I don't think anyone really wants to go to a race at Kansas to watch a bunch of Ford Fiestas putz around. And I sure saw a good number of Mustangs, Camaros, and Challengers everyday in the parking lot at school.
 
I have a feeling we're just seeing an overall decline in interest in racing across the board. Ever since cars starting slowing down (in all series), interest waned. Now we're making up rules, changing rules, turning our cars into slow, quiet Prius-like machines.

The good ole days of noise and racing fuel are being replaced and to be fair... those of us who love racing fuel and loud engines are being replaced by a generation that prefers video games, constant excitement, etc...
IndyCar and F1 TV ratings are up - well up - in America.

NBC’s live broadcast of the Canadian Grand Prix on June 8 (2:00-3:48 p.m. ET) delivered 1.462 million viewers, ranking as the most-watched F1 race in seven years (2007 Canadian Grand Prix, FOX, 1.494 million), and the most-watched F1 race on NBC and NBCSN since NBC Sports Group acquired F1 broadcasting rights prior to the 2013 season.

NBCSN’s live presentation of the Austrian Grand Prix on June 22 (7:30-9:42 a.m. ET) averaged 413,000 viewers, making it the third-most watched F1 race to date on NBCSN, up 58% against NBCSN’s 2013 F1 average race viewership in the 7:30 a.m. ET window.

Over the first six races of the 2014 season on NBCSN, Formula 1 has drawn 377,000 average viewers, up 111% from the first six races of the 2013 F1 season (179,000 viewers). Four of NBCSN’s five most-watched F1 telecasts have come this season:

NBC and NBCSN’s eight Formula 1 telecasts in 2014 have combined to deliver 588,000 viewers, up 43% from the 2013 season through eight races.

NBCSN’s presentation of the IndyCar Firestone 600 at Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday, June 7 (8:44-10:59 p.m. ET), averaged 424,000 viewers, making it the most-watched IndyCar race on NBCSN since the 2012 Grand Prix of Long Beach (468,000 viewers). Through three races, NBCSN’s IndyCar coverage has drawn 398,000 average viewers, up 16% from the 2013 season through three races (343,000).

http://www.racer.com/f1/item/104732-nbc-reports-more-f1-indycar-ratings-gains

Thanks to better numbers for the Indy 500, ABC had a modest increase in ratings and viewership for the 2014 IndyCar season.

ABC averaged a 1.6 rating and 2.4 million viewers for five IndyCar Series races this season, up 14% in ratings and viewership from last year (1.4, 2.1M). Excluding the Indy 500, the network averaged a 0.8 and 1.1 million — flat in ratings and up 3% in viewership (1.14M to 1.10M). Neither average includes ABC’s two-day coverage of Indy 500 qualifying.

http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2014/06/abcs-2014-indycar-slate-up-from-last-year/

It might not seem like much, but it's still an increase in interest.
 
from jdbrew's post above. "ever since cars started slowing down ......"
you obviously missed fox crew's triple idiot scream ......"new track record ! " ha!
 
yeah those upward ratings is because the younger crowd can identify better with the F-1 and Inndycars..they drive cars more similar to those, than Grampa's Ford and Grandma's Toyota..right?
 
IndyCar and F1 TV ratings are up - well up - in America.

NBC’s live broadcast of the Canadian Grand Prix on June 8 (2:00-3:48 p.m. ET) delivered 1.462 million viewers, ranking as the most-watched F1 race in seven years (2007 Canadian Grand Prix, FOX, 1.494 million), and the most-watched F1 race on NBC and NBCSN since NBC Sports Group acquired F1 broadcasting rights prior to the 2013 season.

NBCSN’s live presentation of the Austrian Grand Prix on June 22 (7:30-9:42 a.m. ET) averaged 413,000 viewers, making it the third-most watched F1 race to date on NBCSN, up 58% against NBCSN’s 2013 F1 average race viewership in the 7:30 a.m. ET window.

Over the first six races of the 2014 season on NBCSN, Formula 1 has drawn 377,000 average viewers, up 111% from the first six races of the 2013 F1 season (179,000 viewers). Four of NBCSN’s five most-watched F1 telecasts have come this season:

NBC and NBCSN’s eight Formula 1 telecasts in 2014 have combined to deliver 588,000 viewers, up 43% from the 2013 season through eight races.

NBCSN’s presentation of the IndyCar Firestone 600 at Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday, June 7 (8:44-10:59 p.m. ET), averaged 424,000 viewers, making it the most-watched IndyCar race on NBCSN since the 2012 Grand Prix of Long Beach (468,000 viewers). Through three races, NBCSN’s IndyCar coverage has drawn 398,000 average viewers, up 16% from the 2013 season through three races (343,000).

http://www.racer.com/f1/item/104732-nbc-reports-more-f1-indycar-ratings-gains

Thanks to better numbers for the Indy 500, ABC had a modest increase in ratings and viewership for the 2014 IndyCar season.

ABC averaged a 1.6 rating and 2.4 million viewers for five IndyCar Series races this season, up 14% in ratings and viewership from last year (1.4, 2.1M). Excluding the Indy 500, the network averaged a 0.8 and 1.1 million — flat in ratings and up 3% in viewership (1.14M to 1.10M). Neither average includes ABC’s two-day coverage of Indy 500 qualifying.

http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2014/06/abcs-2014-indycar-slate-up-from-last-year/

It might not seem like much, but it's still an increase in interest.

fl....next yr...nbc can begin " cross promote" w/ f1/ indy/ nascar. hopefully help all 3 .
 
Those cars may work well for Rallycross but I don't think anyone really wants to go to a race at Kansas to watch a bunch of Ford Fiestas putz around.
His point exactly. Get rid of tracks like Kansas. Boring as all hell to watch on TV. Need phantom debris & constructed GWCs to make it a "thriller". Would I watch those rallycross cars at a cookie cutter 1.5er? No. Id sure as hell watch them at Bristol or Martinsville though.
 
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