This article looks at several of the reasons why NASCAR is losing fans. You can find Toms writing here, at CBSSports.com and Athlonsports.com, where hes been an editorial consultant for the annual racing magazine for 15 years. A trip to Martinsville Speedway is like taking a step back in time: loaded hot dogs for just $2, parking on a hill just outside of the racetrack, and packed grandstands full in the middle of Appalachia. There are multiple show cars, both street vehicles and race cars, that are placed throughout the concourses, setting the Daytona fan experience far above any other track. https://t.co/2IIhJiWeH4 pic.twitter.com/XekN4WnxKE, Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) August 4, 2020. NASCAR atfirst used its logo colorsfor the Kwanzaa menorah instead of Africana colors, which caused great offense to the tiny number of Americans who celebrate the holiday. Been seeing this crap for decades! Birthplace of the KKK. It dosent, it will never end. His commitment and singular focus on his profession is inspiring and his personal story is one that we can all be proud ofan American story of success and perseverance. The tweet included the NASCAR logo in pride colors. Fans are the best form of free marketing that any sporting organization or facility could have, and fans posting from the racetrack about their experience could be the difference in selling a few extra seats at the next race. I am glad that I pretty much gave up on NASCAR a couple of years ago. Bubba Wallace's first full-time ride in the NASCAR Cup Series was driving for the King, Richard Petty, behind the wheel of the famed 43 car. Folks are nit flying that flag as a symbol of racial hatred. Thats just not right. When asked about Nascar's decision to include a car driven by Wallace with a Black Lives Matter message, nearly two-thirds of fans over the age of 40 supported the move, while 82% of fans under 40 did so. It is obvious that it isnt going to be easy to change attitudes, and even more obvious why people are protesting all over the world, not just in the US. Ive been watching NASCAR for as long as Ive been able to operate a television. The time is now to listen, to understand and to stand against racism and racial injustice.. That & Flag decision has caused lowest ratings EVER! Trump tweeted. Motorsports encompass a wide variety of classes that offernumerous choices for fans ofauto racing. pic.twitter.com/jeTH2Rmjm8, Theyre (NASCAR) trying to figure out How do we keep the long time die-hard NASCAR fans, but also get younger?, and instead of trying to appeal to them based on a sports related angle, theyre going with a woke angle, Travis said. . The bars and stars isnt the official confederate flag but those wanting it removed are too stupid to know that, Google confederate flag and the one they want banned isnt the actual confederate flag but the snowflake pansies wouldnt know that, As a 30-something white male, I cant begin to understand what its like to suffer prejudice due to the color of my skin.. A handful of tracks Ive visited in the past handful of years, including Darlington Raceway, Richmond Raceway, Bristol Motor Speedway, among others, all share at least a few of these aforementioned issues. My Honor, My Heritage and My Soul, Do. The fan experience of going to a NASCAR race is very unique, but it is time for the sport to revitalize race day at the track. While the 74-year-old welcomes a dynamic schedule and an influx of new tracks, he also warned NASCAR officials that they need to be careful about bombarding fans with too many changes and specifically talked about the most noticeable change for 2022 with the introduction of the Next Gen car. Most drivers would consider that an honor. Has @BubbaWallace apologized to all of those great NASCAR drivers & officials who came to his aid, stood by his side, & were willing to sacrifice everything for him, only to find out that the whole thing was just another HOAX? NASCAR dont fall into the trap. They want NASCAR to remain true to its roots and be an escape from the day's troubles. I had planned on watching Martinsville. Any accusation that you can level at them, I can hurl back with equally or more vile charges against practically any other ethnic group, nation or association of people anywhere. So just like in the NFL, we have a mediocre (if even that!) It was nothing like any type of office environment I had ever worked at. In 2020, hard numbers show only limited growth in this arena. Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 5, 2022. Designed & Developed by Precision Creations. Its a moment in which his outlook on the sport changed forever. Ive never seen any form of racism at any track Ive attended. Thats how I judge a winner.. 68 Chevrolet Camaro for all 33 races of the NXS season, it said. I agree with the comments of my colleague Bryan Davis Keith, who said Monday, Those of us that watch for escape [who] dont give a flying F about what millionaire athletes of all colors/creeds do/say/think other than wheeling their damned cars [now] safely get to grin and bear it.. He remained a friend of the Frances, influential in the construction and financial success of Talladega Superspeedway. I think its a really bad decision.. Such rich heritage that flag carries with it. We will listen and learn!#BlackLivesMattters pic.twitter.com/AYoYdY8IlX, Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) June 7, 2020. Kyle Larson said the N word and Bubba forgave him. Its time for not only the cars, but for the fan experience to join the modern age of NASCAR. It was in Maryland at Hagerstown Raceway that they refused to pay him his winnings after a race. Brown recently decidedto use the meme he helped inspire by partnering with a cryptocurrency LGBCoin. You know what,,,, Tough Shit. This could be down to the price of following the sport. The South was Right by James & Walt Kennedy And it has taken far too long for us to hear their demands for change. Then, mere weeks later, NASCAR found a noose in the garage stall of its lone Black driver Bubba Wallace prior to the GEICO 500 at the Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, Alabama. Lets look at a scenario. "The study shows that Nascar fans are socially more liberal than popularly perceived," said Perfomance Research co-founder Bill Doyle. Wouldnt that be politically correct? These Are The Reasons Why NASCAR Is Losing Fans - HotCars Youd be undoing tradition and history at some of the older tracks by modernizing the facility. Be it local or national racing they are not into it. I definitely felt that I had no one to complain to.. NASCAR fans, according to a 2011 Scarborough Research poll, are 80% white and only 9% Black. https://t.co/iPUGcvvpfj, USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) June 9, 2020. And the rest of the evils of the world. Still leaves 73 years unaccounted for but its a start. So, anything goes it wasnt controlled. I also occasionally send pictures to friends and post to social networks. NASCAR must deal with fan backlash - arkansasonline.com I have his autograph. Brandonbilt Motorsports (BMS) announced today that cryptocurrency meme coinLGBcoin.io(LGBcoin / $LGB) has signed on as the teams full season primary partner for the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) season, the press release said. And why did it all of a sudden come back in the 1950s? You dont need to use your phone during a race. Our nations founding fathers were indeed wise to recognize the importance of our rights and took steps to prevent our Government from abusing those rights, but they could never foresee the technology that allows The People to revoke rights AND punish others without our government being involved. Why Is NASCAR Losing Fans? | Swvrcca Autos Sources have told me through the years NASCAR supported a Wallace bid for president all the way through 1980. Interestingly, it has been said that NASCAR has been . And one of those conversations happened in NASCAR in 2008, the year I sat down with Mauricia Grant for Sports Illustrated. Right up there with golf and tennis. There are things others do that make me uncomfortable and I am sure at some point I have made others uncomfortable. No one should feel uncomfortable when they come to a NASCAR race. And Kirk Price, an African-American official, was celebrated, not criticized, as he knelt during Sundays (June 7) national anthem at Atlanta Motor Speedway prior to the NASCAR Cup Series race. Corporate leaders are trying to appease an angry mob. The time is now to listen, to understand, and to stand against racism and racial injustice. You are agreeing to OutKick's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, but don't worry we don't spam. But it didnt stop with Phelps. The Woke NFL is Determined to Drive Away More Fans | Opinion - Newsweek Negative details in a fans experience, no matter how small or large, are a risk to the race track in terms of not being able to retain that fans ticket sale the following year, and with tickets getting more and more expensive, its imperative to race tracks that they can provide fans with the best experience possible in order to retain those sales. My feelings toward Wallace are the same as I feel about other athletes and celebrities. July 17, 2020 8:40pm. They better be real careful with what happens during the anthem. The partnership marks the latest crypto outfit to back a NASCAR driver and team, a growing trend not only in motorsports but across all professional sports leagues. Any of his children, youd be proud to have in your family. These are absolutely NOT isolated experiences nor is it only a recent one. Corporate leaders are trying to appease an angry mob. Its a stock car series whose lone African-American driver to win in Cup, Wendell Scott, fought racism throughout his career. Right before his hate hoax,Wallace pushed the leagueto ban the Confederate flag from its premises. NASCAR has made the final decision that the LGBcoin sponsorship for Brandon Brown is not an approved sponsorship to be on the car, Fox Sports reporter Bob Pockrass said. NASCAR star Bubba Wallace reacted to a chart on Twitter that showed last weekend's NASCAR race at Foxwoods Resort Casino as the top-watched sporting event of the weekend. Who is going to go in there and tell folks to take their flags down? Jim Crow laws. We have done fine the last 3 months Nascar can go away forever I no longer give a tinkers damn about a Company who sells out to Terrorists. Grant was the sports lone African-American female official who filed a $225 million harassment lawsuit against the sport. Good luck boys,uh I mean bros. Little Rock Nine protests. At this past Sunday's Atlanta Motor Speedway race, the organization and multiple people showed support in the fight against inequality and injustice. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. The author of Did You Notice? over an issue the league seems to not know enough about. Our sport must do better. Advertising and sponsorship deals are the lifeblood of spectator sports, that is why the TV spots for the Superbowl are some of the most expensive in television. But as these protests keep gripping the country, over two weeks in, its a rare moment the sport shouldtake a political stance and fight for it. A Constitutional History of Secession by John Remington Graham Im not a Gearhead, but I am a staunch defender of my Confederate ancestors. The full transcript of that interview is here. ET on Wednesday, June 10. In a tweet sent just a few days after its Kwanzaa post, the league announced a new partnership with the Carolinas LGBT Chamber of Commerce. The loss of fans has been a major blow to Nascar, but the organization has shown no signs of backing . No corporation will take an anti-PC stance, as it is too costly to do so. So many people gave their lives for it. Watch on. You sound very emotional, like a snowflake ripped by the wind. Sick shit. For some readers, this article will be the last they read on this website. As of now, I am completely disgusted with your fawning B.S approach to politicizing a unique sport. NASCAR, whose main fan base is in the South, which traditionally votes Republican, has banned driver Brandon Brown from driving a Lets Go Brandon themed car. Of . Some will argue, But it is good if we are doing this to end racism, and thats hard to argue against. will the national anthem be broadcasted showing the possibility of drivers taking a knee. When political sponsorship took place: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-11-04/trump-campaign-gets-a-race-car-courtesy-of-nascar-owners The one your fathers and grandfathers fought under.. NASCAR has made many changes in recent years in an effort to remove itself from past stereotypes, Are we sure this isnt the reason for ratings going down? The rise of social media as a tool, pastime, or source of information and entertainment has certainly affected most sports, NASCAR included. Stock Car Scoop: How Huge is Dover Win for Martin Truex Jr, Joe Gibbs Racing? The cold weather made the metal bleacher-style seating miserable to sit on. The Lets Go Brandon phrase has been used as a derisive attack on President Joe Biden which substitutes that phrase for a phrase that has a curse word in it. Who knows I dont know Im one person in a sea of 7.8 billion you guys may all HATE what i have to say. In response, the FBI launched an investigation into the alleged hate crime. The racing leagueclaimed the pullwas a real noose even after authorities debunked the claim. Varied, but the critics were vocal. How about NASCAR and what theyre doing? Lemon said after Wallaces interview to his next guest. This is all done to attract a more liberal and diverse audience. It was 1875, almost five generations ago.. Nick Geddes is a 2021 graduate of the University of Central Florida with a bachelors degree in Journalism. So people at Nascar races cant fly or display the Confederate flag. When we were in the car riding around with him, it was like KKK this or black this just really picking my brain about being black or the black experience. Even though Trumps disparaging comments toward Mexicans forced the sport to relocate its Xfinity and Gander RV & Outdoors Truck series banquets off Trump properties, France wasted no time lining up drivers offering support. I rarely watch the pre-race anyway. But it isnt feasible to think that everyone can bring a grill and some burgers to every race they go to, or that you can stay off your phone during your entire time at a race track. But hopefully, by Fall 2021 enough of these leagues will have changed course as a matter of economic survival as they try to woo back all the fans they lost as a result of their woke shenanigans. A fairly new challenge that spectator sports now have to contend with is the rise of the various streaming services that offer varied content that is available across a variety of platforms. The NFL lost interest during the national anthem protests because fans, expecting sports to be a diversion, were thrown headfirst into politics instead. will I see bubba Wallace and blm people at a gar cemetery to pay tribute to the fallin union soldiers who died to free them over the Fourth of July holiday? Sixty-eight years. I like some of the drivers. NASCAR: 2022 Dover - Full starting lineup, updates, Blue Man Group Makes Appearance at 2022 NFL Draft, NASCAR dug their own hole with Denny Hamlin controversy. Forget 'Go woke, go broke,' NASCAR claims social justice is at Traveling out of town to attend a NASCAR event would sometimes require staying at a hotel in order to maximize the time and effort spent during getting there. Even before the recent political turmoil in the sport, NASCAR was hemorrhaging fans and supporters, with viewership numbers dropping every event. You already have a flag you can wave, you know, the one with 50 stars on it. That includes President Donald Trump who recently took at a swing at NASCAR and Bubba Wallace on . Meet Ross Chastains 2 Newest Enemies: Kyle Larson & Brennan Poole. Most die-hard fans of NASCAR are those that have followed it the longest. Unfortunately to watch (or at least attempt to) a race but seemingly only being fed BLM style NASCAR produced infomercials back-to-back after their president(?) Even NHL players are kneeling now. It was during this timethat "Bootleggers"- those whoproduce anddeliver prohibited whiskey/alcohol also had modified delivery cars that were fast enough to be able to evade, outrun and escape law enforcement should they be spotted. Map of US States Boycotting NASCAR After Confederate Flag Ban - Insider Long lines to grab food formed the second the entrance gates opened. In doing so, it took 70-plus years of complicated racial history and shred it to pieces. Not now. The driver announced the car, sponsored by LGBCoin, in December. Take your stupid flags home. As a 30-something white male, I cant begin to understand what its like to suffer prejudice due to the color of my skin. A number of drivers participated in a league-sponsored video endorsing BLM and calling Americans to enact the radical movements agenda. But those days are sadly now gone. Is NASCAR Dying? - FLOW RACERS I encourage NASCAR to have those conversations we should not be able to have an argument over that. Are not the take a knee, burn the flag protesters who do these things for the same reasons they express about the confederate flag. Now with that said I do not think sports should be a place to vent your political views. Admittedly, several of these rule changes have been beneficial to the sport, but some have unfortunately come across as marketing stunts that have turned away fans. Ive heard Darrell Waltrip, Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt and others booed and jeered at at but I never heard anyone boo Wendell Scott. His hate crime allegation hit just as politics swept over not just NASCAR, but the NFL, MLB, and NBA as well. They will have to, otherwise the media and social justice warriors will target them and attack not just NASCAR, but also any/all sponsors in NASCAR until they concede. If you can burn the American flag as freedom of speech then you can wave the Confederate Flag the same. Of course, its easy to argue the points: you can get a seat cushion for the bleacher seats so they dont become unbearable to sit in. Why didnt Bubba react then as he is doing now? The same story goes for NASCAR as the adverts that major companies place during their televised races are a major source of income for the organization and the teams. Well great then. The Decline and Fall of NASCAR - The American Conservative OK. How does that work exactly? https://www.lewrockwell.com/2007/11/charley-reese/hooray-for-the-confederate-flag/. @NBCSN earned 2.2 million viewers for Sunday's #Foxwoods301 @NHMS, down from 2.8 million for last year's race. Wake up! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 6, 2020. And if Nascar , team owners, drivers, and fans are so systematic racists. Go woke, go broke. The whole media narrative and business such as NASCAR to portray these people ruining lives, business, burning down buildings, our historical places, etc. I will not watch the race tomorrow. Thats not OK. Its not OK that youre using our trademarks illegally, regardless of whether we agree with what the position is.. The sport received its death sentence last Sunday. Fans said they didn't want to hear about social justice, and banning the Confederate flag . What about the American flag? No martinsville for me and no more track visits ! Not saying I agree but that pesky Constitution thing aint what it used to be. A moment of silence and a message from NASCAR President Steve Phelps and drivers. Im DONE with NASCAR. Brian Cates entered the political arena in March 2012, following the death of Andrew Breitbart. A leading business development, project manager in the auction and liquidation industry, and consultant for various local and national government offices in the Philippines. Not many at all. The bending of the knee was the kill shot of nascar. Instead, they have tried to go the woke route.. I just dont see how this is enforceable. In this video I talk about a topic that has been up for debate for nearly a decade now, and that is why is NASCAR losing so many fans? Earnhardt was a legend. He wins with his family. : Kyle Larson Reaching NASCAR Hall of Fame Territory, Did You Notice? The email announcing the Confederate flag's banishment from any and all NASCAR facilities landed at 4:46 p.m. Feb 12 . Love to see them winning. NASCAR Bans 'Let's Go Brandon Car,' Allows BLM Car To Stay Follow Nick Geddes on Twitter @NickGeddesNews and on Instagram @nick.geddes. It is expensive compared to other motorsports and is seen to be time-consuming for the forever-moving adolescents. There are not many drivers of color, for a simple reason. The vocal minority will always want more. You already have a flag you can wave, you know, the one with 50 stars on it. But NASCAR forced the driver to reject the sponsorship due to the companys connection to the derogatory and vulgar euphemism., NASCARhas vowed to sue anyonewho makes Lets go Brandon merchandise that may resemble NASCARs symbolism. We are thrilled to partner with Brandonbilt Motorsports and Brandon Brown for the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, James Koutoulas, founder of Typhoon Capital Management, said. George Wallace in the run-up to the 1968 presidential election; it invitedhim to the Southern 500 that year. Thats not how the Lib mob plays never has been never will be. England appeased Hitler. As for NASCAR Ive seen them bending over backwards over the last few years to encourage inclusivity. That includes President Donald Trump who recently took at a swing at NASCAR and Bubba Wallace on Twitter. WAKE UP FOLKS! NASCAR Chooses Wokeness Over Their Traditional Fans This is America.. Bubba Wallaces #BlackLivesMatter car for tomorrow night pic.twitter.com/rWJEmKw4D1, Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 9, 2020. Here is a question, where in the constitution or the Bible does it state anyone should have the expectation of, or right to, being comfortable at all times wherever they go? Are you really Americans? NASCAR, like Country Music sold-out (or was outright bought-out) by Hollywood and Leftist media. According toThe Early Laps of Stock Car Racing: A History of the Sport and Business Through 1974, NASCAR CEO Bill France Sr. lavishly praised Wallace to cheers in front of a crowd of 70,000. The declaration, officially ending the sport's 71-year . Wallace soon became infamous after encouraging a hate hoax in the summer of 2020. Unfortunately for Wallace, however, the victory lap was premature. Gambling related content is not intended for anyone under the age of 21. The name Bubba Wallace has quickly become one of the most recognizable names in NASCAR, among fans and non-fans alike, specifically after the many controversial events of the 2020 season. Maybe NASCAR was in a death spiral anyway and this just accelerated it. I thought we covered this years ago? In the lawsuit you state that Nappy Headed Mo was a nickname that one person used for you. Disrespect for the flag is their motivation according to their own words. Races to long with little ability to pass. . Nascar should get Danica back for a match race to see if one of them can actually win a race. pic.twitter.com/MqeuLx9HiI. Based outside Philadelphia, Bowles is a two-time Emmy winner in NASCAR television and has worked in racing production with FOX, TNT, and ESPN while appearing on-air for SIRIUS XM Radio and FOX Sports 1's former show, the Crowd Goes Wild. As streaming services provide instant entertainment whileNASCARhas scheduled andlengthy race events,thecomparison is similar toordering drive-thru (cheap and convenient) versusdining at a fine restaurant (pricier and takes longer before you can eat). I hope they are smart enough to reign it in before it happens. While it is true that some fans have voiced their displeasure with NASCAR's stance, it is also true that the sport has gained many new fans because of its support of the movement. When I cant even send a one-sentence text, its pretty frustrating. From their colorful beginnings to what is now a billion-dollar sporting event, NASCAR has continued to provide high octane entertainment for its millions of fans and supporters. BUBBA (of all people) running around in circles with BLM as his sponsor is the last straw. These 18 Corporations Gave Money to Radical Black Lives Matter Group Except sometimes ladies tennis, but I digress. They want a league that reflects their values instead of delivering BLM lectures and flag bans. The discovery came on the heels of some fans protesting NASCAR's Confederate flag ban by brandishing their flags outside of the track's gates in protest. But the programs most notable success story, Kyle Larson, torpedoed his career by, of all things, using a racial slur on Twitch. America was a great idea, I hope someone tries it again one day. Clay Travis: NASCAR Alienating Its Own Fan Base By Going Woke, Bubba Wallace Junked By Blaney, NASCAR Stars Enjoy Spring Break, Kyle Busch Gets Lucky, Larson Almost Impaled, Team Fight, Denny Hamlin Blasts Terrible NASCAR, Bubba Wallace Shoves Boss, Chase Elliott Porn Star, Hooters Gianna In Puerto Rico, Chase Elliott Gives NASCAR Much-Needed Boost, Will Return At Martinsville, NASCAR Driver Cody Ware Arrested Monday On Felony Assault Charge. That & Flag decision has caused lowest ratings EVER! Trump tweeted. The enforcement question is much more likely to be an issue when the series holds races June 20-21 at Talladega, Ala., where up to 5,000 fans are expected to be allowed in. Where does it end? Bubba Wallace just making his job secure He cant be released or denied a ride cause if that happens he has his Race to back him up Besides Why he called a black man instead of a Half Black man, Everyone bring the actual confederate flag to the race and see who all gets offended. In fact, when you really begin comparing the Old South to other parts of the World, or even the hypocritical, avaricious Northerners, you will quickly find that the Southerners held the moral high ground. What you will witness through this season and the next few is the execution. And this too will soon be banned because it offends so many. Most Nascar Fans Support Black Lives Matter, Study Finds