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Money is getting tight
Since i don't want to talk about this weekend and how our team performed I'm gonna talk about the future of the sport. TV rating are up but the attendance is down. If your on a tight budget and you can afford to eat or go to a race, most people are gonna eat. Ive noticed a lot more this year than any other year that there are tons of empty seats at most of the races. The only race that i can remember being sold out was Bristol. Its getting a little scary wondering about the sponsors and the money being brought in to help grow our sport. Its gonna be real interesting to see how Nascar handles the situation if some sponsors start to drop and they wont let others into the sport. There are only so many companies that can afford 15 million dollars a year to put on a car. If Nascar has the choice to let other sponsors in they better. Without sponsors there wont be cars and without cars there wont be a sport. Its a fine line they have to walk in order to keep all the different sponsors they have from interfering with each other. I'm sure Nascar has a plan for every situation but its still something worth mentioning since me as well as others make there living in the sport. I guess thats it for now.
June 18, 2008 | Permalink
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NASCAR should consider lowing the price of tickets and merchandise. $120 for a seat at the Duels seems a bit high to me.....
Posted by: Kristy | Jun 18, 2008 12:49:06 PM
Trent, settle an argument from elsewhere on this page. Wasn't there a ton of empty seats at Michigan? And don't you attribute these empty seats to the lack of close, side,by side racing (spelled boring) racing at places like Pocono, Michigan, Cali? It appears that whover gets in front can walk away. Bristol isn't even the crashfest it used to be, yet who can find a seat?NASCAR needs to worry less about bieing in certain markets, and concentrate on makeing the racing better.Bring the havenots closer to the haves(No testing, less downforce, etc) and racing will be better. Agree?
Posted by: clay | Jun 18, 2008 2:23:44 PM
The money is getting tighter?
After all the $$$$$$$$$$$ Toyota has given Na$car.
I am even surprised that Toyota has not bought fans yet. Nothing like an entire grandstand wearing M&Ms and cheering for Kyle.
Give me a break.
The problem is the COT. That's the real problem not forgetting all the 1.5 mile tracks.
If the racing product was that good and people felt the need to be loyal to it. I believe they would starve to get it.
I know I starved to see a Rolling stones concert and I did not eat for days.
Currently, the Nascar product is not good and the empty seats will continue unless something is done.
I do not want to see a guy save a car. I want to see him in the wall. That dam wing prevents us from seeing that. It is exciting to watch the guys you root against wreck. No one wants to see him save it.
Kids do not even want to buy the ugly wing die-casts. The cars are no longer cool looking to kids. It looks like a freaking crab.
Pay per view racing anyone?
Nascar competing against Eldora on dirt will be tough LOL.
Posted by: krabby kahne | Jun 18, 2008 2:53:25 PM
Solutions?
Spending cap on raceteams.
Revenue sharing between raceteams.
BTW, clay, Pocono sold out; Bristol pads its attendence because SMI-related companies bulk-buy tix for their people. It's a common occurance at other tracks and sporting venues (I know for a fact the Boston Red Sox sell out Fenway because companies buy the tix for their employees).
Posted by: Mike Daly | Jun 18, 2008 4:21:29 PM
Good God Clay;give it up! It's not a southern sport anymore!It's pretty much WORLD-WIDE.The empty seats are due to the economy,not the racing!!!I go to Vegas in the spring,and again in the Fall (for the Truck race),BUT I still have the means to do it.My kid's are grown and I have a goood job(and yes;the three ooo in goood was not a mistype!I agree that Cali. needs to lose one, but not to a track back in the South!It needs to go to Vegas;where the fans will come at All costs!!!
Posted by: The Bear | Jun 18, 2008 4:49:13 PM
The Bear, the empty seats are due to the racing - the economy is not that bad. Vegas sells out because companies bulk-buy tix for their people.
Posted by: Mike Daly | Jun 18, 2008 6:24:14 PM
I was at MIS last weekend and did notice a lot of empty seats - but it wasn't the good seats that were empty! The main grandstand still seemed as full...it was the seats in turn 1 and 3 that had a lot of empty rows - but I think that might have been because of upgrades. Those areas are the newest seating changes and it was mainly the lower rows empty, so I'm guessing a lot of people got to upgrade to the better seats.
As for the cost to the fans, my friends and I are cutting back on the races we're going to this year. Last year we did 4 race weekends, including a trip down to Darlington and also the Allstar weekend at Lowes. This year we did the only race weekend we're attending at MIS last week. Its not the ticket costs that bother me so much - our seats for MIS were $85...its the extras that are getting too costly! Gas around the track was $4.12-$4.19 this weekend. We're 3 hours away from there and our gas cost was $125 for the weekend, including travel down, then to and from the track all weekend and finally back home. Thats a lot more than last years trip! But the biggest gripe I've got is with the hotels amazing price gouging!! We stayed at a Comfort Inn about 20 minutes from the track and it cost $225 a night for a 2 queen room. That same hotel is $94 today, or $115 on the weekend.
Posted by: Janelle | Jun 18, 2008 7:05:54 PM
Man,
I think it is a combination of everything. You have to admit that people are getting more conscious of the gas they are using.
We went to MIS this weekend for the ARCA race with free tickets (we didn't have time or money for the cup race). When it was rained out Friday night, we were more than willing to come back Saturday morning (totally messing up our weekend plans), but we were both thinking about the gas.
But it was well worth it. We met Ryan for the first time and our 2 year old son stole the show with Ryan. T.J. was awesome and LOVED the "fast loud cars". Ryan was awesome taking extra time to sign T.J.'s hat (and out stuff), and listen to what T.J. was talking about.
You can see the pics and my write up at http://ryannewmaninfo.info/archives/1206 .
Back on topic - so yes the gas, the economy and what ever else is playing a factor. Janelle did a great job of pointing that out.
As far as the COT goes, I don't care. NASCAR is NASCAR and that is final. Granted I liked the old car better, but NASCAR races are an atmosphere, not just the race. Even from the couch. I love NASCAR and will watch it till I die. They could change to go-carts and I would keep watching. Now, maybe the COT is factor for the part-time fans. I could completely see that.
Oh yeah, we were to busy for the cup race because we are getting married next weekend (June 21) and we had a lot of work to get done.
Posted by: Mike | Jun 18, 2008 9:56:42 PM
I think it has to do more with the cost of everything surrounding race weekend. Not only do hotels go up, so do airline tickets. I also think people are just reavailuating their money. People are timid to spend $800 for a weekend when they don't live close enough to drive.
The COT (some) is boring on tv, but at the track, live and in your face it is not.
Just my two cents.
Also hope if Vegas gets a second race its at night!!!!
Posted by: Kendria | Jun 18, 2008 10:24:26 PM
Agreed, gas, economics are all part of the "empty seat puzzle". Most won't admit it (especially Nascar) but the COT is boring. Whoever gets out front just keeps pulling more car lengths away from everyone. The only thing to save you from falling asleep is a caution and then it bunches them up for a lap or two and then...off the leader goes gradually pulling many car lengths away again. That is only one of the problems with the COT but let's not talk about it or Nascar will "come after us!". Enough said.
Posted by: Susan | Jun 19, 2008 7:08:26 AM
As a fan 'I am so privileged' to have the opportunity to watch a Nascar race. Money should not be an issue.
You know there are millions of other people out there who do not have this opportunity so I am eternally grateful.
Baloney.
Get 'back to basics' and quit feeding the drivers the company line. They just look like a bunch of puppets.
Personally, I have not felt the effects of the economy as yet and that I am thankful for.
It's true the economy is a contributing factor and there are other variables as well.
Including the boring racing, COT, Nascar's credibility and the overall predictability of the show.
It isn't as exciting as it used to be.
Posted by: krabby kahne | Jun 19, 2008 9:00:15 AM
Trent,
The only thing you should be worried about is who your gonna be pitting for next year. Sorry, but Penske's performance sucks and there is no way in hell I'd pay good money for tickets to see Ryan break another piece of sh#t part and finish 40th. Someone better get there crap together or he's gone. As far as empty seats, the races this year have been so boring no one should go until they change something. It's a lot more comfortable sleeping on the couch than in the stands.
Posted by: abs | Jun 19, 2008 9:28:25 AM
I am back from the michigan race and let me tell ya...what a snoozefest. I watched them attempt the MIS wave in teh stands and I never found it til it hit the front stretch because there were so many empty seats in turns 1 & 3.
My neighbors probably thought I was wasted but unbeknownst them I was nodding because it had some boring stretches. I am sure there are a lot of factors as mentioned above as to why attendance is down ie economy, not good racing, gas prices.
The best thing I did all weekend was help out with ryan's racing for wildlife charity. I had to get my joy from that considering I saw him longer at one of his signings than I did on the track. I cant even take seein another car issue.
Then I hit up the merchandise trailer and wouldnt allow myself to purchase anymore alltel gear because of the verizon buyout. Trust me...I have enough back up gear to suffice. I am hopin something clicks as I have been a die hard newman/alltel crew supporter for years. Will continue to be a supporter of the driver/crew cuz at this point I have no clue what the team or sponsor will be.
I already have my michigan tickets for aug but if I didnt...I probably would not be going. I still have the oct lowes race and martinsville after that. i am holdin out for m'ville cuz atleast I am guaranteed to see some side by side racing
Posted by: Rashaun | Jun 19, 2008 11:03:19 AM
From MD: "The Bear, the empty seats are due to the racing - the economy is not that bad. Vegas sells out because companies bulk-buy tix for their people."
The economy is bad. The cost of fuel, energy and basic necessities have increased substantially. However, wages have remained stagnant. Many companies have layed off workers. Consumers have less disposable income and many are saddled with high debt and little available credit. When consumers do not have purchasing power then the economy as a whole suffers.
During this economic downturn, many people are cutting back on the money that they spend on vacations and/or entertainment. Race fans are not exempt from this. A typical race weekend for most fans will cost over $500.
I know that I have had to cut back on the number of races that I attend because of the fuel cost. I have a 3 hour daily commute to work which now cost me an additional $336 per month in gas than it did 2 years ago...that means that it now cost me an extra $4,032 per year just to drive to work. Then add in higher cost of food, etc., and it is easy to see why my paycheck does not go as far as it used to. Until I am able to find a job closer to my home, I will have to continue to have substantially less money to spend on non essential items.
If the empty seats at the race tracks were due to the COT, as some suggest, then how do you explain the higher TV ratings? The TV ratings are higher because race fans are opting to stay home and watch the race on TV instead of incurring the expense to attend the race.
It will be interesting to see how the economy affects NASCAR. NASCAR is a sport where the teams rely heavily upon corporate sponsorship. One of the biggest sponsors in NASCAR, FedEx, just reported lower earnings because of high fuel cost and lower consumer demand (when consumers do not buy then there is not as much to ship!). Home Depot and Lowe's have reported losses. These three companies are three of the biggest sponsors in NASCAR. Some of the smaller sponsors have also been affected by the economic downturn. If these companies continue to struggle, then the sponsorship dollars available to NASCAR teams may dry up.
Posted by: TJR | Jun 19, 2008 2:40:01 PM
ABS, i can't control what Ryan does. He's gonna make this decision on what is best for him and his family. If he was leaving because the pit crew sucked, then i would have somthing to do with that. If he is leaving because of the way the car is performing than i cant help that. I cant worry about who is coming in to drive if Ryan leaves. If im not happy with it i can leave or get over it. Its pretty simple. Thanks for your concern over our team and my well being.
Posted by: trent | Jun 19, 2008 2:45:08 PM
TJR - I agree with everything in your post.
Daly - If you think the economy is not bad, you are living in a different world than most of the rest of us.
Posted by: Diane | Jun 19, 2008 3:17:29 PM
TJR - I agree with everything in your post.
Daly - If you think the economy is not bad, you are living in a different world than most of the rest of us.
Posted by: Diane | Jun 19, 2008 3:17:39 PM
Throwing out AT&T and Alltel/Verizon is not helping either.
Posted by: C | Jun 19, 2008 3:41:08 PM
Hey Trent,
The choices facing the race fan are tough.
It is hard to give up going when it is a part of your life. TV money going to Nascar must be big for them to neglect trying to get our butts back in the seats. Not long ago, it was just ticket prices that hurt. But now as afore mentioned, hotels and fuel make it a mountain to climb, like barefoot..
Blaming the new car is a cop-out. Sorta like blaming it all on Bill. lol
Sorry to see the performance problems. It hurts your fans too. Good time for a road race to divert the oval problems.
Posted by: Larry | Jun 19, 2008 4:10:51 PM
Hey Trent - we can only hope that if Ryan does decide to leave that he takes you guys with him:)
Posted by: cgs | Jun 19, 2008 4:59:20 PM
Cut the schedule back to 30 races. Get rid of testing altogether, including a ban on testing at non Cup tracks.
The less travel that teams have to do the less money they'll need and thus the less sponsors will have to spend.
As for helping the fans out. If I was NASCAR, the first thing I would do is realign the schedule. Having California as the second race isn't smart at all. In fact if they cut 6 races out of the schedule, that first Cali race would probably be one of them. What I would do is regionalize the schedule as much as possible. The first quarter or third of the season should be in the southeast. Then you can go to the northeast with Dover and Pocono and New Hampshire, Watkins Glen. Then you go to the midwest. Texas, Kansas, Chicago, Michigan, Indy then out west. Cali, Vegas, Phoenix, Sonoma and then finally back east to finish the season. That would make an easier commute for the fans from race to race and that should help increase attendance. It just doesn't make any sense to have Daytona one week and then Cali the next or Bristol one week and then Cali the next.
Posted by: Ken | Jun 19, 2008 7:12:25 PM
Guys, the economy IS NOT THAT BAD. No, TJR, wages have not remained stagnant. "How do you explain the higher TV ratings?" First, I don't believe people who say they are higher because I see no particular enthusiasm for the sport from anyone, and second, the explanation for these supposed "higher ratings" is that Kyle Busch has somehow ignited fan passion. This is laughable because it NEVER works that way - one driver is not capable of single-handedly igniting fan passion and no sport worth anything is that dependent on one competitor to keep its popularity going. Third, the lack of competitive racing means the sport is still in the same ennui it has been in for years, and there is no enthusiasm for a mediocre competitive product.
No Diane, I don't live in a different world from you or anyone else.
Posted by: Mike Daly | Jun 19, 2008 7:13:18 PM
Now having said that, there manifestly are economic issues for the sport, namely the absurd costs and performance levels involved to go with a mediocre competitive product. To handle the economic issues, several changes in the sport's business model are needed, such as -
1 - Imposition of a hard spending cap on racing teams, such as $30 million for the totality of a Winston Cup team - i.e. Hendrick Motorsports can only spend $30 million for all of its WC efforts, Roush limited to $30 million for its WC efforts, etc.
2 - Mandatory revenue sharing between race teams, universal in sports but curiously absent from racing other than a modest IRL revenue sharing plan for its raceteams.
Posted by: Mike Daly | Jun 19, 2008 7:16:53 PM
Mike-
If you haven't already applied for a job at nascar I beleive you should. Rumor has it that they have lost their big bag of stupid. Seems like you have plenty to go around.
Posted by: panther forest | Jun 19, 2008 7:54:42 PM
Panther forest, is that supposed to mean something? You seem to object to the two proposals I offered - would you care to offer some kind of reason for your objection?
Posted by: Mike Daly | Jun 20, 2008 12:50:43 AM
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