[Racer Duck]

simon and bob, you guys nailed it!

I'll be 65 this november and yes, if I want to go to a race, I will. But, like LSC I'd rather see it in the comfort of my recliner with my trusty DVR ready to help me see what I almost missed. My daughter in law mentioned yesterday that she wished the races were pay per view that way we could see the whole other half of the race without commercials. I have to admit, she has a point.

I don't have a problem with adding to the fan base, what I have a problem with is the change in values. racing always has been, and I don't see it changing soon, about a difference of opinion: who's fastest.

but when the endings are "engineered" to provide exciting finishes (for the fans .. yeah right!) that's where I part ways with the powers that rule the track.

It may be boring to some when a driver is able to lap the field and the race is for 2nd or farther back, but there's a group of fans who revel in the feat. I still remember when Bill Elliott came from 2 laps down at Atlanta to win without a yellow flag. That was exciting .. I think I became an Elliott fan that day! (I'm sure there are those who think such a thing is boring...)

Today's NA$CAR won't allow boring things to happen .. that is unless it's a California race where we're supposed to be all ga-ga over the celebrities and not notice what's -not- happening on the track... And that's too bad, 'cause there's a lesson for the world in that one event so many years ago at Atlanta Motor Speedway: there'll always be winners and losers, strong and weak, good and bad. when you try to disguise them as being equal or nearly equal, you are training the younger "skulls of mush" that there's no difference between the two .. and see what that type of thing has done to our society. It's human nature that there be combat/competition. That's reality!

I want to watch REAL races, not some Madison Avenue focus group engineered event with musicians and artists covering up the racing with their drivel!

Now, back to your regular programming.......

[SpaceCadet]

Originally Posted by obrien

I am only 28 yet it bugs me to see what is happening. I have been a fan since the late 80s. My parents would take my brother and I to charlotte every year, and I attended a couple of races at the Rock. However, as much as I would love to go to a race, its really not practical for me due to the price of tickets. I am within a couple hours of daytona and would love to see a race there, especailly before the bring the COTs in next year. I am by no means someone with a large income, but I am a gearhead that loves fast cars and boats. I have been wanting to take my wife so that she could half way understand what the allure to this sport is for me, but I seriously doubt that will ever happen since it only gets more expensive to attend the races, and nascar continues making changes that irritate me.

Boy, do I hear ya! We'll be going to Pocono in a couple of weeks. (I hate the track, but it's better than Watkin's Glen, and there's nothing else close by.) There's three of us. The tickets are just the beginning. By the time we pay for tickets, pay for camping, gas, food, and an extremely limited amount of souvenir's for my son, we are at the $1000 mark. For four days at a lousy track, with no electricity, generators roaring two feet away from your window and neighbor's so close you can't even walk between the RV's - one thousand smackers. I think I just realized how stupid I am! I have daughters who are 22 and 25. They won't be able to afford tickets for a long, long time. NASCAR can market to them all they want. A lot of young people simply cannot swing it.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by SpaceCadet

Boy, do I hear ya! We'll be going to Pocono in a couple of weeks. (I hate the track, but it's better than Watkin's Glen, and there's nothing else close by.) There's three of us. The tickets are just the beginning. By the time we pay for tickets, pay for camping, gas, food, and an extremely limited amount of souvenir's for my son, we are at the $1000 mark. For four days at a lousy track, with no electricity, generators roaring two feet away from your window and neighbor's so close you can't even walk between the RV's - one thousand smackers. I think I just realized how stupid I am! I have daughters who are 22 and 25. They won't be able to afford tickets for a long, long time. NASCAR can market to them all they want. A lot of young people simply cannot swing it.

Pretty much what I had said. Market away to the X-Gen but remember they are the poor ones in todays economy. Thanks France for going that route.

[jks812]

Thats the same way my daughters are. Way more important things for their money to go to than races, which is why they watch them at home. I could go to some of the races but I really don't want to. I see no reason to spend the money to sit in the sun all day next to a drunk and take a chance on missing something. I can watch it and be much more comfortable at home and with the replays, I miss nothing. But I have to admit I do spend my fair share on diecast and clothes.

[BringBackWilkesboro]

This is how I'm gonna finish this issue (for me anyway).

I'm going to remain as big a fan as I was and the 70s and even more so, the 80s for one main reason: What is happening on the tracks that we can get fairly easy access to? A race. Even though I don't like hearing all the drama that goes along with stick and ball sports (I still cringe when Dale Jr is referred to as a free agent), and the drivers arent as relatable as in the past, I still like seeing them race. As a matter of fact I'm a fan not necessarily of the drivers, but the machines themselves, going to the gearhead subject Bob brought up.

I also look at it this way; I always have the Truck Series to fall back on. What gets me into that series so much is the fact that the drivers are not household names and they really don't care. They want to race and that's just what they do. Some of the best pure racing you'll ever see will come from the trucks. Plus, alot of the races are held far away from bright lights and big parties, which I like cause I'm far, far away from being hip. For example, I'll tell you that Dennis Setzer won this past weekend in Mansfield and I guarantee a newer fan reading this will say "who?" and "where?"

I didn't say anything new here. I guess it's good for my own sake, to assure myself I do still enjoy motorsports.

[jks812]

Originally Posted by BringBackWilkesboro

I also look at it this way; I always have the Truck Series to fall back on. What gets me into that series so much is the fact that the drivers are not household names and they really don't care. They want to race and that's just what they do. Some of the best pure racing you'll ever see will come from the trucks. Plus, alot of the races are held far away from bright lights and big parties, which I like cause I'm far, far away from being hip. For example, I'll tell you that Dennis Setzer won this past weekend in Mansfield and I guarantee a newer fan reading this will say "who?" and "where?"

I agree. I love the truck races. Now I might miss a cup or busch race, but I don't miss a truck race. Those guys race hard every lap. They don't just get out there and just ride until almost at the end.

[simple simon]

Originally Posted by BringBackWilkesboro

This is how I'm gonna finish this issue (for me anyway).

I'm going to remain as big a fan as I was and the 70s and even more so, the 80s for one main reason: What is happening on the tracks that we can get fairly easy access to? A race.

and i submit to you my friend that this is preceisely why they are headed in another direction ...... you yourself said you already are a fan and you will remain so

[New Kid In Town]

I have been watching racing off and on for years, I can tell you what I don't like about where it seems to be headed. Some of you may not remember years ago (I am sure many of you do, please bear with me) when a driver was in a Monte Carlo you could tell what it was. It seems that when I tune in now I have no idea what the heck they are driving.

I long for the days when Bill Elliotts Thunderbird looked like a Thunderbird. I guess that's why when I watch now i cheer for the older guys. Jarrett, Rudd, Elliott and Martin, those are mostly the ones I like to see do well.

[PenelopePitStop]

Another great thread! Lots of thought-provoking comments. Let me see if I can make sense here ...

For me, I'm a fan and always will be. However, I have to admit my passion seems to have faded. I gave up my season tickets to Loudon, and only half pay attention to most races. I thought perhaps it was due to losing Dale, my favorite. Maybe not.

Very strong points made. If NASCAR is marketing to "the younger crowd", they are way off track. Who can afford a day at the races? Seriously. Some of the people at the track save up just see a race. These are blue-collar workers and, as far as I'm concerned, are the heart and soul of NASCAR. Thankfully, I can afford to drop $80 (and that's cheap) to attend a race. But add to that, I typically spent $200 on racing paraphernalia. Younger crowd? I don't know about you, but most of the kids I saw at the track were wearing Gordon t-shirts and/or hats. Next generation, I guess.

It's all about money, huh? Crazy! NASCAR was the largest spectator sport just a few short years ago. Now, there are empty seats. I know I've said this before, but I don't want to see NASCAR become another Indy.

I have to wonder about The Chase and whether or not that has an impact. I personally don't like it. Then there's this "Top 35" thing that you guys were kind enough to explain to me. Don't like that either. Maybe it's the Hendricks dominance.

Who knows?

[simple simon]

Originally Posted by PenelopePitStop

Younger crowd? I don't know about you, but most of the kids I saw at the track were wearing Gordon t-shirts and/or hats. Next generation, I guess.

i think thats a big part of it too though PPS ....... merchandising, get the kids to want their shirts and stuff from Wally World and what-not

also potentially if skater Johnny gets into NASCAR somehow maybe he talks a parent into taking him to a race

and i really do think some underestimate the earning potential of the younger generation .......... they arent all blue collar like me some are doctors, lawyers and what-not .......... im just saying some do have the disposable income to burn

[PenelopePitStop]

True. Very true.

I think the "kids" like Gordon because they know him due to the hype. And also because he wins a lot. Lots of kids wore Jr. stuff as well.

Sure. Many fans aren't blue collar. I'm not. In fact, some people are shocked that I'm a race fan. They say that I don't "look the type", but they have preconceived opinions. I also like to fish!

[Mike24]

If you talk to any of the new fans to the sport, they hate Gordon because someone told him he's this and that. Now I can't speak for the kids who like him, but as regard to the newer fans, I doubt it. Although I have seen alot of the newer fans with different merchandise other than Jr. Maybe there are some fans that are spreading the right word for a change?

As regard to NASCAR losing fans.... I will always be a NASCAR fan, no matter if I like it or not, cause I enjoy racing.

[PenelopePitStop]

Ooopsy! Didn't mean to turn this into another Gordon thread!

[simple simon]

Originally Posted by PenelopePitStop

Ooopsy! Didn't mean to turn this into another Gordon thread!

i dont think you did PPS

the thread is about NASCAR gearing to a younger crowd and it was rightly pointed out many of them have been pointed in one direction or the other with Gordon probably by their parents or friends

[PenelopePitStop]

Originally Posted by simple simon

i dont think you did PPS

the thread is about NASCAR gearing to a younger crowd and it was rightly pointed out many of them have been pointed in one direction or the other with Gordon probably by their parents or friends

True.

Little girls like Gordon because he's "cute" in their eyes. Frankly, he doesn't make the wind blow up my skirt!

It's natural for kids who have parents who were fans of Sr. to become fans of Jr. Again, little girls find him cute as well.

It remains to be seen how long a driver's popularity due to looks and/or wins stands on its own. Fans can be persnickety. My aunt was a die-hard Gordon fan. Now, she's dumped Gordon and is a Johnson fan. What's up with that?

Hopefully, these young kids that NASCAR is marketing to will grow to learn and understand the sport for what it is. It's so much more than who's the best looking or who wins the most.

I'm rambling ... sorry!