[Bette]

After watching the news last night, my husband had a suggestion that they make the race 250 miles, instead of 500. He thinks it would help save on fuel. (I dont think he was serious)
But this got us talking. Just how many miles per gallon do race cars get anyway??

As you know, people come from miles around to see their favorite sport. One man said it cost him $1100 for fuel. That was one way.
I also read last night in the paper that Nascar racing was the sport most impacted by high fuel prices. Do you see the sport being drastically changed as a result? If so, how?
How long can it continue to survive this way??

PS Layman's terms please

[Team Yates]

Originally Posted by Bette

After watching the news last night, my husband had a suggestion that they make the race 250 miles, instead of 500. He thinks it would help save on fuel. (I dont think he was serious)
But this got us talking. Just how many miles per gallon do race cars get anyway??

As you know, people come from miles around to see their favorite sport. One man said it cost him $1100 for fuel. That was one way.
I also read last night in the paper that Nascar racing was the sport most impacted by high fuel prices. Do you see the sport being drastically changed as a result? If so, how?
How long can it continue to survive this way??

PS Layman's terms please

Very good questions Bette!! I also wonder how all the economic issues will affect the motorsports end of sports. Well, Racer Duck, please enlighten us from your racing standpoint!!

[BiscuitMan]

NASCAR has been preparing for this a long time. NASCAR has been moving its customer base up the food chain the last decade or so. They turned away from the low-life moon shine chugging red neck and began targeting the affluent college educated more socially adjusted fun loving sports enthusiast.

NASCAR has captured a wide set of race fans whose emotional behavior supports various motivational drives such as hunger and fear. They show up every week with attire that identifies them with their chosen contestant. This all started about the time the door handles were removed from most of the race cars.

As a result, NASCAR believes that even the $5 a gallon for 87 octane fuel used to power our Lexus and BMWs will not hinder our ability to fill the grandstands at all the ISC race tracks across this nation.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by Bette

After watching the news last night, my husband had a suggestion that they make the race 250 miles, instead of 500. He thinks it would help save on fuel. (I dont think he was serious)
But this got us talking. Just how many miles per gallon do race cars get anyway??

As you know, people come from miles around to see their favorite sport. One man said it cost him $1100 for fuel. That was one way.
I also read last night in the paper that Nascar racing was the sport most impacted by high fuel prices. Do you see the sport being drastically changed as a result? If so, how?
How long can it continue to survive this way??

PS Layman's terms please

I'm not RD but may I offer something?

They tried shortening the races back in 1975 (I think it was) when the last major fuel shortage happened. I think the Daytona 500 ended up being the Daytona 400?

$1100 for fuel alone. I think that might even be low, but probably about average. Example: If you have a motor home and drive 600 miles to the track (about average for NASCAR attendees), your diesel engine will get between 7-10 MPG and with fuel currently at $4.67/gal you're looking at almost $600 alone for fuel and oil. (round trip)... Throw in food, race tickets, T&T and misc. expenses and I bet the cost is closer to $1500.

NASCAR is affected most because its fans traditionally travel longer distances to attend races.

I agree with your hubby. They should shorten the races but not because of fuel. I'm for it because shorter races might may for better racing (read: CTS).

I hope this was short enough for you.