NASCAR May Update
I would like to start this out by saying I really miss doing my NASCAR DFS videos every week, as we have not produced one since the Atlanta race was cancelled. Since that weekend…much has changed. Virtual racing has gained more exposure with the Pro Invitational Series. Kyle Larson will now be absent from the Cup Series roster. Track owners are in limbo about getting their race dates later in the year. There is no doubt that this situation has been a total nightmare for the sport. While I am very excited that NASCAR will be coming back with some action starting May 17th…I also realize that it will be totally different than anything I have ever seen. Darlington Raceway will be the first event and will have a fan-less spectacle for all of us to see on television. All three major levels of NASCAR will be performing in the gauntlet of 7 races in 11 days.
Photo Credit: NASCAR.com
NASCAR faces a tough situation. They have to start back up to get some cash flow and they need to give the American people/race fans entertainment. Different track owners are at the mercies of their respective Governors and legislatures of their area. Truthfully…I can definitely see some of these tracks going away forever. Maybe not immediately, but when you cancel events, you literally affect every single person at the track…if the owners aren’t getting paid, then the track crews, concessions and cleaners are not. It is a trickle down event that costs everyone. I get that NASCAR will be getting the ball rolling with this action…but how do you pay teams without tickets sales? In the old days, the winner’s purse was dictated by how many tickets were sold at the event. I understand now that is not “wholly” how it works, but seriously…how do you keep a full roster of employees when you rely upon networks and ratings to pay you?
Photo Credit: The Sports Chief Photography
The fan experience is the focal point of any NASCAR event. I get that NASCAR is adapting at a time when other major sports markets are not and for that I am happy. It seems that the sport has always adapted fairly well with difficult circumstances…and there was a time when they did run 2 or more Cup Series races in a week…but that has been along time ago. In my opinion…I think it is highly plausible that NASCAR could get regional again. They have worked so hard for years to reach all corners of the world in a “southern” sport…and look where they are racing during a pandemic…North and South Carolina. In order to survive, they need to reach out to the race fan…not the ones who will never attend a NASCAR event. You survive with those who got you to this point…you survive with those invested in your sport…and for that I am glad Darlington and Charlotte are the leaders in getting NASCAR back.
Do not be shocked to see this continuing trend for NASCAR for this year…I do not see the crews traveling out west, mid-west or north-east for that matter any time soon. Our sports life has changed as we know it and we have to come to the realization, that “normal” will never be the same. If NASCAR can make it through these next couple of weeks with $0 fan revenue (aside from online merchandise and etc.) then it will be great. My opinion is that when (if) the dust settles…NASCAR will be one of the few main sports still going strong. I look forward to keeping you guys posted with our DFS tips and talking NASCAR soon!
AustYn
Photo Credit: Jayski.com