Economy Slows Race Fans
Darius Radzius
Advertisement
Text size: small | medium | large
By Darius Radzius
Reporter / WJHL
Published: December 22, 2008
The sluggish economy has put the brakes on loyal NASCAR fans who don’t miss a race.
Bristol Motor Speedway says this is the first time in a long time season tickets are still available.
“The way the economy is, its really slowed things up. We’re going to have to make some adjustments,“ said Ray, a race fan.
Even one of the most popular race tracks are feeling the effects of the economy. Sponsors not renewing their contracts.
“It’s no secret that GM told us earlier this year that they weren’t going to renew their contract, said Kevin Triplett, spokesperson, Bristol Motor Speedway.
And for the first time after 53 consecutive sell outs, the Bristol Motor Speedway has season packages available, giving more race fans an opportunity to see and feel the fastest half mile.
“We hear it from people when they get their tickets through a lottery that wow; I’ve always wanted to do this,“ said Triplett.
Although there’s a push to sell tickets, race officials say they believe they can still fill these seats.
“I think it will slow them down. They’ll probably still fill it up. It’s going to be a slow down,“ said Ray.
Typically, area businesses get a boost twice a year when race fans come, but Ray believes that boost won’t be as great as years past.
One thing’s for sure, the slow economy may make more room for sports fans to check off one box on their to-do list.
“Most sports fans have these. I want to go to Augusta. I want to see a game at Lambo. I want to go to Fenway and Bristol Motor Speedway is on that list,“ said Triplett.
The speedway seats 160-thousand people.
Page 1 of 1
Post a Comment
The commenting period has ended or commenting has been deactivated for this article.
Can't find what you're looking for? Try our quick search:
Reader Reactions
Posted by ( Jed Clampet ) on December 23, 2008 at 2:53 am
Why don’t they give out lucky dog tickets? they are the ones to blame they are on the way, to pricing their way out off business.
Report Inappropriate Comment
Posted by ( cbr929rrerion ) on December 23, 2008 at 12:02 am
I have to agree with what most are saying. It is nice and easy for BMS to blame the lower attendance and the fact season ticket holders did not renew on the economy.
I guess blaming thier policies and changes to NASCAR both have nothing to do with it. The racing that is determined by fuel milage not all out racing. Racing won on pit stops not racing. Limiting the ability of the engine and car builders to only go so fast, restrictor plates to slow them down. Lets make everyone go the same speed. Sorry but thats boring and the car owner monopoly is also out of hand.
As far as BMS, making the ticket holders buy the tickets sooner with out advanced notice of at least a year prior was rude. Making an outdoor racing facility with the smell of gas and rubber a “Smoke Free” area is retarded. Many drink beer, smoke and watch the race. Now you can not. Other such policies have many saying enough is enough.
BMS is another one of those that think they are to big to fail and that they will always sell out no matter what they do. Arrogance will put you in the poor house. Tought economy plus everything else.
I would rather sit home, smoke and drink and watch the race at home. NASCAR and BMS needs to remove their heads from thier backsides and start catering to the fans or they too will be operating at a loss and decline even more.
Report Inappropriate Comment