| 8217;s get this party started; the Engines are ready | | | | atmosphere and has more events that everyone can |
| to rev it up! NASCAR is in full swing now, which | | | | enjoy. In the early years, stockcar racing was seen |
| means it’s time to get the grills out and the | | | | as a redneck sport and a place to drink beer. But |
| campers ready. Why is this year going to offer more | | | | with the continuing growth in popularity, NASCAR |
| than last season? What’s in store for | | | | executives have identified a more diverse |
| NASCAR fans? This year should be a memorable one | | | | demographic to capture. NASCAR fans include your |
| for enthusiasts across the nation as drivers compete | | | | average working people, business executives, |
| for the Nextel Cup. | | | | doctors, lawyers, and just about any other |
| This is the second year NASCAR is using a new point | | | | profession of which you can think. |
| system, which allows drivers to position themselves | | | | As NASCAR continues to grow, the demand for |
| for a final push down the stretch. Last year, due to | | | | tracks will also increase. Smaller venues are what |
| the new point system many of NASCAR’s | | | | NASCAR was found on, but it is hard to ignore the |
| top drivers were left out of the point chase, but with | | | | calling of big markets and the money they bring to |
| a year under their belts, more drivers will know what | | | | the table. If the smaller markets are not able to |
| it takes to win the Cup. Considering that only the | | | | capitalize on what they have, they run the risk of |
| top-ten drivers have a chance at the Nextel Cup, | | | | losing one or all of their races to bigger cities. |
| there’s not much room for error. Drivers | | | | Hopefully NASCAR will not forget its roots and |
| have to make sure each race counts in order to | | | | continue to be loyal to the communities that helped |
| ensure they are not left in the infield at the end of | | | | build the sport and its popularity. |
| the season. | | | | There have already been instances where a smaller |
| Most of the drivers and fans are unsure if they like | | | | market has lost one of its races to a bigger one. If |
| the new point system; year two will give them a | | | | the sport continues to grow, it will be hard to tell the |
| better idea of its strengths and weaknesses. If the | | | | larger markets "no," because they offer the chance |
| drivers and the fans continue to complain about the | | | | to make more money and gain even greater |
| new format, NASCAR may be forced to make some | | | | exposure. NASCAR may have to look at expanding |
| changes in the way it awards the Cup. The new | | | | the season to satisfy the increasing demand for |
| format was supposed to make things more | | | | races. This is a good problem to have and it is |
| interesting, and although some thought it did there | | | | doubtful that you will hear one NASCAR executive |
| are still those that like the old system better. | | | | complaining about it. |
| NASCAR fans should enjoy an excellent year in 2006 | | | | If all goes well, NASCAR will continue to grow into a |
| as most tracks aim to become friendlier for | | | | bigger sport and bigger business. The road is wide |
| attendees. Many of the tracks around the country | | | | open for this sport, because NASCAR is constantly |
| are adding extra events to get people more involved. | | | | tapping into new markets. As long as NASCAR is able |
| One thing the racing organization is attempting to do | | | | to keep the fans happy, it will continue to grow. |
| is make drivers and their crews more accessible to | | | | Thus far, NASCAR seems to have run the popularity |
| the general public. | | | | race with aplomb; let’s see if they can keep |
| NASCAR has also accelerated a more family oriented | | | | it up without any unnecessary pit stops. |