Over the last few years of watching Nascar racing I'm beginning to wonder if they are headed in the right directon. It seems that Nascaris always changing and trying to reinvent themselves and in the process has done nothing but drive fans, sponsors, and even drivers away from the sport. Let's address some of these issues first starting with the drivers who are the backbone of the sport.
Over the past few years some drivers have retired from the sport and many have cited the direction Nascar is headed for their early departure. Nascar has decided to promote their younger drivers which is fine, but you can't forget the people that paved the way for these younger drivers. People like Bill Elliott, Ricky Rudd, Dale Jarrett, Harry Gant, Dave Marcis have all been basically not applauded or recognized for the contribution they have made to the sport. This doesn't sit very well with the fans and believe me they do take notice.
Sponsors are another issue that Nascar in recent years have had a hard time keeping it seems. After a long time Winston decided it was time to leave the sport. Busch has also exited and now the Truck Series only sponsor Craftsman is leaving. Now many still have a small hand in Nascar, but the big dollars they provided are gone. The main reason in my eyes is the direction that Nascar is going. Gone our the days when Nascar would remember their roots as now it's coming more to the mighty dollar over the fans, and the drivers.
Last are the fans who for a number of years have seen the shift and aren't happy with it. I've talked to many who don't even watch Nascar racing and they use to be die-hard racing fans. They have said Nascar has taken the fun away and made it something they don't even know anymore. Fans are supportive as long as you do things the right way, and right now Nascar isn't and they are losing fan base and it's now showing up at the track and in the ratings. Hopefully Nascar will make a u-turn and get back on the right path so Nascar can getting it rolling in the right direction.
