As a North Texan, I think there is another factor involved in the decline of attendance at TMS, specifically, in relation to this community. First, the track had about a 15 year honeymoon with local residents, as a new exciting motorsports venue/experience. People have to keep in mind that the DFW Metroplex has four major professional sports teams, even more lower level professional sports teams. We have 2 PGA golf tournaments and an abundance of entertainment venues. When you add in technology and the incredible coverage by the broadcast teams these days, you almost get more out of a race by watching it on TV. With inflation and the uncertainty of COVID, people are simply opting to stay at home or limit the amount of events they attend. When it comes to attending a packed race at TMS, more so than some other venues, the traffic, parking, walking, heat, cold, steel bleachers, drunks, and time spent trying to get to your seat, as well as the trip home after a long day, is simply tiring for many people. The mindset for non race enthusiasts (who could've made up at least 50% of the race attendees each race from the opening until now), who wanted to experience NASCAR live in person, is "been there, done that, it was great but I'll enjoy it from home from now on." I think NASCAR building the fan base back up is as much of the problem, as the cars, or the tracks. And, that's a tough one. How do you make people get interested in racing in general? You don't.
I disagree with you completely. It’s about the experience even if it is somewhat inconvenient it’s just fun to be there. You sound boring and bitchy anyways. Jmo
I agree with some of your thoughts, it's a couple things in my opinion. NASCAR went after a demographic or generation who don't care about racing. That alienated it's core base of fans and pissed them off. The kicker was the rebel flag. Besides Dale Earnhardt it by was in the flag flown the most at the tracks. A lot of drivers retired at once and they were we replaced by silver spoon kids with the same last name of their famous father and blue collars didn't relate. They could relate to #3 car, or the #24. I place 100% blame on the brass of NASCAR. That France kid damn near run it to the dirt. I do know if these are any better. Time will tell
@@michaelcowan2061 You're looking at history through rose-colored glasses. "Die-hard" NASCAR fans of the day hated Jeff Gordon because he was a "pretty boy" from California AND his last name wasn't Earnhardt, Wallace, Waltrip or Petty. Those old-school guys wanted a southern sport for southern guys and screw everyone else. They wanted, in fact, NO expansion of the sport, as if it could be sustained by one demographic. As for the "rebel flag," I don't give a damn what anyone's personal feelings are. If you want to have an audience outside of the old, white guys in the southeastern corner of the country, you can't have divisive crap like that at the track. Anyone who uses that as an excuse to not support something, that's THEIR problem, not NASCAR's.
@@Bad_Wolf_Media I'm a born blue Dallas Cowboys fan. The "old school" NASCAR fans rank in the same category to me as the Cowboy fans that still ban the team because Jerry Jones fired Tom Landry. get over it.
That was the last time period we had drivers who didn’t grow up in a 4000sf mansion at Lake Norman too. Once the old boys like Dale, Rusty, Mark, Jarrett, Ricky Rudd and Elliott were gone, all you had left were rich spoiled brats who acted like jackasses.
Being 62 years old, I remember how exciting Bristol use to be - my guess was in the 1990's but not sure. Man those were exciting, fun races to watch - I MEAN THEY WERE FUN TO WATCH ON TV! The speedway was packed absolutely slammed full of fans, night racing, drivers bumping and pushing each other on almost every lap. I was on the edge of my chair watching those races in excitement and disbelief how exciting those races were. Drivers were mad at each other - many cautions as they were bumping into each other all around the track. The Announcers were barely able to keep up with what was occurring on the track. Go back and recreate that Bristol track (mid to late 1990's I am guessing) using that Iracing if you want to create fan excitement and enthusiasm. Man it was just wild. The other races those years were not memorial to me, but Bristol was FUN and EXCITING to watch on TV during those years. My guess the secret was there was only 1 groove, so drivers had to move other drivers out of the way to make a pass. I doubt if the drivers liked it as they were really mad at each other and their cars were all banged up, but fans like me sure did!
Former TMS season ticket holder and like others have said the fan experience is gone. I could handle bad racing but what brought me to the track was the camping and midway atmosphere with food, haulers and the old Speed live shows. When they removed the on-site grocery store and reduced the pre race actives I stopped going. I had my ticket rep once tell me they wanted to reduce the fun outside the track to encourage more tickets for the race. I mainly bought tickets for the activities outside of the race.
The Internet changed everything and people especially under 30-40 have grown up using it for everything including entertainment, meeting people, work, socializing etc, sports like Nascar can’t hold their attention long enough to learn about and enjoy it, they are ready to move on pretty quick, it’s not nascar fault it’s just the way it is in my opinion, thanks
There are a few other factors as well, but this is the main one……… I’d be shocked if 5 years from now this place is actually still in existence. It’s not just TMS either. Look at all the tracks that have deleted seating and replace those seats with ad banners.
This discussion is spot on!! In the 70's and 80's, I can remember drivers like Petty, Pearson, Parsons, Baker, the Allisons, Wallace, Waltrip, Sr. etc... sitting for hours talking with and signing autographs. I fully understand sponsor commitments, however, the sport and the sponsors must realize the personal contact is what will save this sport. Is word of mouth advertisement not still the best? Just a thought........
Yes I was just a kid but Benny Parsons was very approachable and remembered fans he met multiple times. I also visited donleavey shops and they couldn’t have been more accommodating. I was 19 years old when I visited the wood brothers shop, they were loading up the hauler for Rockingham and put me to work helping load it, never forget. Btw They we’re frustrated because Jon wood was supposed to be helping them but he was too busy flying his model airplanes… until he crashed it flying it into a tree😂
It's the freaking location!! Great upload timing btw... sitting in my car waiting to go into work here in Winston Salem NC. I actually like Marcus but if you want Nascar to have huge success going forward... let Jr run it 🏁🏁🏁
This was a great podcast. Marcus has a lot of insight that works in Nascar's favor!! Thanks Dale!! Keep up the great work and racing when you can. Would love for you to be full time but I would prefer you healthy for many many years instead of on the track every week even though I miss seeing you race, your health is far more important. Plus I have come to realize that you are mote valuable giving your input to Nascar to prayerfully make it better and save it from itself!!! Love y'all and are so proud of all you ,your precious family and team does to make Nascar better and prayerfully it will be great again 🙏🏁🏆🏁💞🤗💞🙏🙏🙏🙏
Year ago, in hospital for 8 months, had to become NASACR fan. No cable. First race was Daytona w restrictor plates & I race sailboats. Now 2022 I’m a fan of both series, Xfinity & Cup. Xifinity series is becoming my favorite w the younger driver coming thru like a farm team circa MLB. Love the young drivers & the 2022 car kinda exposed the vets who took time to adjust vs the Xfinity driver who I race & race all over before coming to series. I will say this Dale Jr has an eye for talent & if he ever buys a charter for cup, I hope he has Ross C & maybe B Jones or some other young driver fill those seats. Do you have to have a charter for each car? I hope Dale can fund 3 cars & will me most popular team. Just like he is in Xfinity. Noah G has potential to be a great cup driver imho if he can hold that temper. But I do 💚 the puking after winning! Gotta say that & the fence climbing is entertaining for fan.
My experience with racing is that the challenge of the track is part of being a good driver. That driving the car within the limits of the track/course is what racing is all about.
Hadn't been to a race in several years there after going every year for many years straight. Finally went to one back in 2019 I think it was. It had been at least five years since I've been. I was shocked at how different EVERYTHING was. Barely recognized any of the car sponsors, nowhere as many souvenir haulers as there once was, all the other stuff just seemed sad. Just struck me as one of those things that has seen its heyday and was dying, but no one would admit it. Reminded me of a dying shopping mall but louder and more cars.
Had the exact same experience at Talladega a few years ago. I was shocked at how few souvenir haulers there were. Used to be you’d stand 20 deep in one of many lines to get a t-shirt. I walked right up to the register. Maybe 50 people in total were around there.
@Tim Jones he is in Xfinity series as an owner but not yet in NASCAR Cup Series. They run an awesome Xfinity series program and I’d love to see them at the cup level!
I've been to TMS now for 10+ years and one big issue I have with the track is the lack of team participation on the midway. You might have 5 drivers showing up for interviews, and half the teams don't even bring trailers or sponsor tents so the midway isn't as fun compared to other tracks (ie Bristol, Charlotte, Daytona). Maybe it's just cause they don't want to make the trek cross-country out to Texas but it just doesn't add to the fan experience.
It’s 100% because tracks have always charged of money to these teams for selling their merchandise. Now tracks raised the fees even more. Teams finally bowed out. Same goes for all midway merchants.
Daytona didn't even have a midway in 2019. Haven't been back since, so I don't know if that is still true. All of the driver trailers were gone. One big "compound" from Fanattic replaced it. Really pissed me off too, they practically searched me as I went in, and searched the bag of stuff I just bought to make sure it matched my receipt. Completely turned me off to attending races, and I had not missed a single race, dating back to the 1998 Shootout. Money has destroyed NASCAR as we once knew it.
I think a lot of it goes back to how they changed things to save money for the sport and actually cost them fan engagement. Like less souvenir haulers on souvenir row, less driver signings, etc. If you want fan engagement then you can’t take away some of the very things that promote the track and sport. Also, since we are talking about fan engagement, what about updating/upgrading infrastructure elements so they can engage. For example, improving your wireless connectivity for fans all around TMS so that fans can post their experiences on social media. Look at AT&T stadium for the Cowboys as an example. They are heavily invested in the technology infrastructure for fan engagement. Finally, why can’t the backstretch stands be moved? The backstretch stands were removed many years ago so why can’t you take that space back and do a reconfiguration on the track? That is seriously wasted space between the track and Burnout Alley, which is also having a hard time filling and selling spots.
It isnt just texas, ita all across nascar. There used to be a midway like atmosphere, games, rc cars, souveniers, food, all of it. It was a fun weekend capped by a race. Now its lets see how much money we can suck out of the fans pocket and deliver as little as possible... thats what it feels like...
After more than than 10 years of holding season tickets, I currently no plans to renew. I started out on the benches in turn 1 and have progressed over the years to the Victory Lane club. The loss of races, along the dissatisfaction with the quality of racing the last several years, along with the decline in amenities available to the season ticket holder, other tracks have become more appealing. I absolutely hate to say this, but Phoenix, Richmond, Martinsville, Talladega, and Daytona have been elevated on my list, ahead of Texas. As a long-time Texas Motor Speedway season ticket holder, to retain my renewal, there will have to be a lot of changes at the speedway. And those changes need to be announced soon, otherwise my ticket money will go to another track. Sorry Marcus.....
I remember your dad walked by me (wearing a Harry Gant shirt) and my friend who was on crutches sitting in the in field after a Martinsville race. He at us us and said “Hey you want and autograph?” I still have that Harry Gant shirt with Harry’s, Dale’s, and Morgan’s autographs on it.
North Texas resident. Watch NASCAR on TV every week. I’ve been to TMS one time and loved it. But never been back. The crowd/traffic was a problem (apparently not an issue last time). But it’s not at the top of my list to wade back into.
I think they should really look at the NHRA. The fan experience is so much better. That and every ticket is a pit pass that allows fans to get up close and personal with the teams. Just my opinion.
To answer dales “what gets people to want to buy that ticket?” Bristol night got me this year. Historic track. Meaningful cutoff race. New car. Night race. Just a few reasons bristol got me
@@pledgerpowell2599 It's a free for all. We don't need another Daytona and Talladega. We already go 4 times a year. Not only saftey for drivers but also for fans as well. Majority of NASCAR fans want to see the best driver, pit crew and strategy in the race rather than get lucky when the pack wrecks on final lap and some dude in the back takes the win
Well. I respect that opinion, but Atlanta is a little different. I saw it in person it races different than daytona which races different than Talledega. Also, Byron one the spring race after pacing the field all day. I was in Homestead last week and I am a Kyle Larson(Hendrick motorsports) fan. I was also in Nashville last year. As happy as I was to see him win, I about fell asleep watching the race....
Too answer his question there at the end whenever he asked Marcus, “ hey do you take it personal if they ask you to tear it down?! “. The answer is YES!!! Whenever Bruton built the two drag strips in Las Vegas and Charlotte, he was irate whenever he heard that some of the drivers did not like those set up’s and styles. So bruton said,” if don’t you like it, then don’t race here. But I’m not changing it!”. So to answer that last question honestly!…YES! They take it personal!
As a NASCAR fan since the 60s I can tell you one thing. When the races stopped having practice the drivers were not at the track. When there was a two or three race weekend the drivers were at the track, their motor coaches were at the track, their families were at the track, they made personal appearances, they showed up. Now, they copter in an hour before the race and don't spend any time with the fans. The atmosphere is very different and not in a good way. I don't care what you do to the track, if the drivers don't show up the fans won't show up either.
I live in San Antonio. I've never seen an advertisement for TMS races here. I was shocked when I saw ads for NASCAR at COTA. We have one of the nation's only clear channel radio stations, WOAI 1200, that can be heard over most of Texas. This is Texas, we don't consider 300 miles too far to drive.
My family used to go to Texas every year but the cost, travel time, lack of a real experience has kept them from going anymore. I can’t speak for Texas as I haven’t been there but have been to the Las Vegas speedway and parking/leaving is the biggest frustration and why we don’t go. Takes literally hours (4 both times we’ve been) to get home when it should take no more than an hour.
When Texas first opened, it was a nightmare getting in and out. After a few years, they built another road that made it a breeze. Granted they don’t get 240,000 fans anymore but leaving you almost don’t even stop anymore.
I love how Jr’s “once I got that through my thick skull” comment at the end of the video was a not so subtle shot at Mike. And their heated discussion they previously had on a past episode about this same topic.
Jr asks the right questions these boofs running the show don’t. The only question I think they really ask is “oooh did it make money?” Used to go Texas motor when 200k people showed, I was at the race with 216,000 people. Racing has ALWAYS SUCKED. But last time I went dude half the fan haulers were there, under the grandstands there used to be slot car racing and other things all gone. It was like. The only thing bringing fans is the racing and when the racing sucks why should we show. I don’t know what to do the damn track, reconfiguration hasn’t helped and we don’t want more plate pack racing . Ffs
TMS is 100% with no other place even close, the best facility on the planet. You don't wait to pee, consession lines are reasonable, they remodeled and took out every other row and put a table up to put ice chests or whatever. It freed up space so people could get out without disrupting the entire row. It's awesome, if only there was a series that could fill it
I grew up watching Foyt, Gurney, Jones, Andretti Petty, Earnhardt, Allisons, etc. They were more than just “drivers”. They were “RACERS”. If the car set-up wasn’t quite right, they could win, anyway. I don’t see very many “RACERS” in today’s NASCAR , or in a lot of other racing series, for that matter. If you want to see how to make drivers more relatable and real to fans, hang out in the pits on an NHRA weekend. I enjoy all forms of motorsport. Through the years, as the racing series have become more technology focused and advanced, they seem to have lost a lot of the “character” that was a big part of the appeal for me. NASCAR, F1, MOTO GP, INDYCAR, Sports Cars, not nearly as much fun to watch anymore. Thanks for the podcast.
Texas playoff this year was my first at track race I've ever been to and I had a great time.. it wasn't until I watched the replays on TV I saw what everyone was complaining about
I went to every ‘cup and Busch-Xfinity race from ‘97-‘17, most of the truck and Indy races. Quit going because of tickets. Having to get good seats from “ticket brokers” (glorified scalpers), for a “sold out” race that a quarter of the seats or more were empty. Now they’ve ruined 1 and 2, hopefully that can be repaired. A half full grandstand at a ‘cup race speaks volumes.
Multiple tracks have all these sections of the track going unused with tarps pulled over them. Rip out those uncomfortable ass bleachers and put some decent stadium seating in and spread these people out. It'll look better on TV and sitting for a 3-5 hour race will be much more comfortable. It's a win/win for everyone.
Just throwing an odd thought out there… what about a double tri-oval? Reconfigure the backstretch so it becomes the second front stretch? And bank the transitions so the cars can’t turn it into a superspeedway.
Im from Fort Worth. A Lot of dirt racers around here and I believe Texas should be reconfigured into a track with 2 different corner radii like Darlington was. OR a 3 turn track like Pocono. 3 turns would be unique, and they wouldnt have to mess with the Condos in turn 2 or the grandstands. The whole back straight and turn 3/4 complex can be modified because there isnt much around the track on the North end. The Dirt tack is on the southeast side of the facility so it wont be affected. You would sell out Texas again on the first race.
Driver/fan engagement is VERY important. NASCAR continues to wash the manufacturer identity out of the sport with car development, so the fan is left with driver identity as their reason for watching. We are less and less of a car culture so get fans tightly aligned with a driver. Can anyone buy a two-door Camry? I've been to dozens of dirt sprint car races with high-profile drivers/owners in attendance, either driving or just watching; like, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Kyle Larson, Ricky Stenhouse, Kasey Kahne, Erin Crocker, Ray Evernham, Boris Said, Max Papis, Sarah Fisher, Ed Carpenter, Tony George. In every case they were engaging. They smiled, talked to fans, gave autographs, allowed photos, etc. At most local tracks, fans can engage with drivers. That's how to build and sustain a sport. Drivers being hustled off to private jets post-race isn't a good look. I understand they have personal lives, but they owe it to their sport to help build it. None of them was born a star. All of them worked their way up from local tracks. All of them spent time with fans somewhere along their journey.
Used to only have one race in April. Went to two races a year and the attendance dropped more than a half. The track used to be the fastest, non restrictor plate track. Star power and rule changes hurt too.
As someone who attended every race there from April 1999 until 2019 it became very stale and boring as far as the racing. Within 10 laps of any restart they became single file and stayed that way until a caution flew. They have to figure out how to keep the cars together and create actual racing again. Not just follow the leader. Best of luck on what they decide to do. I hope it’s successful and brings the crowds back.
There's one big reason. We currently have the most people who are the poorest they've ever been. Texas & 2 of the 4 surrounding states still have a minimum wage of $7.25/hr. At $50 a ticket + food, travel, lodging, & merch, taking your family of 4 to the track might run you 40% of your months budget. It's the same reason lots of the brand sponsors have bailed. Their data has told them the general public is too poor for "a favorite driver" to be a good enough reason to spend the extra cash on brand new products.
"We're working with iRacing," is the worst and most over used sentence uttered by NASCAR officials these days, because it always means they're working with themselves to cook up something weird instead of just working with the drivers to do something right. Absolutely disgusting to listen to.
TMS is my home track. The product that would be the most exciting would be a superspeedway style race. HOWEVER, what I want is a more aggressive progressive banking track similar to Kansas or Homestead but with higher banking
Turn it into an oval. Put the pit lane on the dog leg so the fans can watch the pit stops up close. Give the drivers a tunnel to drive in and out of pit lane under front stretch. That would be different and unique while providing up close in person pit stop viewing from the stands.
I live 30 minutes from TMS . I watch nascar every single weekend and have gone to a couple races . My opinion is that there is a lack of "exciting / competitive" racing ... it's exciting for the first 10 laps and then fades away ... I don't care what changes but there the racing needs to be more exciting. Texas has big standards such as ATT stadium , circuit of the America's , etc . but then you watch a race here to be disappointed. The facility is wonderful , but the track doesn't produce exciting racing. I want to see battles for the lead and you just won't get that here ... change whatever you want to make that happen . If we had the racing that Atlanta has ... fans would pile in KNOWING they will get their money's worth . In the current state you can't justify spending 150 to 300 per ticket to see "racing".
Nascar screwed up when they quit setting the field on driver points, that gave the car owners the option to bring in young rich kids who nobody cares about watching, it's that simple. The only way to fix it now is to only allow the champion in the Xfinity series to move up to cup, that way eventually you actually have talented race car drivers in the cup series.
But they seem to forget that Nascar isn't the only series that races at Texas. Any changes that could make nascar racing at Texas better, could hurt indycar or have indycar remove Texas from the schedule.
NASCAR also lost a lot of drivers that were awesome in a short period of time. But the biggest mistake NASCAR ever made was stage racing. Teams shouldn't know when the caution is coming out. Playoff racing is even worse.
Both were huge mistakes, I will agree with you on that, hell, the whole playoff system is a joke..... I feel like the original 10-driver 04 Nextel Chase system in the Cup Series is what worked best, because, it relied more on consistency and less on wins, in terms of a system, and NASCAR was not designed for a stick-and-ball-type playoff style
Ditch the playoffs and get rid of the stages BUT I do think there should be Halfway break where ONLY the leader P1 gets bonus points. If the Truck series in the 90s could do it why not up here in Cup?
If they have to to have “stages” and award points for each stage then go ahead but keep on racing at full speed. There’s no need to throw out a caution just to wad up the field. We used to have stage racing before this but nobody got points. It was called fake debris cautions instead
@@charlespetersonjr1994 they get a large bonus of money for leading at the halfway point. Same for leading the first lap and 10th lap. Sponsors put up that money. Winning from the pole position was usually more than they got for winning the race because the bonus would carry over if nobody won it. I don't agree with a halftime. I still believe they had it perfect in the 90's and early 2000's. Jeff Gordon would have 7 championships if they didn't start doing playoffs. 3 times in the era of the playoffs system he scored more points than any other driver during the course of the entire season. But halftimes, No
An old Atlanta true oval would be the best option. I know it’s personal saw Junior win in 2000. I remember the 2003 race 200g fans so if u improve it they will come back. Just don’t hold race opening Weeknd of hunting season lol.
@@dalejr183 Go to Historic Aerials. The start finish line is on the same plane as the old Richmond. That's why it has the weird location. It's pretty neat.
@@dalejr183 how do you suggest entering the pits? Theres a reason pits are always on the inside. Theres literally no safe way of entering, unless you put a tunnel on the inside that either went under or a bridge that went over the track. Which would cost way too much money either way. Not gonna happen. And Of course there couldnt be just a regular entrance, because you cannot have an exposed wall like that. Even on a straightaway. Not gonna happen
NASCAR is missing the star drivers that draw crowds. Chase and Kyle are not Dale and Jeff. Generational fandom is changing over again. Drivers need to earn fans on and off the track. Good clean competitive racing and local involvement trackside. Meet the crowds, photo ops, sign hats and shirts. ie; give them a reason to care enough to show up.
Best racing is comers and goers have tires that have a lot of fall off and make them have less grip. These cars should be hard as hell to drive when setup fast or slow when easy to drive.
My following comment applies to many tracks - Reduce ticket prices, open pits to more fans without extra cost, reduce consession prices, add other events to pre race. Add stunt show , concerts, more fan interactive displays., more driver autograph signings. There also seems to be less local promotions going on trying to draw fans to these events. Those things seemed to have fallen off from the past. Just my 2 cents from a fan
I stopped going to TMS and let my season tickets go when the track configuration turned turns 1&2 into a single groove. The racing suffered because of that decision.
Lets go back in time to 1997... First off where the track was gonna be built.. First Dallas had bids and Ft. Worth did too.. But the area in Ft. Worth was cheap farmland. So they did try to build it like Charlotte Motor Speedway... And the configuration was supposed to be a 2 level track for Indycar and Nascar... Which failed. The first accident was caused by DW changed that.. Then the excitement was there the current points system, a nonstop 335 lap event with no stages.. I think that a spectator would want to see a race but not in stages.. It's kinda long to sit there for 4 or 5 hrs.. And then came the traffic.. It took nearly 2 or 3 hrs to leave the track.. Plus it started in April and it was our rainy season.. It was a mud pit.. But the feel of the race has changed. Do I want to buy a season pass and watch it on a Huge TV at the track or do it at home.. I had cheap tickets because of the TV being blocked by the scoring pylon. I don't think its the track has to be configured different It's all about the fans and the venue. Just look at Texas World Speedway..
TMS' tickets are priced as if it is 1997 and they have 200,000 people show up. They can barely get numbers of an SMU football game. I have seen many other tracks with far lower ticket prices. Drop ticket prices to a reasonable level (double digits) to meet demand and you might get people like me to show up. And reassign Eddie Gossage to a new role.
Another thing that works against TMS is the recently opened Circuit of the Americas course in Austin. As I recall, COTA's NASCAR date came at the expense of TMS' spring date as of last season. COTA is the "shiny new toy" of the NASCAR circuit while TMS seems outdated. The crowd for this season's fall dates at TMS were, shall we say, lacking.
Those road courses are the new thing I guess. I've never been a fan of them. I believe you are right on the spring race too. I didn't realize how chapped the NASCAR world was at TMS, reason being our Fall race came at the expense of the Southern 500. Don't know how much truth there is....
I think that the whole notion that everyone likes short tracks.. is just wild. I personally only looked forward to the 1.5 and superspeedway races when i was a kid in the 90s. I know that the 1.5 ones got stale, but theyve had a revival this year. And when those races are good, its far better for the sport. Its much better actual racing than just 'beatin an bangin' and not going above 110 mph. Seeing a car sail off into the corner at almost 200mph back in the day would take your breath away. MAKE THEM HAVE MORE POWER AGAIN! we need 1,000 hp and no downforce. Off throttle time mixed with a solid right foot and way too much power is the recipe to succeed. Short tracks are far too overrated these daya
I’m from Texas I have attended 7 races there.Honestly Texas sucks at this track.Whoever gets in the lead stays there unless the pit crew screws up or a wreck happens.Texas has to change to a shorter track race or a road course race.If not this track sucks for the fans.I haven’t been back there in 8 years because the racing sucks sucks sucks.
They need to bring back some of the old short tracks or build some short tracks, in my opinion it’s just better racing and is more what the sport started out on, also go back to running a car that everyone doesn’t look exactly the same unless it’s the same make and model. Now you can’t tell a Chevy from a Toyota or a ford unless you see the sticker on it or know what the driver drives
Since Covid, some people don't like large crowds. Maybe that's part of it. Also, with inflation like it is, lots of folks don't have the spare money to go to a race. Another thing is the lack of participation from the drivers with the fans. They aren't hungry like they were years ago. I see nothing wrong with the tracks being all different. That's the way it is, Let the team figure out what they need to do to get their car to go fast enough to win. Sounds like they want all the tracks to be the same.
LOL easy for Jr to say drivers should be out at the midway. Now Jr will sign if you see him in the garage area, but I've never seen him at the midway. I was told one time at Atlanta, asking why Tony Stewart wasn't out signing at his hauler, they said there wasn't enough security to bring him out. That was like 2006-2007 time frame.
Make it a 1 mile D Shaped oval, pinch the radiai of the turns and make the banking in 1 and 2 the same as 3 and 4, keep the dog leg on the front stretch and basically eliminate half a mile off the track.
At earliest work begins late ‘23 and early ‘24. That’s when the next TV contract comes in and tracks will Get a larger cut so the timing works. Except if the state of Texas or the City helps kick in some money or tax incentives it might be sooner but in today’s inflation world… I don’t see that.
Fact is, inflation is through the roof and the more corporate Nascar becomes the higher the costs are. Plus drivers aren't relatable anymore. the younger the drivers get the less impressive they are.
I have been going to Texas for decades and camping on the track the entire weekend. I would not go this year or any of the Allstar races. The September date is terrible because it is way to hot and there is competition with football and hunting. The fan experience is much better at a night races. Plus stop moving around all the camp sights with no communication. I have great memories at TMS but the most recent string of decisions are going the wrong way. Some just leave it alone and it will develop.
I have been to TMS since it opened. I think that they should go back to having something special that the guests can take home. Like the bobbleheads, I have a belt buckle from the inaugural race, souvenir cars and printed programs from every race, all items that I can take home and have them to remember. This year nothing! I saved all of my printed tickets--where are they now--on the phone. My camping space was even changed after 5 years of having the same spot. I have pictures of my kids there when they were 3 and 5 years old and had them recreate them last year, Now trying to come up with something special for the grandkids. Was not excited about the person announcing the drivers this year. I'm not trying to be Debbie downer, but I sure like being able to bring something back after the race that I can enjoy until the next race. What happened to the picture of the entire track, stands and see if you can find yourself?? As you can tell I was not happy with my last visit to TMS. The new railing for setting your drinks on were out in the direct sunlight until late afternoon. You took away the second race from TMS. The Austin COTA track is too expensive to even consider! I may have to go to Kansas Speedway next year! Whatever happened to the sunglasses that were supposed to be include with the season passes. I bought eleven tickets and didn't get squat? What happened to race on Sunday buy on Monday?? I would love to see real stock cars from the street with added protection etc.... how would a normal Mustang or Camaro take to the track. Toyota doesn't even make an 8-cylinder engine, why can't you buy a Camry with a V8?
I think it might still be the cars that makes is not as Exciting and produce better racing I have saw some really good races there do I think 🤔 they need to refigure the track Absolutely Maybe just tweaking a little I love the Texas motor speed way
You want to know what'll bring back the fans? Stars and Cars Jr, Johnson, Gordon, Stewart, Kurt Busch, Carl Edwards, Newman, Kenseth and soon Harvick will all have left in the past 5 years. There's no one to replace them, Hamlin, Busch, Logano, Brad K, Larson are from the mid 2000's generation and even Larson and Bowman have been around for 10 years. Then there are the cars, they are all the same, the manufacturers don't matter and they don't look like stock cars (as in dealer ready). It's that simple, there are not any stars and their cars are too similar. Oh and the chase doesn't help either.
Personally I’d like to see a clone of the old Trenton NJ kidney bean. It would be completely different from anything else but I heard him say the wall isn’t moving. Maybe 0 degree banking, they would have to drive it like martinsville. Trenton would be my first choice
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
As a North Texan, I think there is another factor involved in the decline of attendance at TMS, specifically, in relation to this community. First, the track had about a 15 year honeymoon with local residents, as a new exciting motorsports venue/experience. People have to keep in mind that the DFW Metroplex has four major professional sports teams, even more lower level professional sports teams. We have 2 PGA golf tournaments and an abundance of entertainment venues. When you add in technology and the incredible coverage by the broadcast teams these days, you almost get more out of a race by watching it on TV. With inflation and the uncertainty of COVID, people are simply opting to stay at home or limit the amount of events they attend. When it comes to attending a packed race at TMS, more so than some other venues, the traffic, parking, walking, heat, cold, steel bleachers, drunks, and time spent trying to get to your seat, as well as the trip home after a long day, is simply tiring for many people. The mindset for non race enthusiasts (who could've made up at least 50% of the race attendees each race from the opening until now), who wanted to experience NASCAR live in person, is "been there, done that, it was great but I'll enjoy it from home from now on." I think NASCAR building the fan base back up is as much of the problem, as the cars, or the tracks. And, that's a tough one. How do you make people get interested in racing in general? You don't.
I disagree with you completely. It’s about the experience even if it is somewhat inconvenient it’s just fun to be there. You sound boring and bitchy anyways. Jmo
I agree with some of your thoughts, it's a couple things in my opinion. NASCAR went after a demographic or generation who don't care about racing. That alienated it's core base of fans and pissed them off. The kicker was the rebel flag. Besides Dale Earnhardt it by was in the flag flown the most at the tracks. A lot of drivers retired at once and they were we replaced by silver spoon kids with the same last name of their famous father and blue collars didn't relate. They could relate to #3 car, or the #24. I place 100% blame on the brass of NASCAR. That France kid damn near run it to the dirt. I do know if these are any better. Time will tell
You are correct on all points, many of which I will be covering in my latest shop talk posting this coming Tuesday. Stop by and check it out
@@michaelcowan2061 You're looking at history through rose-colored glasses. "Die-hard" NASCAR fans of the day hated Jeff Gordon because he was a "pretty boy" from California AND his last name wasn't Earnhardt, Wallace, Waltrip or Petty. Those old-school guys wanted a southern sport for southern guys and screw everyone else. They wanted, in fact, NO expansion of the sport, as if it could be sustained by one demographic.
As for the "rebel flag," I don't give a damn what anyone's personal feelings are. If you want to have an audience outside of the old, white guys in the southeastern corner of the country, you can't have divisive crap like that at the track. Anyone who uses that as an excuse to not support something, that's THEIR problem, not NASCAR's.
@@Bad_Wolf_Media I'm a born blue Dallas Cowboys fan. The "old school" NASCAR fans rank in the same category to me as the Cowboy fans that still ban the team because Jerry Jones fired Tom Landry. get over it.
The 90’s and early 2000’s had the star power and rivalries that filled the stands.
That was the last time period we had drivers who didn’t grow up in a 4000sf mansion at Lake Norman too. Once the old boys like Dale, Rusty, Mark, Jarrett, Ricky Rudd and Elliott were gone, all you had left were rich spoiled brats who acted like jackasses.
And regular racing ... Not the "phase" horsecrxp.
Being 62 years old, I remember how exciting Bristol use to be - my guess was in the 1990's but not sure. Man those were exciting, fun races to watch - I MEAN THEY WERE FUN TO WATCH ON TV! The speedway was packed absolutely slammed full of fans, night racing, drivers bumping and pushing each other on almost every lap. I was on the edge of my chair watching those races in excitement and disbelief how exciting those races were. Drivers were mad at each other - many cautions as they were bumping into each other all around the track. The Announcers were barely able to keep up with what was occurring on the track. Go back and recreate that Bristol track (mid to late 1990's I am guessing) using that Iracing if you want to create fan excitement and enthusiasm. Man it was just wild. The other races those years were not memorial to me, but Bristol was FUN and EXCITING to watch on TV during those years. My guess the secret was there was only 1 groove, so drivers had to move other drivers out of the way to make a pass. I doubt if the drivers liked it as they were really mad at each other and their cars were all banged up, but fans like me sure did!
Used to have to be on a waiting list to get season tickets to Richmond. Now, they actually removed a big section of grandstands
Bristol was one of the few tracks you saw more going on live in person than watching on TV.
Bob Smith I agree with you I think the 90’s or even the 80’s were the best especially at Bristol.
Supercars in Australia do fan signings in merch alley every race. Line ups are huge give the fans experiences they want.
Former TMS season ticket holder and like others have said the fan experience is gone. I could handle bad racing but what brought me to the track was the camping and midway atmosphere with food, haulers and the old Speed live shows. When they removed the on-site grocery store and reduced the pre race actives I stopped going. I had my ticket rep once tell me they wanted to reduce the fun outside the track to encourage more tickets for the race. I mainly bought tickets for the activities outside of the race.
Brad K said it best the midway needs to come back and trackside shows that made the weekend fun.
The Internet changed everything and people especially under 30-40 have grown up using it for everything including entertainment, meeting people, work, socializing etc, sports like Nascar can’t hold their attention long enough to learn about and enjoy it, they are ready to move on pretty quick, it’s not nascar fault it’s just the way it is in my opinion, thanks
There are a few other factors as well, but this is the main one……… I’d be shocked if 5 years from now this place is actually still in existence. It’s not just TMS either. Look at all the tracks that have deleted seating and replace those seats with ad banners.
This discussion is spot on!! In the 70's and 80's, I can remember drivers like Petty, Pearson, Parsons, Baker, the Allisons, Wallace, Waltrip, Sr. etc... sitting for hours talking with and signing autographs. I fully understand sponsor commitments, however, the sport and the sponsors must realize the personal contact is what will save this sport. Is word of mouth advertisement not still the best? Just a thought........
Yes I was just a kid but Benny Parsons was very approachable and remembered fans he met multiple times. I also visited donleavey shops and they couldn’t have been more accommodating. I was 19 years old when I visited the wood brothers shop, they were loading up the hauler for Rockingham and put me to work helping load it, never forget. Btw They we’re frustrated because Jon wood was supposed to be helping them but he was too busy flying his model airplanes… until he crashed it flying it into a tree😂
It's the freaking location!! Great upload timing btw... sitting in my car waiting to go into work here in Winston Salem NC. I actually like Marcus but if you want Nascar to have huge success going forward... let Jr run it 🏁🏁🏁
This was a great podcast. Marcus has a lot of insight that works in Nascar's favor!! Thanks Dale!! Keep up the great work and racing when you can. Would love for you to be full time but I would prefer you healthy for many many years instead of on the track every week even though I miss seeing you race, your health is far more important. Plus I have come to realize that you are mote valuable giving your input to Nascar to prayerfully make it better and save it from itself!!! Love y'all and are so proud of all you ,your precious family and team does to make Nascar better and prayerfully it will be great again 🙏🏁🏆🏁💞🤗💞🙏🙏🙏🙏
Year ago, in hospital for 8 months, had to become NASACR fan. No cable. First race was Daytona w restrictor plates & I race sailboats. Now 2022 I’m a fan of both series, Xfinity & Cup. Xifinity series is becoming my favorite w the younger driver coming thru like a farm team circa MLB. Love the young drivers & the 2022 car kinda exposed the vets who took time to adjust vs the Xfinity driver who I race & race all over before coming to series. I will say this Dale Jr has an eye for talent & if he ever buys a charter for cup, I hope he has Ross C & maybe B Jones or some other young driver fill those seats. Do you have to have a charter for each car? I hope Dale can fund 3 cars & will me most popular team. Just like he is in Xfinity. Noah G has potential to be a great cup driver imho if he can hold that temper. But I do 💚 the puking after winning! Gotta say that & the fence climbing is entertaining for fan.
Check the Trucks out, they are fun
My experience with racing is that the challenge of the track is part of being a good driver. That driving the car within the limits of the track/course is what racing is all about.
Hadn't been to a race in several years there after going every year for many years straight. Finally went to one back in 2019 I think it was. It had been at least five years since I've been. I was shocked at how different EVERYTHING was. Barely recognized any of the car sponsors, nowhere as many souvenir haulers as there once was, all the other stuff just seemed sad. Just struck me as one of those things that has seen its heyday and was dying, but no one would admit it. Reminded me of a dying shopping mall but louder and more cars.
Felt the same way this year at Daytona
Had the exact same experience at Talladega a few years ago. I was shocked at how few souvenir haulers there were. Used to be you’d stand 20 deep in one of many lines to get a t-shirt. I walked right up to the register. Maybe 50 people in total were around there.
The one biggest thing I as a fan want to see is Dale Jr in NASCAR as an owner! I think that would be a real boost to the sport!
@Tim Jones he is in Xfinity series as an owner but not yet in NASCAR Cup Series. They run an awesome Xfinity series program and I’d love to see them at the cup level!
I've been to TMS now for 10+ years and one big issue I have with the track is the lack of team participation on the midway. You might have 5 drivers showing up for interviews, and half the teams don't even bring trailers or sponsor tents so the midway isn't as fun compared to other tracks (ie Bristol, Charlotte, Daytona). Maybe it's just cause they don't want to make the trek cross-country out to Texas but it just doesn't add to the fan experience.
It’s 100% because tracks have always charged of money to these teams for selling their merchandise. Now tracks raised the fees even more. Teams finally bowed out. Same goes for all midway merchants.
Daytona didn't even have a midway in 2019. Haven't been back since, so I don't know if that is still true. All of the driver trailers were gone. One big "compound" from Fanattic replaced it. Really pissed me off too, they practically searched me as I went in, and searched the bag of stuff I just bought to make sure it matched my receipt. Completely turned me off to attending races, and I had not missed a single race, dating back to the 1998 Shootout. Money has destroyed NASCAR as we once knew it.
@@Wklambert the root of all evil
@@Wklambert yeah there was a big uproar about that and the driver trailers are back, they've been back for a few years now.
@@erikscherer22 That's good to hear! Seriously makes me want to go back to Daytona again. That was pretty much the straw.
I think a lot of it goes back to how they changed things to save money for the sport and actually cost them fan engagement. Like less souvenir haulers on souvenir row, less driver signings, etc. If you want fan engagement then you can’t take away some of the very things that promote the track and sport. Also, since we are talking about fan engagement, what about updating/upgrading infrastructure elements so they can engage. For example, improving your wireless connectivity for fans all around TMS so that fans can post their experiences on social media. Look at AT&T stadium for the Cowboys as an example. They are heavily invested in the technology infrastructure for fan engagement. Finally, why can’t the backstretch stands be moved? The backstretch stands were removed many years ago so why can’t you take that space back and do a reconfiguration on the track? That is seriously wasted space between the track and Burnout Alley, which is also having a hard time filling and selling spots.
The souvenir hauler problem can be fixed as Brad told him on Twitter is lower the dame cost for The merchandise haulers to park
@@johnhaas2523 absolutely agree.
It isnt just texas, ita all across nascar. There used to be a midway like atmosphere, games, rc cars, souveniers, food, all of it. It was a fun weekend capped by a race. Now its lets see how much money we can suck out of the fans pocket and deliver as little as possible... thats what it feels like...
After more than than 10 years of holding season tickets, I currently no plans to renew. I started out on the benches in turn 1 and have progressed over the years to the Victory Lane club. The loss of races, along the dissatisfaction with the quality of racing the last several years, along with the decline in amenities available to the season ticket holder, other tracks have become more appealing. I absolutely hate to say this, but Phoenix, Richmond, Martinsville, Talladega, and Daytona have been elevated on my list, ahead of Texas. As a long-time Texas Motor Speedway season ticket holder, to retain my renewal, there will have to be a lot of changes at the speedway. And those changes need to be announced soon, otherwise my ticket money will go to another track. Sorry Marcus.....
Taking our kids to see a race for the first time. We have never been and are all super excited
They need to turn Texas Motor Speedway into The revival of Texas World Speedway
I remember your dad walked by me (wearing a Harry Gant shirt) and my friend who was on crutches sitting in the in field after a Martinsville race. He at us us and said “Hey you want and autograph?” I still have that Harry Gant shirt with Harry’s, Dale’s, and Morgan’s autographs on it.
love the early morning uploads
Night race. It’s too dang hot to sit out there all day, give us back a night race.
Cry to the TV networks
North Texas resident. Watch NASCAR on TV every week. I’ve been to TMS one time and loved it. But never been back. The crowd/traffic was a problem (apparently not an issue last time). But it’s not at the top of my list to wade back into.
I think they should really look at the NHRA. The fan experience is so much better. That and every ticket is a pit pass that allows fans to get up close and personal with the teams. Just my opinion.
To answer dales “what gets people to want to buy that ticket?” Bristol night got me this year. Historic track. Meaningful cutoff race. New car. Night race. Just a few reasons bristol got me
I've got to get to Bristol! For me it's the second lap, everyone is up to speed and still bunched up when they come by it shakes your innards
If they make Texas another Atlanta Superspeedway I'm done.
We only need Daytona and Talladega that’s what makes those races special
Why? Atlanta was the best race
@@pledgerpowell2599 It's a free for all. We don't need another Daytona and Talladega. We already go 4 times a year. Not only saftey for drivers but also for fans as well. Majority of NASCAR fans want to see the best driver, pit crew and strategy in the race rather than get lucky when the pack wrecks on final lap and some dude in the back takes the win
Well. I respect that opinion, but Atlanta is a little different. I saw it in person it races different than daytona which races different than Talledega. Also, Byron one the spring race after pacing the field all day. I was in Homestead last week and I am a Kyle Larson(Hendrick motorsports) fan. I was also in Nashville last year. As happy as I was to see him win, I about fell asleep watching the race....
Good riddance. This is a perfect example of where the "fans" went. "They didn't cater to ME so I'm done!"
Too answer his question there at the end whenever he asked Marcus, “ hey do you take it personal if they ask you to tear it down?! “. The answer is YES!!! Whenever Bruton built the two drag strips in Las Vegas and Charlotte, he was irate whenever he heard that some of the drivers did not like those set up’s and styles. So bruton said,” if don’t you like it, then don’t race here. But I’m not changing it!”. So to answer that last question honestly!…YES! They take it personal!
Bring old Texas back, loved watching people running the fence.
As a NASCAR fan since the 60s I can tell you one thing. When the races stopped having practice the drivers were not at the track. When there was a two or three race weekend the drivers were at the track, their motor coaches were at the track, their families were at the track, they made personal appearances, they showed up. Now, they copter in an hour before the race and don't spend any time with the fans. The atmosphere is very different and not in a good way. I don't care what you do to the track, if the drivers don't show up the fans won't show up either.
I live in San Antonio. I've never seen an advertisement for TMS races here. I was shocked when I saw ads for NASCAR at COTA. We have one of the nation's only clear channel radio stations, WOAI 1200, that can be heard over most of Texas. This is Texas, we don't consider 300 miles too far to drive.
My family used to go to Texas every year but the cost, travel time, lack of a real experience has kept them from going anymore. I can’t speak for Texas as I haven’t been there but have been to the Las Vegas speedway and parking/leaving is the biggest frustration and why we don’t go. Takes literally hours (4 both times we’ve been) to get home when it should take no more than an hour.
When Texas first opened, it was a nightmare getting in and out. After a few years, they built another road that made it a breeze. Granted they don’t get 240,000 fans anymore but leaving you almost don’t even stop anymore.
I love how Jr’s “once I got that through my thick skull” comment at the end of the video was a not so subtle shot at Mike. And their heated discussion they previously had on a past episode about this same topic.
Jr asks the right questions these boofs running the show don’t. The only question I think they really ask is “oooh did it make money?”
Used to go Texas motor when 200k people showed, I was at the race with 216,000 people. Racing has ALWAYS SUCKED. But last time I went dude half the fan haulers were there, under the grandstands there used to be slot car racing and other things all gone. It was like. The only thing bringing fans is the racing and when the racing sucks why should we show. I don’t know what to do the damn track, reconfiguration hasn’t helped and we don’t want more plate pack racing . Ffs
TMS is 100% with no other place even close, the best facility on the planet. You don't wait to pee, consession lines are reasonable, they remodeled and took out every other row and put a table up to put ice chests or whatever. It freed up space so people could get out without disrupting the entire row. It's awesome, if only there was a series that could fill it
I grew up watching Foyt, Gurney, Jones, Andretti Petty, Earnhardt, Allisons, etc. They were more than just “drivers”. They were “RACERS”. If the car set-up wasn’t quite right, they could win, anyway. I don’t see very many “RACERS” in today’s NASCAR , or in a lot of other racing series, for that matter. If you want to see how to make drivers more relatable and real to fans, hang out in the pits on an NHRA weekend. I enjoy all forms of motorsport. Through the years, as the racing series have become more technology focused and advanced, they seem to have lost a lot of the “character” that was a big part of the appeal for me. NASCAR, F1, MOTO GP, INDYCAR, Sports Cars, not nearly as much fun to watch anymore. Thanks for the podcast.
Hey 300k subs. Good job Dirty Mo!
I could see Jr being a consultant for Marcus.
The problem with building a track with iracing is that the tire model just isn’t there to fully replicate car to track
Texas playoff this year was my first at track race I've ever been to and I had a great time.. it wasn't until I watched the replays on TV I saw what everyone was complaining about
I went to every ‘cup and Busch-Xfinity race from ‘97-‘17, most of the truck and Indy races. Quit going because of tickets. Having to get good seats from “ticket brokers” (glorified scalpers), for a “sold out” race that a quarter of the seats or more were empty. Now they’ve ruined 1 and 2, hopefully that can be repaired. A half full grandstand at a ‘cup race speaks volumes.
Multiple tracks have all these sections of the track going unused with tarps pulled over them. Rip out those uncomfortable ass bleachers and put some decent stadium seating in and spread these people out. It'll look better on TV and sitting for a 3-5 hour race will be much more comfortable. It's a win/win for everyone.
Just throwing an odd thought out there… what about a double tri-oval? Reconfigure the backstretch so it becomes the second front stretch? And bank the transitions so the cars can’t turn it into a superspeedway.
Im from Fort Worth. A Lot of dirt racers around here and I believe Texas should be reconfigured into a track with 2 different corner radii like Darlington was. OR a 3 turn track like Pocono. 3 turns would be unique, and they wouldnt have to mess with the Condos in turn 2 or the grandstands. The whole back straight and turn 3/4 complex can be modified because there isnt much around the track on the North end. The Dirt tack is on the southeast side of the facility so it wont be affected. You would sell out Texas again on the first race.
Driver/fan engagement is VERY important. NASCAR continues to wash the manufacturer identity out of the sport with car development, so the fan is left with driver identity as their reason for watching. We are less and less of a car culture so get fans tightly aligned with a driver. Can anyone buy a two-door Camry?
I've been to dozens of dirt sprint car races with high-profile drivers/owners in attendance, either driving or just watching; like, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Kyle Larson, Ricky Stenhouse, Kasey Kahne, Erin Crocker, Ray Evernham, Boris Said, Max Papis, Sarah Fisher, Ed Carpenter, Tony George. In every case they were engaging. They smiled, talked to fans, gave autographs, allowed photos, etc. At most local tracks, fans can engage with drivers. That's how to build and sustain a sport. Drivers being hustled off to private jets post-race isn't a good look. I understand they have personal lives, but they owe it to their sport to help build it. None of them was born a star. All of them worked their way up from local tracks. All of them spent time with fans somewhere along their journey.
I don't see why we can't just subdivide the Texas Motor Speedway property, sell the big track and use all of the money to upgrade the dirt track.
Used to only have one race in April. Went to two races a year and the attendance dropped more than a half. The track used to be the fastest, non restrictor plate track. Star power and rule changes hurt too.
As someone who attended every race there from April 1999 until 2019 it became very stale and boring as far as the racing. Within 10 laps of any restart they became single file and stayed that way until a caution flew. They have to figure out how to keep the cars together and create actual racing again. Not just follow the leader. Best of luck on what they decide to do. I hope it’s successful and brings the crowds back.
The apron like the one in Phoenix would be a great addition.
There's one big reason. We currently have the most people who are the poorest they've ever been. Texas & 2 of the 4 surrounding states still have a minimum wage of $7.25/hr. At $50 a ticket + food, travel, lodging, & merch, taking your family of 4 to the track might run you 40% of your months budget. It's the same reason lots of the brand sponsors have bailed. Their data has told them the general public is too poor for "a favorite driver" to be a good enough reason to spend the extra cash on brand new products.
TMS was so awesome back in the day. So damned fast.
"We're working with iRacing," is the worst and most over used sentence uttered by NASCAR officials these days, because it always means they're working with themselves to cook up something weird instead of just working with the drivers to do something right. Absolutely disgusting to listen to.
Keep the stands just how they are, but make something like Richmond. The stands will cater to the tri-oval, yet you’ll have a half mile
Literally just needs turns 1&2 put back to the original configuration and your problems are solved
TMS is my home track. The product that would be the most exciting would be a superspeedway style race. HOWEVER, what I want is a more aggressive progressive banking track similar to Kansas or Homestead but with higher banking
Turn it into an oval. Put the pit lane on the dog leg so the fans can watch the pit stops up close. Give the drivers a tunnel to drive in and out of pit lane under front stretch. That would be different and unique while providing up close in person pit stop viewing from the stands.
Flatten it out !!!
I live 30 minutes from TMS . I watch nascar every single weekend and have gone to a couple races . My opinion is that there is a lack of "exciting / competitive" racing ... it's exciting for the first 10 laps and then fades away ... I don't care what changes but there the racing needs to be more exciting. Texas has big standards such as ATT stadium , circuit of the America's , etc . but then you watch a race here to be disappointed. The facility is wonderful , but the track doesn't produce exciting racing. I want to see battles for the lead and you just won't get that here ... change whatever you want to make that happen . If we had the racing that Atlanta has ... fans would pile in KNOWING they will get their money's worth . In the current state you can't justify spending 150 to 300 per ticket to see "racing".
Nascar screwed up when they quit setting the field on driver points, that gave the car owners the option to bring in young rich kids who nobody cares about watching, it's that simple. The only way to fix it now is to only allow the champion in the Xfinity series to move up to cup, that way eventually you actually have talented race car drivers in the cup series.
But they seem to forget that Nascar isn't the only series that races at Texas. Any changes that could make nascar racing at Texas better, could hurt indycar or have indycar remove Texas from the schedule.
NASCAR also lost a lot of drivers that were awesome in a short period of time. But the biggest mistake NASCAR ever made was stage racing. Teams shouldn't know when the caution is coming out. Playoff racing is even worse.
Both were huge mistakes, I will agree with you on that, hell, the whole playoff system is a joke..... I feel like the original 10-driver 04 Nextel Chase system in the Cup Series is what worked best, because, it relied more on consistency and less on wins, in terms of a system, and NASCAR was not designed for a stick-and-ball-type playoff style
Ditch the playoffs and get rid of the stages BUT I do think there should be Halfway break where ONLY the leader P1 gets bonus points. If the Truck series in the 90s could do it why not up here in Cup?
If they have to to have “stages” and award points for each stage then go ahead but keep on racing at full speed. There’s no need to throw out a caution just to wad up the field. We used to have stage racing before this but nobody got points. It was called fake debris cautions instead
@@charlespetersonjr1994 they get a large bonus of money for leading at the halfway point. Same for leading the first lap and 10th lap. Sponsors put up that money. Winning from the pole position was usually more than they got for winning the race because the bonus would carry over if nobody won it. I don't agree with a halftime. I still believe they had it perfect in the 90's and early 2000's. Jeff Gordon would have 7 championships if they didn't start doing playoffs. 3 times in the era of the playoffs system he scored more points than any other driver during the course of the entire season. But halftimes, No
Personalities drive the sport as much as anything. Personalities help create the rivalries.
Texas Is horrible.. PUT IT BACK... best indycar racing ever.. now it SUX
An old Atlanta true oval would be the best option. I know it’s personal saw Junior win in 2000. I remember the 2003 race 200g fans so if u improve it they will come back. Just don’t hold race opening Weeknd of hunting season lol.
What if pit road was on the tri-oval and the front stretch was moved to pit road?
The old Richmond fairgrounds vs RIR the pit road is the old front stretch.
@@dalejr183 Go to Historic Aerials. The start finish line is on the same plane as the old Richmond. That's why it has the weird location. It's pretty neat.
@@dalejr183 how do you suggest entering the pits? Theres a reason pits are always on the inside. Theres literally no safe way of entering, unless you put a tunnel on the inside that either went under or a bridge that went over the track. Which would cost way too much money either way. Not gonna happen. And Of course there couldnt be just a regular entrance, because you cannot have an exposed wall like that. Even on a straightaway. Not gonna happen
NASCAR is missing the star drivers that draw crowds. Chase and Kyle are not Dale and Jeff. Generational fandom is changing over again. Drivers need to earn fans on and off the track. Good clean competitive racing and local involvement trackside. Meet the crowds, photo ops, sign hats and shirts. ie; give them a reason to care enough to show up.
Best racing is comers and goers have tires that have a lot of fall off and make them have less grip. These cars should be hard as hell to drive when setup fast or slow when easy to drive.
My following comment applies to many tracks - Reduce ticket prices, open pits to more fans without extra cost, reduce consession prices, add other events to pre race. Add stunt show , concerts, more fan interactive displays., more driver autograph signings. There also seems to be less local promotions going on trying to draw fans to these events. Those things seemed to have fallen off from the past. Just my 2 cents from a fan
You need a modern day Humpy Wheeler! LoL
I stopped going to TMS and let my season tickets go when the track configuration turned turns 1&2 into a single groove. The racing suffered because of that decision.
Lets go back in time to 1997... First off where the track was gonna be built.. First Dallas had bids and Ft. Worth did too.. But the area in Ft. Worth was cheap farmland. So they did try to build it like Charlotte Motor Speedway... And the configuration was supposed to be a 2 level track for Indycar and Nascar... Which failed. The first accident was caused by DW changed that.. Then the excitement was there the current points system, a nonstop 335 lap event with no stages.. I think that a spectator would want to see a race but not in stages.. It's kinda long to sit there for 4 or 5 hrs.. And then came the traffic.. It took nearly 2 or 3 hrs to leave the track.. Plus it started in April and it was our rainy season.. It was a mud pit.. But the feel of the race has changed. Do I want to buy a season pass and watch it on a Huge TV at the track or do it at home.. I had cheap tickets because of the TV being blocked by the scoring pylon. I don't think its the track has to be configured different It's all about the fans and the venue. Just look at Texas World Speedway..
Put it back in the spring, and as far as reconfiguration, just fix the turns back to the way it used to be, especially turns 1-2
as a texan i say DONT CHANGE IT!
I agree
If they want to turn Auto Club into a short track, they can do that if they turn TMS into a replica of what Auto Club is now.
NASCAR owns Auto club so it's NASCAR's money vs Marcus Smith's money
TMS' tickets are priced as if it is 1997 and they have 200,000 people show up. They can barely get numbers of an SMU football game. I have seen many other tracks with far lower ticket prices.
Drop ticket prices to a reasonable level (double digits) to meet demand and you might get people like me to show up.
And reassign Eddie Gossage to a new role.
Another thing that works against TMS is the recently opened Circuit of the Americas course in Austin. As I recall, COTA's NASCAR date came at the expense of TMS' spring date as of last season. COTA is the "shiny new toy" of the NASCAR circuit while TMS seems outdated. The crowd for this season's fall dates at TMS were, shall we say, lacking.
Those road courses are the new thing I guess. I've never been a fan of them. I believe you are right on the spring race too. I didn't realize how chapped the NASCAR world was at TMS, reason being our Fall race came at the expense of the Southern 500. Don't know how much truth there is....
I think that the whole notion that everyone likes short tracks.. is just wild. I personally only looked forward to the 1.5 and superspeedway races when i was a kid in the 90s. I know that the 1.5 ones got stale, but theyve had a revival this year. And when those races are good, its far better for the sport. Its much better actual racing than just 'beatin an bangin' and not going above 110 mph. Seeing a car sail off into the corner at almost 200mph back in the day would take your breath away. MAKE THEM HAVE MORE POWER AGAIN! we need 1,000 hp and no downforce. Off throttle time mixed with a solid right foot and way too much power is the recipe to succeed. Short tracks are far too overrated these daya
Ok. What's The Future Of Texas Motor Speedway...
Go Back To The Original 1999-2017 Confirmation, Get Rid Of PJ1 And That's It. Easy
I’m from Texas I have attended 7 races there.Honestly Texas sucks at this track.Whoever gets in the lead stays there unless the pit crew screws up or a wreck happens.Texas has to change to a shorter track race or a road course race.If not this track sucks for the fans.I haven’t been back there in 8 years because the racing sucks sucks sucks.
Progressive banking is the way to go. Places like Homestead are perfect
They need to bring back some of the old short tracks or build some short tracks, in my opinion it’s just better racing and is more what the sport started out on, also go back to running a car that everyone doesn’t look exactly the same unless it’s the same make and model. Now you can’t tell a Chevy from a Toyota or a ford unless you see the sticker on it or know what the driver drives
I play video games and I noticed these tracks are made like that purposefully. I feel race tracks should be circular with bankings
Since Covid, some people don't like large crowds. Maybe that's part of it. Also, with inflation like it is, lots of folks don't have the spare money to go to a race. Another thing is the lack of participation from the drivers with the fans. They aren't hungry like they were years ago. I see nothing wrong with the tracks being all different. That's the way it is, Let the team figure out what they need to do to get their car to go fast enough to win. Sounds like they want all the tracks to be the same.
Fix the audio, outputs are too low.
Hearing him talk about what they did to Atlanta and be proud of it is a very good indicator of where NASCAR is headed, a bad direction. very sad.
PLEASE! Please make Texas into Charlotte 2.0
LOL easy for Jr to say drivers should be out at the midway. Now Jr will sign if you see him in the garage area, but I've never seen him at the midway. I was told one time at Atlanta, asking why Tony Stewart wasn't out signing at his hauler, they said there wasn't enough security to bring him out. That was like 2006-2007 time frame.
Stop laying down PJ1 compound
Make it a 1 mile D Shaped oval, pinch the radiai of the turns and make the banking in 1 and 2 the same as 3 and 4, keep the dog leg on the front stretch and basically eliminate half a mile off the track.
At earliest work begins late ‘23 and early ‘24. That’s when the next TV contract comes in and tracks will
Get a larger cut so the timing works. Except if the state of Texas or the City helps kick in some money or tax incentives it might be sooner but in today’s inflation world… I don’t see that.
Fact is, inflation is through the roof and the more corporate Nascar becomes the higher the costs are. Plus drivers aren't relatable anymore. the younger the drivers get the less impressive they are.
I have been going to Texas for decades and camping on the track the entire weekend. I would not go this year or any of the Allstar races. The September date is terrible because it is way to hot and there is competition with football and hunting. The fan experience is much better at a night races. Plus stop moving around all the camp sights with no communication. I have great memories at TMS but the most recent string of decisions are going the wrong way. Some just leave it alone and it will develop.
I have been to TMS since it opened. I think that they should go back to having something special that the guests can take home. Like the bobbleheads, I have a belt buckle from the inaugural race, souvenir cars and printed programs from every race, all items that I can take home and have them to remember. This year nothing! I saved all of my printed tickets--where are they now--on the phone. My camping space was even changed after 5 years of having the same spot. I have pictures of my kids there when they were 3 and 5 years old and had them recreate them last year, Now trying to come up with something special for the grandkids. Was not excited about the person announcing the drivers this year. I'm not trying to be Debbie downer, but I sure like being able to bring something back after the race that I can enjoy until the next race. What happened to the picture of the entire track, stands and see if you can find yourself?? As you can tell I was not happy with my last visit to TMS. The new railing for setting your drinks on were out in the direct sunlight until late afternoon. You took away the second race from TMS. The Austin COTA track is too expensive to even consider! I may have to go to Kansas Speedway next year! Whatever happened to the sunglasses that were supposed to be include with the season passes. I bought eleven tickets and didn't get squat? What happened to race on Sunday buy on Monday?? I would love to see real stock cars from the street with added protection etc.... how would a normal Mustang or Camaro take to the track. Toyota doesn't even make an 8-cylinder engine, why can't you buy a Camry with a V8?
I think it might still be the cars that makes is not as Exciting and produce better racing I have saw some really good races there do I think 🤔 they need to refigure the track Absolutely Maybe just tweaking a little I love the Texas motor speed way
A 1.25 Richmond replica, please.
Build another Trenton.
I was and still am of the mindset that Atlanta should go back to being the oval that it was. Doing so would be a unique experience on the circuit.
Maybe make it a LOT flatter. Idk it’d be different from the norm
Go down on the dang ticket prices!!!
You want to know what'll bring back the fans?
Stars and Cars
Jr, Johnson, Gordon, Stewart, Kurt Busch, Carl Edwards, Newman, Kenseth and soon Harvick will all have left in the past 5 years.
There's no one to replace them, Hamlin, Busch, Logano, Brad K, Larson are from the mid 2000's generation and even Larson and Bowman have been around for 10 years.
Then there are the cars, they are all the same, the manufacturers don't matter and they don't look like stock cars (as in dealer ready).
It's that simple, there are not any stars and their cars are too similar.
Oh and the chase doesn't help either.
What about making turn 1&2 like Darlington? Leave 3&4 as is.
Personally I’d like to see a clone of the old Trenton NJ kidney bean. It would be completely different from anything else but I heard him say the wall isn’t moving. Maybe 0 degree banking, they would have to drive it like martinsville. Trenton would be my first choice