The tone at the NASCAR Research and Development Center was far from jubilant Monday.
There were certainly no headline-grabbing changes or announcements. Instead, NASCAR chairman Brian France seemed to be reaching into the past to protect the future.
The theme of “Back to Basics’’ was stressed by series officials. Reporters also viewed videos which showcased pioneer drivers and their heroic feats.
Moments later, we learned that NASCAR has actually scaled back on the number of weekly tracks it sanctions while creating fancy new commercials that appeal to the ‘’Hometown Tracks’’ in the sport.
Unless you are a fan of Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Hendrick Motorsports or Toyota, it’s hard to find much to be happy or optimistic about here.
And yet, some folks still assure us that all is well.
Nearly every sport has experienced a slump in ratings, they say. And the Nationwide (formerly Busch) is still the second most-popular form of motorsport in the United States.
And the decline in attendance can be traced to the slumping economy.
Good points all. Except they are nearly always made by some media type either working for or affiliated with NASCAR.
This media type has covered NASCAR for two decades, and grew up with a passion for speed.
Nearly every fan and associate he knows feels that NASCAR needs a spark, and quick. Some of his friends have already given up for various reasons, including the high cost of tickets, trinkets, motels, gas, etc.
Where are all those NASCAR diehards who still make the weekly pilgrimages to cathedrals such as Bristol Motor Speedway?
Are the cynical media types simply spoiled or overreacting? Maybe so.