Re: Divisional Spectator Attendance
From a fan's perspective, I would prefer to attend a divisional race than a national event, or any of the dog and pony show events. My dad, 83, and myself, 59, have been attending these events since the early 70's. We have seen a precipitous decline in attendance at all drag racing events that we attend, which are mostly the "points" meets as my dad calls them. We love the variety of cars represented in S/SS and they still connect to my early days being exposed to the sport. I have been to NHRA events from CA to NC. Raise your hand if these dragstrips ring a bell, Green Valley, Dallas International, Baylands/Fremont, Speedworld, Willow Run, just to name a few that are no longer around.
Unfortunately, we are a dying breed. We have gone to Thunder Valley and sat in the stands alone. Double divisional at Topeka, maybe 50 fans. I really don't understand it. Very underappreciated. I figure it the drivers can spend 4-5 days towing, hundreds if not thousands on fees/fuel/etc, and an ungodly amount on tow vehicles and race cars, then I can fill the tank up in my car and drive a few hours and be happy.
Sure, fans can be educated more but judging by some of the comments from "fans" regarding the NHRA divisional in Tulsa where I live, they are a long way from understanding the throttle stop, class indexes, and starting line and finish line packages.
I think you cannot ignore the no prep/call out/cash in the air/insult your opponent type of racing. It fills up the stands and the also the starting line (how do you get insurance for that?).
As someone pointed out, circus shows tend to bring the fans out. I am not against it; it seems to be the reality. That may have to be sprinkled into each show and promoted heavily. I have never been to Norwalk, but I would be the phone with that owner asking for his secret as to how you can butts in the seats.
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