Nascar and the Economy
By anniepa
@anniepa (27955)
United States
February 14, 2009 2:31pm CST
I was surprised to hear on TV today that Nascar has lowered their prices on tickets and on merchandise. They said Daytona 500 tickets are as low as they were in 1995. I'm not sure if I heard it right but I THINK I heard that the 500 isn't sold out yet, for the first time in who knows how many decades. I noticed last year at some of the tracks there were empty seats, which is something quite rare or at least it used to be rare. The economy wasn't good last season but it's twice as bad this year.
Since this is in the NASCAR interest here's what I'd like to discuss - if you usually attend one or more races will you still go this year? If you do, do you plan on making any changes to your spending to compensate for the bad economy? I understand it's also having an effect on some of the race teams. I'm sure getting sponsorship will be much harder than in years past. Do you think NASCAR will be hurt in the long term by the current economic problems, especially considering the troubles of the automakers?
Annie
1 person likes this
3 responses
@jsitko (1169)
• United States
15 Feb 09
Hi Annie, I usually try to go to at least 2 races every year here in Pa and one in Dover. This year we are only planning to go to Dover since we like that track and it's view better than the Pocono Race. I am sure we will not but as much merchandise there like we usually do or the vending foods. We have to cut back a little bit that does not mean not having fun. If all works out we may still go to Pocono for the second race of the year. We shall wait and see. I would love to go to Daytona and Talladega as they are my favorite races. Hope you enjoy the Nascar season and I am hoping that the Daytona 500 will not get rained out.
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
15 Feb 09
It's just been called due to rain. I hate when that happens, it feels like we've been cheated. I've also been to Pocono and Dover and I also like Dover the best for the view. I think they could really lower the food prices at all the tracks I've been to and still make a ton of money. I think I'd rather sell it for less and make something that charge an arm and a leg for a burger and have fewer people buy any.
Annie
@jsitko (1169)
• United States
16 Feb 09
I agree, when they end the race like that it just ruins all the excitement. With 49 laps to go it still could have been anybodies race too. I like to tailgate and cook on the grill before the race, that way we do not have to spend too much money on food. It is just so much fun going and being a part of the excitement there at the race.
1 person likes this
@mscott (1923)
• United States
14 Feb 09
I listened to it as well as they spoke about how they will just have to make less money this year, but they will still be making money. They said that race has never not been sold out. I think it is on the merchandise where they will really either not produce as much or have to lower the costs because people can only buy so much of that junk.
@timhinyy (1653)
• United States
22 Feb 09
it will probably be tough on the car companies to be able to stay in nascar considering how many of the companies are cutting back not sure how much they get out of being in nascar but you would think it would be benificial to both considering the current state of the economy they probable have to lower prices just so people can afford to go to the races wouldnt be surprised if there are a lot of empty seats this season
