NASCAR’s Revival: Fans Flocking Back to the Tracks

The current NASCAR Cup Series racing season has seen a surprising resurgence in fan and spectator activity. Speedway Motorsports and NASCAR have reported the largest crowds of spectators in recent memory at several races, and some for the first time in five years. This resurgence is attributed to a combination of factors, both on the track and behind the scenes, that have revitalized the sport’s appeal.

A Surge in Spectators

The 2022 NASCAR season is notable not only for the exciting races, but also for the significant increase in attendance. This renewed interest in racing is due in part to new fans being attracted to the sport, as well as the return of longtime enthusiasts to the grandstands. Mike Burch, chief operating officer of Speedway Motorsports, noted a significant 20 percent increase in attendance at the four major races this season, including events at Las Vegas, Atlanta, Circuit of the Americas and Bristol.

Notable Attendances

The momentum of this revival is evident across various tracks, underscoring a broad-based resurgence in NASCAR’s popularity:

• Talladega Superspeedway celebrated its highest spring attendance since 2017.
• The iconic Bristol dirt race saw its largest crowd since 2017.
• Martinsville Speedway’s spring event boasted its highest turnout since 2015.
• Atlanta Motor Speedway’s March race drew its biggest audience since 2014.
• Phoenix Raceway experienced a sell-out for its spring race, a feat not achieved in over a decade.
• The Daytona 500, NASCAR’s flagship event, sold out six days before the race, marking a significant milestone in recent years.

Television Viewership on the Rise

Alongside the increase in physical attendance, NASCAR is also enjoying a revival in its television viewership. After facing challenges in recent years, the sport is once again capturing the attention of viewers across the nation, though specific figures have yet to be disclosed by Speedway Motorsports and NASCAR.

Fueling the NASCAR Comeback

The resurgence in NASCAR’s popularity can be attributed to several strategic changes and innovations introduced by the sport’s governing body. These enhancements, both on and off the track, have not only improved the racing spectacle but have also made the sport more accessible and engaging for a new generation of fans.