Gas prices not stopping fans
Some folks have questioned how much the ever-increasing cost of gas has affected NASCAR race fans. Have they deliberately cut back on their travels and spending because pump prices have skyrocketed?
The answer is not much.
Now, you might think that those fans that go from race to race in those gas-guzzling motor homes might consider parking them in their driveways and catch the race on TV.
I have no doubt some have done just that, but published reports say that prices be damned, they’re going to the races. That’s why they bought motor homes. They are race fans, and they’re not about to sacrifice the vehicles they use to attend the events they love.
That seems to hold true for other fans, as well. No doubt many of them have found ways to cut back on their expenses – perhaps they go nearby races rather than make a long journey, or the number of souvenirs they purchase diminishes – but overall, they still fill the grandstands.
I’m sure some fans have discovered unique ways to save a dollar or two, and I’d sure like to hear about them.
This sort of thing isn’t new to NASCAR. In the early ’70s, gas prices soared after OPEC hoarded oil to increase its price. There were long lines at the pumps. NASCAR acknowledged the dilemma by shortening the 1974 Daytona 500 to 450 miles.
Lest anyone think NASCAR is blind to the current situation, sanctioning body officials say they intend to study means of competing with altered gas or even other fuels.
Meanwhile, the fans keep turning out, which suggests high gas prices are not about to stop them from their much-liked doses of NASCAR – at least for now.
I’m sure the speedways are appreciative of their efforts. And I would hope they reward them by ensuring that their prices remain stable – or even reduced.
