Kyle Larson’s victory at Kansas Speedway, witnessed by a modest crowd, highlighted a significant challenge that NASCAR must address as it progresses into the future. It is important to note that this challenge is unrelated to Larson’s exceptional performance and Sunday dominance, as he triumphed in all three stages and displayed the fastest car despite some last-lap drama. Larson’s car slowed down abruptly on the final lap, allowing him to cross the finish line just ahead of Christopher Bell by less than a second. If the race had been one lap longer, the outcome might have been different.
The issue at hand was the noticeably low attendance at Kansas Speedway as fans were sparse during Larson’s consecutive spring victory. In contrast to previous years of sold-out events in the 2000s and 2010s, the grandstands were only half-full on Sunday, with ample room for spectators to spread out. Despite the track being considered NASCAR’s premier venue, the lack of attendance raised questions about why more fans were not present to witness the race.
Kansas Speedway, a top track in NASCAR, features a well-aged 1.5-mile oval with excellent tire wear due to the harsh midwest winters. The progressive banking design allows for multiple racing lines, making it a versatile track that can accommodate three or more wide racing. Just last year, Larson edged out Chris Buescher in the closest finish in NASCAR history, winning by a mere 0.001 seconds.
While the racing at Kansas Speedway has been consistently thrilling, there are concerns about fan engagement and attendance. Despite its potential to host a championship race in the future, questions remain about whether fans would show up for such an event. The lack of local promotion and diminished public relations efforts by NASCAR have contributed to the decline in event excitement and fan turnout.
Although NASCAR continues to be a prominent motorsport in the United States, there are challenges ahead, particularly in attracting younger audiences. While recent TV ratings for the Cup Series have stabilized, NASCAR faces an uphill battle in regaining the popularity it once enjoyed. With attendance dwindling at its top tracks, NASCAR must address these challenges to secure its future success.
Is everything okay?
