http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/15/sp...scar.html?_r=1
&oref=slogin

Makes some interesting points.

"snowmanvt" <snowmanvt (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

The New York Times is in much bigger trouble than Nascar.

"snowmanvt" <snowmanvt (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

NASCAR could bring back some fans by backing up the start times of the races
from after 2:00pm EDT to 12:30 - 1:00pm EDT. Races go into dinner time for
the home viewers and the attendees lose a whole day getting to the track,
waiting for the green flag, all of the phantom yellows, the checker flag,
fighting traffic, then the drive home.

"snowmanvt" <snowmanvt (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

An excellent article. But will Brian France listen? He has proved so far
to be more like a politician than a businessman... so sure he is right that
he won't listen to the opposition and won't accept any criticism.

NASCAR's foray into west coast and other non-traditional markets has hurt
them big-time. Replacing the traditional tracks with cookie-cutter clones,
starting the races (even those run in the east) too late in the afternoon
for east coast viewers (NASCAR's heartland, dammit!). These moves were
bound to alienate and drive away the seasoned & loyal viewers.

And the dumbing-down of the broadcasts continually strives to achieve new
lows. All of the current broadcast crew and executives should drag an old
videotape out for an ESPN broadcast back in the late '80s & early '90s.
Then they should take notes of how to present a race to intelligent fans
instead of to louts who appear to be 20 years old, going on 15. MUCH less
advertising, fewer gimmicks (will Fox ever admit that their 3-D is a joke?),
less talk and less SHOUTING!

And, OMG, the cost of attending a race now: sky-high fuel prices, predatory
motel pricing policies, and startling ticket prices. And forget about
taking your RV to most tracks now...$600 for an infield space? Gimme a
break.

The NASCAR execs, the broadcasters, the local tourist industry are all out
to grab a fast buck, oblivious to the fact that they are killing the goose
that laid a golden egg so long ago.

I am thankful that I was around to enjoy the good times, anyway.