NASCAR Fans 2010: The Heart of the Sport
NASCAR has it's highly paid drivers, multi-car team owners, space age technology and a wealth of men and women who support the teams in various capacities, but without the precious fans, NASCAR is nothing.
From the early days when fans sat on rickety bleachers, walls or even the ground to today's fan-friendly behemoth racing facilities, they always came to watch their heroes do battle against one another on tracks that were sometimes nothing but dirt without railings or even the beach at Daytona.
Today's race car driver is more isolated from the fans as they are hustled from one place to another by their handlers. They scurry from their motorhomes, to the haulers with a stop in the garage as needed to drive the car that bears their name, number and sponsors, then return to the haulers and back to the motorhomes.
Anyone who has been in the garage area for a NASCAR event will for the most part tell you the drivers stand in front of their car in the assigned garage in hopes of dodging photographers and those seeking a dose of input from them. They limit the contact with media to the media center or brief moments where they step out into the throng of people who follow them.
There are moments though when fans can get photo opportunities and maybe an autograph while peeking through iron bars or a fence, in a FanZone or perhaps in pre-race ceremonies.
Some drivers are more friendly than others and go out of their way to make contact when they have the time, while certain drivers for whatever reason are hard to gain access to. Yet the loyal fans will wait for hours hoping to get a glimpse of the driver they have chosen as their racing hero.
Race fans are a very friendly group who will sit in the stands during freezing weather or under ponchos in rain-delays just as long as it takes to see the race.
NASCAR fans are a creative bunch too. A trip through the infield will unveil sights and sounds one would be hard-pressed to find at any other event. They come to races in million dollar motor homes, recycled school buses, the daily driver and everything in between.
Loyalty to a driver is shown in all types of attire from caps, jackets, T-shirts and so much more. They pay their hard-earned dollars for the pricey gear and wear it with great pride.
Fans can be innovative with signs, flags and all sorts of homemade items that garner attention. Many times it can be hard to tell exactly what the point of their regalia is, but it is all done for fun, so what does it matter?
NASCAR knows the value of fans and has made strides in upping the entertainment factor at racing venues prior to the race. FanZone activities continue to expand at the tracks on the circuit. They have even made an effort to enhance the racing with green-white-checker finishes, "boy's have at it" and other rule changes that some debate, but the intent was to improve the racing
Fans, they come in all sizes and ages from every demographic. Some scrimp and save all year to attend that one special race while others have the luxury of traveling to many races. The economy and the new televisions that allow high definition views of the races that would be hard to capture in person have made an impact on attendance, yet the loyal fan still makes it to the tracks.
Let's take a look at some fan sightings from this season and hope they keep doing what they are doing, because without them, NASCAR is nothing.
A Family Thing
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The love of racing seems to flow through the family from parents to children. The young ones get decked out with headsets and find that special place to watch the race as they sit with the adults and cheer their favorite drivers.
Patriotism
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NASCAR fans show their pride in the country they love. Sightings of the American flag can be seen many places in the stands, infield and around the track.
Interesting Fans
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This guy worked hard to get his outfit put together. It may be hard to tell what it is all about, but we know he likes Jeff Gordon and NASCAR.
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Is That a Proposition?
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Fans love their favorite drivers and don't hesitate to show it. Junior has a strong supporter in this picture.
Behind the Bars
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Iron bars can't stop the loyal fans from trying to get an autograph or picture from the drivers. There seems to be some money being offered here. What's that about?
Could Be a Problem
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It is not unusual to see couples or families display support for different drivers. At least this pair stayed with Hendrick Motorsports, but what conversations they must have.
They Start Young
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Some question the Kyle Busch fan appeal, but it is obvious he has a strong supporter with this young lady.
You Don't Need a Fast Car
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Here we see Mike Helton, the NASCAR boss, being deluged by autograph seekers, and he doesn't even have one of those colorful, fast race cars.
They Will Race Sooner or Later
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Just like the postal service, fans will endure all types of weather as they wait for a race. Rain, cold or extreme heat doesn't stop fans from their pursuit of watching a race in person.
Photo Ops
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There are more of those darn bars, but it doesn't stop the fans from taking a shot of their elusive driver and the race cars as they rumble through the garage area.
The Haulers
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In NASCAR even the big rigs garner attention with the flashy paint schemes, driver name and number and sponsorship adorning the fancy transporters that take the cars from track to track during the season. Here we see one of the more spectacular settings for the hauler parade on Las Vegas Blvd.
Fans line the strip for the glitz of it all, as the trucks with precious cargo make their way to the track.
Champions Week
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The NASCAR season winds to an end with the 10-race Chase, and the leader of the point standings becomes the NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion.
Champions Week is held in Las Vegas where the Banquet for the Champions and the others in the Chase get their recognition. Many NASCAR events take place for the fans during this week.
We have to wonder if these people waiting for Jimmie Johnson to do a burn out will return this year to see him, and will he have his fifth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup title?
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