FYI WIRZ: NASCAR Tracks Seek Fan Input to Attract More Fans

NASCAR is aware of the empty seats at races across the U.S. and is doing something that many organizations often ignore—they are listening to fans.  Not only do they listen to fans, they initiate changes to accommodate them.    

Recently, Talladega Superspeedway selected 30 lucky race fans to serve as the first members of the Talladega Superspeedway Fan Advisory Network (TSS FAN). 

Courtesy of Talladega Superspeedway: 

The TSS FAN will focus on creating constructive dialogue with the Talladega Superspeedway administration team.

“Our goals is to have a team of race fans that can help us identify areas the track can improve upon that will benefit all fans attending races at Talladega Superspeedway,” said Chairman Grant Lynch.  “It gives us the ability to look at ourselves through the eyes of a race fan and make the best decisions concerning their experiences.”

The promoters in Charlotte have been listening closely to fans in recent years and they explain their position well. 

Courtesy of Charlotte Motor Speedway:

Charlotte Motor Speedway is currently recruiting race fans to join the 2011 Charlotte Motor Speedway Fan Council.

Those interested in serving on the Fan Council and offering their opinions to improve the fan experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway, zMAX Dragway and The Dirt Track at Charlotte are invited to download the application from the speedway's website, www.charlottemotorspeedway.com, and submit the form by Jan. 3.

The Charlotte Motor Speedway Fan Council, formed in August 2008, is used to gather feedback from a cross-section of fans to determine changes that need to be implemented to improve the fan experience at the speedway, drag strip and dirt track.

Throughout the year, members of the Fan Council join speedway management for conference calls, participate in surveys after events, attend meetings at the speedway during NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NHRA races.

"Our mission is always to put fans first at Charlotte Motor Speedway and the Fan Council enhances our ability to do that," said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. "We're now able to communicate directly with our fans and gather their ideas to improve the at-track experience for everyone. The Fan Council has made suggestions that have resulted in some of our most fan-friendly enhancements over the past two years."

NASCAR and track promoters are listening and implementing, but more aggression may help—like pressing local hotels for lodging deals because hotels gouge guests during events and will do so as long as they sell out or get high occupancy.    

But look for more fan-friendly moves.  Here’s a short list of some tangible results from listening to fans:

Daytona and other NASCAR tracks have relaxed restrictions and allowed larger coolers. Now fans can bring in their own beverages in soft-sided coolers no bigger than 14 x 14 x 14 that can fit under seats.  Backpacks are also permitted, thus enabling fans to bring their own food with them.

Fans often stroll midways before the long races, so NASCAR is working on making those midways more interactive for all ages.     

Larger more comfortable seats have been installed in some track stands, replacing smaller, less comfortable seating.   

Family sections where alcohol is prohibited have been sectioned off, and look for more sections featuring playground equipment to accompany adult seating in the future also.  

Talladega hosted a weekend of concerts during the fall race to entertain fans as they relax before the green flag.  

Daytona persuaded local hotels to offer 30 percent discounts to fans who booked early in November for 2011 Speedweeks that culminates in the Daytona 500.  

Ticket price deals and extended payment plans are now common to NASCAR tracks.

Speaking of listening to fans, when asked this question recently Jeff Gordon responded with a respectable challenge. 

NASCAR listens to fans and fans have a lot of ideas about changes to NASCAR.  What would you change?

“You tell me what the fans want changed and I’ll tell you if I agree with it or not.”

It’s your turn fans, what changes would you like?  Comment below and your thoughts can be a part of a fan challenge to Jeff Gordon in January or February 2011. 

Photo credit: Dwight Drum @ Racetake.com