Californian’s just don’t get NASCAR’s thing

Ed Note: This article says just what we at AR1 have been saying for years that Californians just don't buy NASCAR's roundy-round thing. The Grand Prix of Long Beach has always had a loyal following, even in the open-wheel war years. The Sonoma race seems to do well though, which just supports this theory. We bet even going to one race wouldn't sell out…

Bigger isn't always better. For evidence, we present Los Angeles. The major metropolitan area that has managed to live without an NFL team looks as if it couldn't care less whether or not it has NASCAR races there.

It's ironic when you think about it…an area that grew thanks to its love-affair with the car…doesn't turn out to watch cars race.

What should we blame? The economy? That's a factor. The weather? Be serious.

In fact, part of Auto Club Speedway's inability to draw fans has to with factors beyond its' control.

First, there's location. The greater Los Angeles area is massive. Even though Fontana is part of "greater" L.A., it really isn't close to L.A. at all. And, none of it is easy to navigate through. Speed limits on the freeways…they're often pipe dreams.

Second…when you have an area of this kind of size and scope, there are entertainment options galore…most much closer to where you live.

Look, I understand NASCAR's need to be in Los Angeles. And, I agree with it. But, the twice a year experiment has been a failure.

Cut back to one race…make it an annual event for the Southern California fans. Don't give them the option of saying, "maybe I'll wait for the next one".

Empty seats don't attract fans…they turn them off. They let them make last minute decisions whether to go or not. They also send the message to prospective fans that this is not a big event.

And, that affects not just the fans locally, but those across the country as well. It plants a negative seed that just may sprout when NASCAR comes to a track near them. Performance Racing Network