Kenny Wallace blasts NASCAR for losing them in the first place
NASCAR is looking for a new image.
Long ago, NASCAR lost their core fans, the same fans that helped the sport explode in popularity during the late 1990’s. The fans that were there from the beginning, left and found a new home in various forms of short track racing.
Yes, a new fan joined the sport but not in the same numbers. Viewership numbers are mostly down, year after year.
Now, NASCAR is reportedly looking for a firm to reconnect with the roots and the traditional fan base. Tim Clark, NASCAR’s chief brand officer noted that NASCAR wants a return to it’s “working-class, Americana” image per a report from the AdAge.
Recently, NASCAR has made obvious steps to bring those fans back to the sport. That included a lease of Bowman Gray Stadium, a track with a rowdy crowd in North Carolina. The race replaced NASCAR’s trip to the Los Angeles Coliseum in the preseason event.
Then, NASCAR also returned to North Wilkesboro Speedway. The fan favorite North Carolina track had fallen into near disrepair before NASCAR returned to the short track with the All-Star Race.
At the same time, NASCAR is looking international as they just hosted their first NASCAR Cup Series event in Mexico.
This dialog isn’t new from NASCAR leadership. However, actively seeking an agency to help, might be a step that helps steer them in the direction they’ve been looking for.
Similar comments from have been made for the better part of a decade.
Back in 2019, Steve Phelps, the then President of NASCAR stated, “I think we chased a new fan at the expense of an existing fan. We’ll never do that again.”
NASCAR admits mistakes; Looks to return to roots in 2021 (2019 story)
Kenny Wallace comments
“NASCAR is looking for a firm that can connect them with the blue collar fans, the ‘old people’,” Kenny Wallace opened in a social media video.
“Herman de-bullshits everything for you. I raised my hand, I said, ‘Hell, you can call me, I’ll help you.’ Man, that’s (expletive) embarrassing to say that. You should have never lost the blue collar fan NASCAR! What the (expletive) wrong with you.”
“First of all, say you’re sorry. NASCAR, I’m going to tag you guys in this. Say you’re (expletive) sorry. Apologize to all the people you out priced.”
Wallace added, “Alright, I love everybody. Straight Talk here everybody. We don’t (expletive) around.”
Stewart-Haas Racing closed their doors following the 2024 season. Team co-owner Tony Stewart was vocal is his distaste for the current direction of the sport.
Tony Stewart says NASCAR built their own coffin
Mark Martin says in chasing new NASCAR fans they might lose the old fans
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