Despite Denny Hamlin Suggesting “Chase Elliott Factor”, NASCAR VIP Proclaims $116 Million Project Can Bring Back Fans Amid Viewership Drop

Earlier, Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin addressed the declining viewership numbers in NASCAR. According to him, there is a kind of ‘Chase Elliott factor’ that is attracting the audience. As per this, the drivers are the stars and hence the ones who have the most influence over attendance.

However, Colbert Seagraves, son of Hall of Famer Ralph Seagraves, had a different take on that.

As the executive director of the Winston Cup Museum, he believes that nostalgia has a more important role.

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Colbert used to attend every race at the North Wilkesboro Speedway. With the race event running from 1972 to 1996 and making a return this year, he has some idea of what he is talking about.

Seagraves told wxii12.com, “North Wilkesboro is a magical racetrack as far as I’m concerned. It’s always been one of my favorite tracks. I was glad to see NASCAR going back to their roots. I think they had gotten away from it a little bit, and I think going to Wilkesboro is going to help bring some of the fans that have gone away back into the sport.”

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How did NASCAR viewership begin to decline?

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According to Seagraves, there were multiple factors that led to the waning interest from fans. They include Dale Earnhardt’s death at the 2001 Daytona 500, Dale Earnhardt Jr’s retirement in 2017, and a lack of current high-profile driver rivalries. He revealed that the government banned tobacco companies from advertising, back in 1969.

To circumvent that and allocate $70 million dollars, companies began exploring the NASCAR arena. Apparently, Junior Johnson approached Ralph about sponsoring his race team for 150,000 a year. Since they had $70 million to burn, the Seagraves decided to take the gamble.

Colbert Seagraves had fond memories of the North Wilkesboro Speedway

With North Wilkesboro Speedway returning this year for the All-Star Race, Colbert has some fond memories. He said, “Wilkesboro is an extremely aggressive racetrack. The drivers love driving it, and it’s going to be an exciting race. It’s really going to help the community, Wilkes County, a lot. And I think it’ll trickle down to Winston-Salem and the Triad, and I think it’s good for the sport. I think it’s good for the state. I think it’s good for NASCAR.”

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Without a doubt, the excitement is fairly high because this is a classic NASCAR track. Additionally, Dale Earnhardt Jr was instrumental in spearheading the track’s $116 million dollar restoration. Owing to his tireless efforts, not only was the track transformed, but it also earned a green light to be included on the 2023 calendar.