NASCAR is in a tricky spot. On one hand, they have the traditional fans who lived and enjoyed the highest of high of stock car racing. Meanwhile, on another, there’s this desperate attempt by NASCAR to attract new and younger audiences to its sport. More or less, the governing body is leaning towards catering to the younger fans, and that is evident from their initiatives.

We saw NASCAR racing in the LA Coliseum for two years, then we had Cup Series cars ripping it on the streets of Chicago. And the biggest of them all has to be the points-paying race in Mexico City. But with the massive expansion, the driver is NASCAR losing out on its essence and identity. Well, Mark Martin, who’s seen the glory days of NASCAR, certainly feels that way, and this sentiment is shared by a lot of old-timers.

It’s not that NASCAR has completely forgotten its roots, but Martin believes this drive for expansion has left the traditional fanbase unappreciated.

Mark Martin feels sidelined by NASCAR’s drive towards future

“I feel like that the integrity of our sport has largely been lost. And…and many people that are in positions to have influence on the direction of things don’t agree with the old-timers. Like, I’m the old-timer. I’m the guy. It’s not about me. I represent the fans.” Mark Martin said this on the MRN Live podcast. Back then, NASCAR didn’t need to do much with the format or increase the intrigue for the viewers on TV. Well, the same cannot be said for stage racing and the modern playoff format, which is often labeled as manufactured drama. Well, Martin liked what he saw at Homestead last weekend, and his response still had a cryptic jab aimed at NASCAR.

“And I don’t represent 18-year-old fans, I represent fans of my generation. I see them all the time at short track races, and I know what they tell me. And I know what the majority of that generation feels. And so I’m trying to be their voice. Unfortunately, you know, they’re not. You know, they’re part of the sport, but they’re not the future of the sport. The future of the sport is the younger generation.” Martin explained further. 

Interestingly, Martin mentions short track racing. Remember, Richmond Raceway lost a date on the NASCAR schedule just because they had to fit in the Mexico City race. What surprised everyone was that the Charlotte Roval retained its date along with the Chicago street race. But, NASCAR saw a short-track event as the odd one out. One might argue that they have made efforts with a return to North Wilkesboro Speedway and the Bowman Gray Stadium, but those are special events, non-points races.

Instead of working to improve the short track racing, NASCAR is open to ditching the venue entirely, and who knows, Martinsville Speedway might suffer a similar fate. Martin isn’t naive to the fact that NASCAR as a sport needs to move forward, and that will be possible with the support of younger generations. But that doesn’t give NASCAR an incentive to turn a blind eye towards the traditional fan base.

“And what appeals to the younger generation is certainly a difference than what appeals to adults. You know, my era generation. And not that we’re not important, because I think we are. And I think that we’re actually vital to the success, long-term success of NASCAR.” Martin added. However, he understood that NASCAR racing isn’t the same as it used to be back in the day, and one of the major reasons behind this is the changing environment with sponsorship and revenue model

Trending

1

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Leads NASCAR Community Against His Disgruntled Driver Dragging Their Names Through the Mud

2

After NASCAR, Tony Stewart Continues to Sever Ties With Nearly $40 Billion Giant

3

Tony Stewart’s Wife Leah Pruett Helps Struggling Families as She Wages War Against Addiction With Generous Move

4

“Adam’s a Son You Never Had”- Kyle Petty Gets Candid on Fallen Son’s NASCAR Fame as He Retraces Petty Family’s Racing Legacy

5

Unmarried Mother of Denny Hamlin’s Two Children Shares a Message on Being a “Wife”

All eyes on NASCAR’s new media rights deal

Wins on Sunday, sell on Monday was the phrase used by the fans back in the day. This allowed Fortune 500 brands to collaborate with NASCAR teams, and they didn’t feel the crunch financially because of the financial backing. But things have changed in the modern era; there’s a new charter system, a new $7.7 billion media rights deal and multiple sponsors looking to cut ties with NASCAR.

We saw GEICO, NASCAR’s premier partner, announce its departure last year. And Xfinity, a brand that serves as the title sponsor for the second tier of NASCAR racing, won’t return after 2025. Meanwhile, reputed brands like FedEx, Hooters, and M&M’s have also taken the exit door. Given how uncertain the future of the charter system is, the only viable source of revenue right now for NASCAR is the TV audience. This is why the sanctioning body is doing all it can to keep this system up and running.

“I think NASCAR has a real challenge going forward because they have to rely heavily on the TV viewers. That’s really the main source of income going forward for everybody in the sport. And for someone who is a causal fan that might be watching something else, if they can click over and see three green flag checkered with wrecks, they are going to watch that.” Martin explained further.

The 2025 season is a huge gamble with an international race along with street racing. This plan might work or might backfire, but NASCAR, which is in the process of revamping, will have to find a fine balance in keeping the tradition alive along with its futuristic ambitions.