NASCAR Acting on Joey Logano’s ‘Spoiled Fans’ Perspective Breaks Unity in the Fandom

It looks like NASCAR has taken serious consideration of Joey Logano’s comments about “Fans being spoiled.” The Penske driver drew lines about how the drivers do everything they can for the community, yet there is no exclusivity on their part. This is because, even just minutes before and after the race, they are often surrounded by fans. And more often than not, they are obliged to sign the autographs or take pictures with them.

Over the years, VIP pass holders have been able to get a close-up interaction with their favorite drivers and teams. These passes are bought at a premium by the fans, who then make the most of them by meeting the drivers on Fridays and Saturdays. However, the Sunday passes are for close-up action, but that line seems to have blurred out in recent times. Thanks to Logano’s intervention, NASCAR has now drawn lines and provided clarity about the perks of VIP passes.

New guidelines are in place for VIP pass holders starting in Phoenix

NASCAR drivers are common folks who come from humble beginnings and make it big in the stock car racing scene. Therefore, there has always been a close connection between fans and drivers. This is not a sight that is deemed normal in other popular sports, such as the NBA and NFL. However, there have been instances where drivers need a moment to themselves, and at times they are overwhelmed by fans.

Therefore, from this weekend onwards, starting with the spring race at Phoenix Raceway, VIP guest passes will be restricted to just close-up racing action. The big change is that the fans with VIP guest passes won’t be allowed to enter the garage after the completion of the race. Only the restricted hard card and essential pass holders will have access to the NASCAR garage.

The development was shared by Coucher Racer via their X handle online. They even went on to suggest what sparked these changes to be put in place by NASCAR, “Years ago there was a incident with a diver and a fan, the fan tripped over some tires. The same policy brought about cold versus hot passes. While we do not know of an incident that happened in 2024, clearly something promoted the change.”

Needless to say, there were a lot of opinions and reactions from the fans, as this change affected their experience on the race weekend.

NASCAR fans react to new changes for VIP guest passes

NASCAR fans are highly opinionated, and this is what makes this sport that much different compared to other leagues and events in the country. With the slight changes to fan meet-up and VIP pass access from the next race day onwards, fans were quick to share their thoughts and views on the same.

One fan was not sure about NASCAR’s intervention in restricting incidents in the garage area. He wrote, “Sounds like a way to get people to buy a more expensive pass. Is a certain badge or lanyard gonna magically stop someone else from getting hurt? IS it made from special accident free paper?”

Read More: “When Are You Going to Meet an NFL Player”- Joey Logano Trashes “Spoiled” Fans Questioning Cup Drivers’ Accessibility

Disappointed with the new rules put in place, a fan wrote, “This is really disappointing. I go to a couple a year with vip and one of my favorite parts is going down after to watch the guys loading and post tech. Always super respectful and give plenty of room. This sucks”.

Another fan welcomed the change, suggesting fans shouldn’t be in the garage post-race. “This really isn’t a big deal, teams are trying to go home. fans shouldn’t be wandering in the garages once the weekend is over, let them pack up.”

Calling NASCAR a sport for the privileged fans, a user added, “And this is why Drag Racing, Offshore boat racing and Dirt Racing are striving now!!!! NASCAR has become a sport of “elite “ privilege!!!! Other racing embraces the fan base!!!!”