This is an idea I had and it was spurred by a conversation I heard earlier today on Sirius XM NASCAR Radio.
As NASCAR fans, we turn on our TV’s for the start of the races every weekend. One of the first things we may notice when we tune into FOX or NBC is the crowd shot and we ask ourselves ‘where is everyone?’ Most of the at-track crowd does watch the race from their seats but others may watch from the infield or simply decided to watch from their living rooms.
So which is more important? The at-track audience or the television one?
I say both are because both are unique in their own ways. However, there are some pro’s and con’s to each and we’ll take a look at some.
At-Track Experience
A fan at the track is probably not going to be glued to a TV screen other than the jumbotron. They are looking to enjoy the experience of being at the track in person. Meeting and greeting their favorite drivers, walking the midway, tailgating and whatever else is available for fans to do. These are just some of the things the diehards may love doing before the green flag drops. For many, it’s a vacation.
There are many moving parts involved in getting fans to the racetrack. Not all of these are negative but they do aid in the process.
Although tracks have recently bent over backwards and came up with ways to accomodate those who wish to see cars turning left in person, travel and ticket expenses are still a big factor in getting butts in the seats. Don’t forget to budget for concession and souvenirs as well.
Those of you with Fitbits and other step-counting devices don’t have to worry about not moving around much. When you are at the racetrack, you walk a lot more than you may at home!
Parking is another thing the television crowd doesn’t have to worry about. Most sports stadiums do charge a fee but I haven’t heard of a NASCAR facility that does. Ingress and egress before and after the race can be tricky so sometimes, patience is key.
TV Viewing Experience
The group who watches on TV gets the luxury of staying home on the couch but they are still able to see the same action. They don’t have to worry about traveling thousands of miles to see a race, unless they want to someday. Not all people live close to racetracks so they benefit from races being televised.
Other than paying for cable/satellite service, the viewing fan doesn’t have to worry about travel expenses involved in a race weekend. Another example is that they can be knocking out house chores, etc. but when that FOX/NBC Sports logo comes on the screen, they park themselves.
Weather is another issue that can affect both crowds. The TV viewer doesn’t have to worry about sitting through a rain delay while ones at the track get pelted on. Also, if it’s cold at the racetrack, it’s warm in your living room!
One negative about television is conflict with other broadcasted sports. A football game may only have five minutes left in the fourth quarter but to a race fan, that is an eternity. Oh and don’t forget those games that go into overtime. Sometimes, the network will move the start of the race to another network if this happens. The most recent example is the start of the Go Bowling 400 at Kansas being shown on the FOX Business Channel due to a late-running MLB game on the orginally scheduled FOX Sports 1. Fans at the racetrack do not see this confict.
In some instances, local TV stations may blackout games as a way to get fans watching inside the stadium. NASCAR track owners think this would be a good idea to blackout local races but so far, this hasn’t happened. In the past, the Indianapolis 500 could not be seen in the local area but a sellout caused this blackout to be lifted.
I have been able to witness races both at the track and on television and had many of these experiences. Where I live, I can’t get to the track every single weekend. It does take some planning and traveling on my part so being able to watch at home is important. Watching on TV, and listening to radio for that matter, is what made me want to attend a race ‘on the ground’. My hope is that someday, it can do the same for many fans!
I didn’t decide I wanted to pursue a career in NASCAR until the summer of 2012. I’m not a wrench head or strong enough for a pit crew so media was the next best thing. At the beginning of 2013, I started going to races and making connections within the sport. I also studied Motorsports Management at Sports Management Worldwide. Although I love what happens on the track, I’ve always been interested in what goes on behind the scenes and I’ve gotten to know many people throughout the radio, TV and digital media world.
While I’m a long time writer, 2015 was my first year actually covering the sport with www.nascarfemale.com . I also became a media correspondent for Raceline. I’ve been able to help the TV show gain recognition on social media. My current goal is to acquire more experience in covering NASCAR and move up the media ladder. Outside of motorsports, I have been an equine-sports statistician for 16 years.
I currently reside in Gillette, WY where I’m still involved with horses. I enjoy riding them, rodeo, swimming, traveling and meeting people.
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