Changes For NASCAR

The turn of the New Year is a busy time for sports. The NFL undergoes it’s playoff season and finishes with the Super Bowl. NCAA fans have March Madness on the horizon to anticipate. And NASCAR? NASCAR has the annual Daytona 500 to look forward to, taking place on Sunday February 18th this year. Will the Daytona 500 race maintain the popularity that it has had in the past?

Controversy began in 2016 when NFL Quarterback Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem as a form of protest. Other athletes took notice and many took a kneel to join him in the protest. This action divided the fans into those who supported the movement and those who decided to boycott the NFL. Not only did this affect the NFL, but it affected NASCAR as well when well known drivers such as Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressed their opinion on the matter. This sent a ripple of division down the NASCAR fan base.

Controversial protests as well as a new generation emerging will affect NASCAR this season. Most fans have remained unwaveringly loyal to big name drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr. From 2003-2017, Dale Earnhardt Jr. alone won the most popular driver award. But with Dale Earnhardt Jr. retiring, there are many new faces filling in the shoes of the NASCAR legends. The question is, will fans choose a new driver to follow, or will they fade away from NASCAR altogether and only speak of the sport in its hay day when all of their favorite drivers still raced?

To combat all of these factors contributing to a declining popularity in the sport over the years, NASCAR is gearing towards change, including changes in regulations for the pit crew. Small changes like this could be an option for NASCAR to take to lead up to a new era of rules and regulations for the sport.

The Daytona 500 International Speedway has also seen recent changes. The track underwent a $400 million renovation project, which made the stadium seats more comfortable and added modern features such as a “selfie spot” where guests can take a picture with the track name positioned perfectly behind them. Additions such as these will make attending the racing event a much more comfortable and fresh experience for fans.

NASCAR is making many efforts towards regaining popularity. Only time will tell if any of the efforts pay off, and result in a new generation of NASCAR fans.

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