I've been going to NASCAR races at least twice each year, for the past nine years. Over that period I've seen crowds large and less large (they are never what I'd call small). Today I ran by Martinsville Speedway to check out the vendors selling driver merchandise, plus other exhibits and displays sponsored by companies with an interest in the NASCAR fan base.
What I saw today was interesting in relation to the economy, especially the automobile part of that. In the past General Motors, Ford and Chrysler always had large displays focused on their cars and trucks, especially trucks. Today, the ONLY automobile manufacturer present was Toyota, and they were there in a big way. Interesting however, was the large void in the display area where GM, Ford and Chrysler used to be located…their absence was (to me at least) very obvious.
I also noted there were far less "mom and pop" vendors present for race weekend, selling food, drinks, snacks and general NASCAR merchandise. As you can see in the photo, the weather is not good today, and as I write this, rain has started to fall. So, Sprint Cup qualifying this afternoon may be canceled. Weather outlook for tomorrow's truck race isn't good either, but if all holds true in terms of the forecast for the big race on Sunday, we should be partly sunny with mid 60's temps.
Seeing what I saw today definitely represents the state of our economy. It's not good. But, hopefully it will improve over the next year.
