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NASCAR, like many sports not only in the US but around the world, faces a mild crisis, including an identity crisis. Traditional sports with a large fan base and prestige struggle to attract younger audiences, and many sports are experiencing a decline. NASCAR is also in a crisis, with many questioning what needs to be done to get it back on track. NASCAR officials are currently debating the next steps to restore excitement among people, particularly the younger generation, to encourage them to follow the sport.
Christopher Bell, a well-known name in the sport, recently discussed the current situation in NASCAR.
In an interview with Jordan Bianchi and Jeff Gluck on The Teardown, the 29-year-old emphasized the identity crisis within the sport. He believes that too much attention is being given to the entertainment factor rather than focusing on the races, the best drivers, and the teams.
“I don’t know, I mean, it just uh… It feels like we in a little bit of an identity crisis, and I can’t [take credit], someone else in our industry used that term, and I loved it and I’m like, that is so true,” Bell said. “Are we a racing league and do we want to promote the best teams, the best drivers? Or do we want to be in the entertainment industry and have the most entertaining races?”- Bell said, as quoted by On3.
Jeff Gluck shares a similar view, stressing that it’s challenging to focus on both aspects simultaneously. Bell acknowledged that fans of the sport have different perspectives on NASCAR and its system, making it difficult to reach a universally accepted opinion on anything, including this sport. However, the 29-year-old believes that true motorsport fans understand what constitutes a good race and the essential elements of a great event.
There is a sense of apprehension in Bell's stance, as he fears that NASCAR might become something it shouldn’t. The narrative built over the years could face a complete reversal if the entertainment factor remains the primary focus for the company’s leaders. Bell emphasized the importance of experienced fans who have a different view of the sport compared to the executives. He hopes that things will change in the near future, with the desire for NASCAR to return to what it is meant to be.
“It is, and if you ask different people on what a good race is, you’re gonna get different answers. And you have true motorsports people that understand what a good race is and how the best, or however a race should be. And you ask other fans who are as educated in the sport and their view of it is going to be much different. So, yeah we’re in a weird spot right now. And it’s just going to get weirder with Talladega in the Round of 8.”- Bell continued.
Bianchi asked Bell if the idea of Talladega in the third round made him uneasy. Bell admitted that it does make him cringe.
Reactions of Christopher Bell's colleagues
Bell is not the only one sharing this perspective, as many of his colleagues hold similar views, including Denny Hamlin. However, most of them emphasize modernization, while the core of their criticism is directed at NASCAR itself. Hamlin believes that NASCAR needs to modernize many aspects and strategies to allow the audience and fans to enjoy the essence of the sport.
In addition to Hamlin, Kyle Larson argues that old rules and formats likely do not capture the attention of new audiences. Larson has a slightly different stance, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the entertainment factor to attract more viewers to the sport.
Brad Keselowski also stresses the need to improve competitive aspects and allow drivers to showcase their skills effectively. He is less impressed by the commercial aspects, believing that the focus should be on delivering genuine racing experiences.
Fans have divided opinions on the matter. Older fans prefer NASCAR to stick to traditional principles, believing that these are key to the sport's success. They argue that changing and modernizing the sport would lose the essence that NASCAR has maintained. For them, who have watched the same format for years, it's likely difficult to imagine a different approach.
In contrast, younger fans want NASCAR to look different from its current form. Generations who are paying less attention to the sport seek more excitement and variety. They desire additional elements in NASCAR and want the races to be more dynamic. While not everyone shares this view, many from the younger audience express such opinions on social media.
NASCAR leaders will have to strike a balance between the older and younger generations.
English (US)