Wednesday
NASCAR Scoring Points with Fans
Press ReleaseDrivers Cite Competition, Cars, Economy, Fan Feedback
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (March 9, 2011) - Just three races into the 2011 season, NASCAR is enjoying a sort of rebirth. Race attendance, television ratings and fan interest are on the rise. Kicking off the season with an exciting Daytona 500, the sport has continued to deliver competitive racing, interesting storylines and emerging stars.
What has made the difference? NASCAR drivers don’t attribute the early-season success to one particular change, but a combintation of things.
David Gilliland, Travis Kvapil and Jennifer Jo Cobb comment:
Driver, No. 34 Taco Bell Ford
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
David Gilliland
“It’s noticeable at the track, in the infield, that there are more people coming to the races. That’s cool to see. I think with NASCAR opening up the rules a bit, allowing more people in the garage and loosening up the dress code, it’s just made it easier and more fun for people to come to the track. NASCAR has done a good job of listening to the fans and giving them what they want.
“The new point system has been good for the sport, too. It’s obviously simpler to follow than the old system. Heck, I’ve been in the sport 10 years and it was hard for me at times to figure out the points the old way. But it’s also shaken up the standings early in the season, too, and I think that’s probably drawn some interest among the fans. We started off the year with a bang and were in the top 10 for a few weeks, and with a couple more good finishes we can be back there. So, I think that whole system has probably gotten more people interested, too.”
Driver, No. 38 Long John Silver’s Ford
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Travis Kvapil
“I don’t think it’s one particular thing. I think it’s a combination of things. I think the changes they made to the racecars were part of it — putting the spoilers back on them last year and changing to a better-looking nose this year. I think that makes the cars more appealing to the race fans. Personally, I think the new racecar looks really good. The Nationwide cars look excellent, too — they look like a streetcar that fans can relate to.
“The racing this year is incredible. There’s been a lot of lead changes, the races are very competitive with a lot of passing. The Daytona 500 was amazing with the show we put on there.
“Another part is that the overall economy is starting to turn around some. Maybe race fans can afford to take that trip now that they couldn’t take two years ago. There are just a lot of good things happening for the sport, from the appearance of the racecars to people recovering from the recession a bit.”
Driver, No. 79 Ford
NASCAR Nationwide Series
Jennifer Jo Cobb
“It’s a really exciting time for NASCAR. Each series has rising stars and emerging personalities. The action and competition in the Camping World Truck Series, the Nationwide Series and Sprint Cup Series has everyone wanting to come back for more.
“The new point system and the new Nationwide Series car have helped create a buzz. Trevor Bayne’s big win was a great story and intrigued everyone to keep tuning in. All of the off-season changes, along with the on-track excitement, has been a perfect combination so far.”
- Breaking Limits Marketing for Front Row Motorsports/Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing, Press Release
Article Tags: David Gilliland, Ford Fusion, Ford Mustang, Ford Racing, Front Row Motorsports, FRR, Jennifer Jo Cobb, Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing, NASCAR, NASCAR Nationwide Series, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NNS, No. 34 Taco Bell Ford Fusion, No. 38 Long John Silver's Ford Fusion, No. 79 Ford Mustang, NSCS, Travis Kvapil
