“NASCAR Died When Dale Died” – Fans React in Anger to SAFER Barriers at the LA Coliseum
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“NASCAR Died When Dale Died” – Fans React in Anger to SAFER Barriers at the LA Coliseum
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We’re less than three weeks away from the next season of NASCAR. But unlike the last 43 years, the 2022 season will kick off at a new, historical venue. Because this year, instead of Daytona, the Busch Clash will be held at the LA Coliseum – the Clash at the Coliseum.
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And NASCAR’s ambitious project is nothing short of extraordinary, even though many fans have questioned the reason to go racing at such a venue, for such an event.
The event for which an entire disposable track is being built to make it fit for racing. And now, it was recently reported that SAFER barriers were being installed at the track.
There will be SAFER Barrier at the LA Coliseum for the Clash … https://t.co/gkx3z1cLca
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 15, 2022
The idea of the barriers is definitely a safety measure by NASCAR.
But regardless, it irked a few fans who wondered why NASCAR is using such barriers on a track that is definitely slower than the likes of Charlotte, where these barriers ‘make sense.’
How did the fans react to the barriers at the Coliseum?
what's the top speed gonna be? Is this really necessary?
— Zach Halverson (@ZachHalverson) January 15, 2022
Isn't the track narrow enough ?? It's so small, I see this as a waste of time and real estate. What will they be hitting on the "straights", 90 ??
— Sean Ninneman (@SNinneman72) January 15, 2022
lol, it’s precious how much effort and hype they’re putting into a 53-mph race on a track the size of a daycare parking lot
— David Foster Flawless (@Yes_The_Real_Me) January 16, 2022
Because nascar died when Dale died duh
— Amaru (@Amarustallings) January 15, 2022
Why is NASCAR heading to the Coliseum?
Despite this backlash and criticism from fans, NASCAR is not only adamant about going to the Coliseum, they’ve invested over a million dollars in just the track so far.
And one of the biggest reasons is simply to appeal to new fans.
“We just couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to be in this historic venue,” a senior NASCAR executive had said, “to be in this market, to be in front of our avid fans that are in that market and potentially new fans that are in that market all over the world.”
Reuters
FILE PHOTO: A digital rendering of the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, which will be held in Los Angeles in February, is seen in this handout picture obtained on November 30, 2021. Courtesy of iRacing/Handout via REUTERS
And to be fair, this is a fair point. NASCAR needs new fans and new markets to expand. This is something a fan, Ian Siegel put aptly on Twitter.
“To the people complaining about the LA Coliseum race? You do realize that NASCAR HAS to get younger fans? The average age of the fanbase is 58, for pete sakes. Sponsors don’t want 58 year old people, they want 18-34. Without sponsorship, our sport dies.”
Also Read: Daytona 500 Attendance 2022: How Many NASCAR Fans Will Be Allowed to Attend?
