A staple of NASCAR races will be no more at one of the most popular tracks on the circuit starting this year.
Dover International Speedway which has been hosting NASCAR races since 1969, has closed its infield to fan parking. The decision wasn’t necessarily based on the current state of the economy however, but the lack of fan interest according to the track.
“As we evaluated the attendance in that area, year-to-year, it continued to decrease and didn't make sense from a business perspective to continue to operate it,” said Gary Camp, Director of Public Relations at Dover. “Every year, the numbers were essentially cut in half from the prior year. Around 100 customers paid to park in the infield for the Sept. 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.”
The Speedway will host two NASCAR weekends in 2009, all three of NASCAR’s major touring series will race the weekend of May 29-31 and again September 25-27.
“Fans can experience a race for much less by purchasing a grandstand seat to the event,” added Camp. “And the view from the grandstands is certainly much better.”
Tickets are still available for both weekends.
Comments
“Fans can experience a race for much less by purchasing a grandstand seat to the event,” added Camp. “And the view from the grandstands is certainly much better.”
I'm not aware of what infield parking costs but reading that statement leads me to believe they had their pricing structure out of whack.
fullthrottle.cranialcavity.net/
I WENT IN THE INFIELD FOR 20 YEARS. THE INFIELD IS WHERE WE FANS WANTED TO BE NO MATTER WHAT THE PRICE WAS THEY CHARGED US, I HAVE NOT BEEN BACK TO SIT IN THE STANDS. THE INFIELD PRICE WHEN I STARTED TO GO WAS $ 15.00, IT ENDED UP TO BE, $60 PER PERSON, $60 FOR YOUR TRUCK, AND IF YOU PARKED IN THE LINE BEFORE SATURDAY MIDNIGHT IT WAS ANOTHER $ 60 FOR CAMPING. THE STATEMENT THAT ONLY 100 PEOPLE PAID TO GET IN THE INFIELD IS A LIE COMING FROM DOVER AND GARY CAMP. GARY HAS TOLD DIFFERENT PEOPLE DIFFERENT REASONS FOR THE CLOSURE. ONE STORY WAS DECLINING ATTENDANCE, ANOTHER WAS "NASCAR NEEDED MORE SPACE". THE LAST TIME IN THE INFIELD THERE WERE UPWARDS OF 200 VEHICLES, WITH MOSTLY 3 TO 4 PEOPLE IN EACH VEHICLE.
THE TRUTH IS DOVER STOPPED PROMOTING THAT YOU COULD EVEN BUY A TICKET TO THE INFIELD. THE ONLY INFORMATION WAS A SMALL BLURB IN THE FAN GUIDE.
I GO TO DOVER AND CAMP EVERY RACE, BUT I WILL NEVER BE BACK TO SIT IN THE STANDS.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!