overall... this is no surprise JD. Things have slowly become better over the past few years, but I believe we will never see the the attendance figures from 1998-2005 or so at any track...weather comprised or not. I think we have chatted on this... just not going to be like it used to be right now. A lot of improvements need to be made to try to get close to the 'good ol days' persay. Hell, Michigan isn't even sold out for Fathers Day. The June race is usually the chaotic event weekend, but the last few years not so much anymore. In and Out has been a cake walk...hardly any traffic on way or the other. I would think the desire is to have the place under 10K not sold in my opinion and based on things I have heard from people who work there during the race weekends.
Last year... that joint, based on appearance from the stands, was about 12-15K short. When I renewed my tickets I asked the question and they had more early renewals than in recent years, but still expected it to not be a sellout simply based on recent trends, but the unpredictability of it leaves you scratching your head...granted that was in November talking to someone. Anyway, usually around this time they have been 15-20K short of a sellout. Figure another 10K sold before raceday...still leaves them ~ 10K short of a sellout...and I think that is on the optimistic side.
People can/have blamed the TV coverage improvements, internet viewing, blah blah blah, for attendance decline. It is deeper than that...deeper than we may be able to think...its up to them to change the mood of the fans by putting a 'product' on the track that gets you excited to go. I ultimately think that is it. To many rules, not enough engineering allowed, there are times where the top 20 cars remind me of watching IROC. It was cool, but to a point it wasn't fun to watch.
Sorry to ramble, but attendance figures show more than just economic issues with the sport...which is what is constantly noted when you listen or talk to people from any track. To me that is just being short sighted and not taking accountability for the declined interest in the sport from the fan perspective. Again, 37 years at MIS...I can debate this for months. LOL
Don't get me wrong either...I am looking forward to going this year. I am with my dad, other family and friends. Its a good time, but I can see something else is wrong...not based on the economy anymore...just can't put my finger on it.
