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Why is NASCAR Popular in America?

NASCAR is a highly popular sport in America, although it has started to experience a slight decrease in viewing figures in recent years.

According to the data provided by Sports Media Watch, motorsport averaged 2.93 million viewers across Fox and NBC Sports in 2021, which was said to be down 4% on the figures that were experienced in 2020, which totaled 3.06 million. Again, those figures were also down on those experienced in 2019, with a 6% decline having been experienced as they had dipped from a total of 3.11 million. 

Naturally, it could be argued that viewing figures are not quite the best indicator of how well a sport is doing and how it is perceived, especially as fans are turning out in their thousands to race tracks all across the country.

One race that generates a huge amount of interest around the United States is the Daytona 500, with the event being one of the main highlights of the NASCAR calendar and a race that continues to attract various viewers.

With many casual viewers tuning in and several states where betting operators such as Unibet can offer residents in Virginia online gambling markets, the race has become one of the biggest attractions each year in February.

However, those in other countries around the world may find it hard to understand why NASCAR is so popular, especially when the famous “Another Left Turn” joke by ventriloquist Jeff Dunham was made in one of his routines that is remembered by many.

So, why has the sport remained popular for Americans and stayed near the top of the list?

Incredibly easy to follow

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons that can help highlight why NASCAR has remained incredibly popular for fans in America is because the sport is extremely easy to follow and understand.

The rules are rather easy to understand compared to many of the other sports that are played up and down the country. For instance, several rules need to be followed in team sports such as American Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Ice Hockey. However, even the die-hard fans will find it hard to keep up with how many there are.

NASCAR only has one rule: the driver who finishes the race in the first position wins. There is not a lot more to it in truth, with it seeming that the “another left turn” is just something that fans can enjoy and not think too much about.

Family sport

It has been suggested that NASCAR racing may actually be rather popular with fans because it can be a sport that every family member can enjoy compared to other games.

Many families currently go to events such as the Daytona 500 together. They spend the duration of the event, including the entire weekend, together enjoying their time. Indeed, each person would be able to pledge their allegiances to a different driver when they hit the track and watch them compete in the same race simultaneously. This is extremely hard to do in many other sports.

Furthermore, there is no denying that many Americans like to participate in tailgates when attending sporting events often hiring tailgating service providers like Tailgater Concierge. With NASCAR racing providing families with the opportunity to enjoy them together, this could have played a huge reason in helping the sport become as popular as it is.

family sport
Image by Ryse Lawrence from Pixabay

Drivers could be considered more relatable than other sports athletes

When looking at several elite professional athletes from various sports, some may feel intimidated. In contrast, others may have a negative opinion as some may act as if they feel the world is theirs or do not owe anything to anyone.

However, NASCAR drivers arguably look like average joes found on any normal street in any town around the States, with many of them likely to have enjoyed the same daily lifestyles that fans and ordinary people will have enjoyed. This instantly makes them more relatable and easier to like, thus potentially helping to increase the popularity of the sport.

Conclusion

Indeed, it is perhaps rather difficult for those outside the US to understand why NASCAR racing is incredibly popular. However, the viewing figures do not lie, as they show that millions continue to tune in regularly. It might not be as popular as some major sports, but it is certainly up there.

Featured Image by David Mark from Pixabay