Anyone who has not noticed this needs to venture forth from the cubicle more often. Imagine if Dale Earnhardt were killed. The outcry would be stunning. He was a national hero. While auto racing is still not taken as seriously in the U.S. as it is abroad, the death of a major driver would reverbrate throughout the sport, whether the networks covered it or not.
Auto racing is also popular at the grassroots level.
This area has more tracks and events than almost anywhere else in the country. These events are not usually filled with big-dollar sponsored cars. They are daily drivers, project cars, and little-dollar sponsor jobs. Your neighbor's Firebird may be a commuter during the week and an autocrosser on weekends. The local parts store might own a drag racer.