By reducing races from smaller markets to one a year and expanding to major markets, the sport can better broaden it's base of support. Richard Petty gained more fame by signing autographs than he did winning a record 200 races. His willingness to stand at the back gate for hours after the race seemed to cultivate fans one at a time. Now drivers are surrounded by hoards of public relations officials who make their man accessible only through press conferences and manufactures' news releases. Drivers are rarely found in the garage area because racetracks give away so many garage passes to corporate honchos that it's literally impossible to do business with a wrench.
Drivers hide in luxurious motor homes until it's time to make a few laps.
After they complete their driving duties, they are hustled back to the safety of their motor homes. What history has shown, however, is the sport will likely grow in spite of its shortcomings. Five years ago, fans would talk of a revolt at the idea of paying twice as much to see a race that's half as competitive. But over time, they paid the increases and continue to cheer for a race that sometimes seems as scripted as professional wrestling.