Off Track Changes I Would Love to See NASCAR Make in 2023

By: Tom Luttermoser.    Image Credit not found: Michigan International Speeway

It's no secret NASCAR has been growing annually for a few years now, but there are tons of once sold out races who's seats we just cannot seem to fill. Especially over the last year or two, the broadcast touts a sold out or record crowd and fans on social media just absolutely cannot seem to skip a beat with the trusty old "But look at all those empty seats!" Naturally forgetting that just a few years go, even pre-covid lockdowns, those same seats were not even close to being as filled. 

Fans (especially negative ones on social media) point out a lot of reasons for not attending races, poor on track product, ticket prices, "these aren't real stock cars" and my personal favorite... NASCAR died with Dale. Obviously everyone has their own reasoning, but it is none the less a problem. 

Here are some of the OFF track changes I would love to see NASCAR make that I think, could bring fans back. 

• Work with Local Hotels- I went to the inaugural Nashville race last year, the furthest race I'd been to in a VERY long time. So naturally, I needed a hotel. Some of the hotels I looked for in the local area were nuts! $75 a night hotels and motels for over $150! Nicer hotels for $200+! I went 25 miles away and found a decent hotel with decent rates for $70 a night. NASCAR should get with some of these hotels to "partner" with or something to help get these costs down and bring more people into these areas. 
• Ticket Prices- Ticket prices really are not that bad at most tracks, but there are some that are next to impossible to justify the cost. NASCAR cannot control these at Speedway Motorsports tracks as they are an independently owned entity, but they can hold talks with them. One of the big saving graces for fans is the ability to bring in their own coolers full of soda, food or adult beverages to save money after the ticket costs. 
• Drive Consession Costs Down- You'd think that in a venue that fans can bring their own food and drinks, the venue would like to compete a bit better with "free". But bringing a family of 4 and paying $13 for some tenders or a burger and fries pus $4+ for a soda or $9 for a beer and x4.. That's just nuts. Look at Talladega though, the TGE Concessions
  

          $2 Hot Dog, Fry Cup, 20 oz. Coca-Cola Products, 16.9 oz. Dasani Water, Coffee & Cocoa
          $3 16 oz. Beer, Hamburger/Cheeseburger, BBQ Sandwich, Fried Bologna Sandwich, Talla-Mento                        Dogwich, Sausage, Nachos, Pretzels, Peanuts, Candy
         $4 Bill France Burger, Bill France BBQ Sandwich, Bill France Hot Dog, Philly Cheesesteak, Chicken                     Tenders & Fries, Loaded Philly Kettle Chips, Sugarlands Shine and Other Mixed Drinks

        You Can't tell me they're not selling the shit out of this stuff!

• More Fan Experiences- The off track, outside the stands experience at many tracks is incredibly underwhelming. Bands no one has ever heard of or maybe they were big 5-10 years ago, just a small handful of vender booths, no or limited food venders outside of track stands and even more than that. NASCAR back in the day, you had these guys competing for spots at the track and being jam packed in. Look at the NTT IndyCar event at Iowa next year, Kenny Chesney, Ed Sheeran, Zac Brown Band and Carrie Underwood all at just ONE EVENT! Come on NASCAR. (I have heard from my source in NASCAR, they will be doing something similar at Chicago in 2023)   
• More Kid Friendly- I brought my two 5 year old's to Michigan last season for the Xfinity race and as much fun as they had watching the cars, there was really nothing for them to do outside the stands to give them a break. Bring some kids shows or some free kid zone areas. NASCAR is bringing a bit more with Adventure Force, but typically smaller areas with limited product. 
• Wi-Fi & Cell Signal- One thing that unfortunately has always sucked at many tracks... Cell signal and a lack of Wi-Fi. Most professional sports stadiums have Wi-Fi availability for their in house fans. Though more and more NASCAR tracks are adding it, it's not very good... and good luck sending a text or making a call. One of the major things NASCAR NEEDs to do, not should... but needs to do, it help these tracks get signal boosters and bigger, better Wi-Fi capabilities. Working in the media at the tracks, this is a 100% must have, how are we supposed to share or post with no signal to speak of?

Now these are just a few of the big ones I can think of. Obviously there are a few more out there, what do you guys think? What would help bring you or someone you know back to the track?