The NHRA is dying a slow and drawn out death, but it definitely will die. Sooner, rather than later, like within the next 10-12 years.
Nascar might survive longer, but it will be gone at some point also. You need hundreds of thousands of rabid fans to make financial sense to the sponsors. I don't think I have to clear up the fact that it isn't 1980's-1990's attendance at the track anymore, and this is 2013.
Can you see those sub compacts of 2025 trading paint at Bristol? I don't.
If you look ahead 10 years, what do you see?
The kids of today are not like my, or our generation. There is no Ford vs. GM.
If there is any decision criteria in todays youth, it's more about efficiency, definitely which is "greener" or maybe who took TARP money, and who didn't.
You cant work on the cars of today to create some interest in performance, and even if you could, the interest has shifted away from power, and focuses on green and clean.
There are no back yard groups of motorheads tuning up a big block. They are more interested in saving the planet. I don't think Nitro enters their thoughts.
My son couldn't care less about car brands, or how they work. At 17, he didn't even know which automaker build his Jeep because he doesn't care. My daughters boyfriend doesn't care either, as long as the gas mileage is good, he's good with what he's driving.
Look at the grand stands and see the slow, but consistent draw down.
When this generation of gear heads runs it's course, the next generation will be non existent, and FMC, Castrol, Bud, and a long list of future ex sponsors will follow. Big business became big because their PR focuses on what's coming, and not what's here. Their money will be invested in the next generation's interests to get out their message, and dirty motorsports isn't it.
