Fans in the stands

[none]

Terry, you might be onto something with your "midwestern thing" comment. At the 1/2 mile dirt track back in my hometown in Iowa or at the Springfield (IL) mile oval we always crossed the track after the race to go into the pits to interact with the racers, etc. Doing that also taught us something about the sport, or more specifically, the track. It was usually surprisingly "cushiony" but sometimes it was hard and had what was called a "blue groove".

Most of my time at drag strips in the Midwest was crewing so the only time we left early was when we broke something and were dejected. Somewhere along the line I have migrated into the "beat the traffic" crowd after national events so it's time to get re-calibrated!

 

[Nunz]

Does anyone think it's a sign of the times? Meaning, as has been discussed many times, fans are just different now? As in, way shorter attention spans, so even if you get them to the event, they see their fill after a couple rounds and bail. Maybe I'm wrong, but Pomona has always been one of the tracks that pulls big crowds, like Indy, Maple Grove, Gainesville, etc. When I think about events from years ago, even on TV, it never seemed like people left in such large numbers before the finals. Maybe more fans want a show, but aren't as invested in the outcome. Don't know, just spitballing here...

 

[Huge]

There were fans in the stands? Based on the very tiny bit I watched it didn't look like the stands were more than about 60% full.

That's because the other 40% were standing in line at the beerstands and restrooms.

 

[Muddy]

That's because the other 40% were standing in line at the beerstands and restrooms.

LOL I'm sure that's right.

 

[Irwindale]

Starting to do my bucket list witch race out of the Western swing should I attend? I was thinking Denver or settle live in San Dimas California

 

[Randy]

The plane hit the AAA sign on top of the right lane scoreboard first.

 

[none]

Starting to do my bucket list witch race out of the Western swing should I attend? I was thinking Denver or settle live in San Dimas California

That's easy... All of 'em! It'd only be ~4200 miles for ya. Best. Roadtrip. Ever.

 

[Irwindale]

That's easy... All of 'em! It'd only be ~4200 miles for ya. Best. Roadtrip. Ever.

Nhra need to give us a bucket list price three race for the price two

 

[Nick Name]

Pomona in the 60s

 

[FABMAN]

All I can say is WOW. !!!

 

[rollingthunder]

As has been stated before we are in a different era of time. Kids and young adults had shop class or auto shop. they worked on their own cars and most drove firebird's camaro's mustangs road runners or such.
it was something they could relate to. Not many kids are going to relate to this. they are behind a computer screen,tv, cellphone etc etc
it is sad to see it happen.

 

[FABMAN]

You're right it's a tough situation, but there's a place for them is this sport, as long as inovation is allowed electonic technology will advance in Drag Racing. Moms,Dads,families and friends that enjoy the sport need to introduce newcomers and bring them to the track. Good example look at whats about to happen in Georgia. There's plenty of interest.

 

[Riley7]

Pomona in the 60s

I'd venture to guess that the pit area was just as crowded as this spectator area was back in the 60's, jam-packed with race teams and a hodgepodge of race cars. It's very hard to compare these eras. For example, how many of us can actually get our heads around a 32 car Top Fuel race?

 

[Dennis]

As has been stated before we are in a different era of time. Kids and young adults had shop class or auto shop. they worked on their own cars and most drove firebird's camaro's mustangs road runners or such.

Just my two cents but I'm thinking that the fanbase is being over analyzed. I would venture to guess that only a fraction of a percent attending an event actually care who wins. Your point regarding peoples' interest in the mechanical ability holds merit, however innovation in the NHRA died in the 90's. All of the cars are cookie cutters, and it's who finesses the beast the best who wins. The organic drama in the sport is gone.

I think that people just show up to be entertained with loud and fast cars. Racing makes for a long day and if you don't care who wins, the final race between two cookie cutters holds the same value as the opening pair of cookie cutters.

 

[Muddy]

Back in the day you saw the cars on the cover and inside every magazine in the magazine rack .Race cars were on display at dealerships and parts stores all over the country. Drag strips had advertising non stop on the radio which by the way was much more popular than today. Beginning with the 49 olds rocket 88, automobile mfgs. advertised the performance of their cars and the kids hung out at the local drive-in hamburger joint listening to "smitty" mufflers drive past. Just a different time. I think that's why the no prep outlaw races draw so many fans. They are advertised, called an "outlaw event", run what you have and first to the finish line. Don't worry they will ruin it with big bucks and it like the rest will lose it's appeal to the average person.

 

[Nick Name]

 

[MHayes]

SGMP has a seating capacity of less than 5,000 and Pomona has 40,000.........you are comparing apples and oranges Jay.

By the way, I had to close the gates due to capacity in my toilet this morning too

 

[Nick Name]

I think the 4 mile long line on the interstate at 9AM had something to do with it.

 

[Toejam]

Pomona in the 60s

Jay, This race sold out Reserved on both Sat/Sun according to my ticket Rep! Plus...remember they took out 3-4 sections of stands when they went to 1000'

 

[turbo ken]