Full Throttle

This isn’t about NASCAR-nomics per se, more along the lines of a rebuttal. But within the posts text are some fine examples of NASCAR-nomics gone wild.

As popular as the stock car racing form of the sport is, and as widespread as it’s attraction has become, there are still a great many “haters” out in the hinterlands of America. Born out of ignorance, intellectual eliteism, jealosy and just plain stupidity they on occasion raise their little pin-heads from the sand to speak.

A couple weeks ago I ran across just such a pin-head by the name of “Mr.” (And I use the honorific lightly) Joseph Lemanski who decided the time was right to put on display one of the more ignorant, hate filled rants seen in quite some time. Here is a bit of prima facie evidence from his article entitled Will NASCAR Ever Go Away:

Let me tell you, nothing makes me more excited than seeing a fleet of cars making the same turn for extended periods of time. Just thinking about it is making me want to buy some Schlitz and sit on my front porch in a wife-beater and drink it.

NASCAR, an affront to human intelligence that so poignantly grasps the attention of millions of people nationwide, is a continuing memorial to the degradation of society.

Need I quote more? There is much more to his screed and I recommend you read it with this disclamer: Don’t go without a paid up prescription of Ritalin and a case of beer to soothe the raising anger level!

You shouldn’t be surprised to learn out of 16 comments in the thread only three are in support of NASCAR. The rest are 13 lemmings that followed their “leader” into an abyss of stereotypes from 40 years ago, out of date demographic studies and as the author puts it “the drivers don’t do anything” and that he could “do that right now in my car” in New York no less.

Kind of predicable there would be a NY connection isn’t it?

Anyway, as a rebuttle to this buffoon and his vision of NASCAR fans gorging on hog jowls and swilling bathtub gin and Billy Beer I’ll highlight how NASCAR is revving up for affluent fans

Octane, set to open in time for the April 23 race [at Phoenix International Speedway], will be the first lounge of its kind at any of the nation’s tracks and follows the sport’s growing trend of capturing fans who defy the NASCAR stereotype.

NASCAR fans who plunk down a couple of grand for entrance into Octane can cheer on their favorite drivers while munching on hand-carved meats, sushi and meals cooked on demand. An indoor fountain, custom tile work and contemporary design add to the lounge’s swank feel.

“It’s like Scottsdale meets NASCAR,” Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan Sperber said. “It’s going to be the place to be seen.”

An indoor fountain is a far cry from “outdoor plumbing” where Lemanski seems to think most NASCAR fans spend part of each morning. (Assuming they had a job of course, if not Lamanski would think they spend all day there having visions of the “Juggies” they saw on the Man Show the night before)

About 42 percent of NASCAR fans have annual incomes of $50,000 or more, about 3 percentage points higher than the U.S. average according to the article. And that demographic has spawned more facilities similar to Octane.

Daytona has the Bistro where the menu includes jumbo blue crab cakes, Caribbean-spiced grilled chicken, Angus roast beef sandwiches and an almond and berry basket. (Lemanski gives the impression he’s a “nut and berry” type that last menu item should be to his liking doncha think?)

Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. will have a wine garden, which will include wine tasting, a learning center and lounge next year.

At Texas Motor Speedway parents can drop off the kids at a care center and head to the track’s health club and spa, where they can get Swedish massages and manicures.

As normal when posting anything related to NASCAR-nomics I end it with it ain’t your Grand Father’s NASCAR any longer. In this case I’m happy to add it’s also no where near “Mr.” (Again honorific used lightly) Joseph Lemanski’s vision of the sport. Not even close and hasn’t been for over two decades!

NASCAR, Auto Racing, Sports