“When Dale Earnhardt Sr. died that’s when NASCAR died”- Fans echo Danica Patrick’s views on lack of star power in NASCAR

Danica Patrick discussed NASCAR's past nostalgia and the increasing interest in F1 among American fans.

“When Dale Earnhardt Sr. died that’s when NASCAR died”- Fans echo Danica Patrick’s views on lack of star power in NASCAR

Danica Patrick (Credits: IMAGO)

In a recent interview, former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick provided a keen observation on the shifting dynamics of racing’s popularity in the United States. Her words resonated strongly with fans, shedding light on the evolving motorsport scene and bringing to the forefront the changing fortunes of NASCAR and Formula 1.

Her insights emphasize the pivotal role played by both the quality of the racing product and the marketability of the athletes in shaping the popularity of motorsports. Speaking to Awful Announcing, Patrick astutely noted:

There was a time when Formula One wasn’t really a blip on the radar here in the States and NASCAR drivers were everything. A lot of that correlates with, yes, the product, but also the marketability of the drivers.
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The motorsport landscape has significantly transformed in recent years, driven by various factors. Since Liberty Media acquired Formula 1, the sport has made a conscious effort to expand its reach in the United States. Key initiatives, such as the “Drive to Survive” Netflix series, have successfully attracted casual fans, significantly boosting viewership.

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The United States now hosts three Grand Prix races, with the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix set to debut in 2023, generating excitement and engaging fans. Patrick’s remarks have ignited discussions among motorsport enthusiasts; it’s clear that NASCAR is experiencing a different kind of nostalgia. Fans have voiced their collective yearning for the glory days when drivers like Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Tony Stewart, and others were household names. 

Discover: Danica Patrick claims she was one of ‘the big famous names’ of NASCAR, like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Carl Edwards

Fans bash NASCAR for its terrible marketing of the sport, and the drivers as F1 sees a surge in American interest

These charismatic and marketable figures played a crucial role in building and sustaining the sport’s immense popularity. One fan lamented, “When Sr. died that’s when NASCAR died,” highlighting the strong bond between iconic drivers and fans, noting the sport’s evolution post-Earnhardt’s passing.

NASCAR vs F1
NASCAR (Left, credits: WNCT) vs F1 (right, credits: Autosport)

Fans have criticized NASCAR for not marketing its current stars as effectively as Formula 1 does, highlighting the stark contrast between the previous generation of NASCAR superstars and the present. 

While F1 has grown in popularity, fans from the NASCAR camp yearn for the days when their sport had a firm grip on American racing culture. Conversely, supporters of F1 have responded to these sentiments with a sense of superiority. They argue that F1 has evolved into a more exciting and globally appealing sport, emphasizing the dynamic nature of Formula 1’s growth.

In the end, what Danica Patrick’s observation underscores is the importance of not only having a competitive and exciting racing product but also charismatic and relatable figures to draw in and retain fans. The evolving motorsport scene in the United States is a testament to the symbiotic relationship between the sport and its athletes, and it continues to captivate the hearts and minds of racing enthusiasts, whether they lean towards NASCAR or Formula 1.

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