I've watched NASCAR's appeal over the years morph from a deep Southern roots sport to one with unlimited commercial and international appeal. The difference between attending Daytona or Talladega 15 years ago versus today might be compared to a "R" rating to maybe a "PG13" today. And this depends entirely on where you sit or roam within or around the racetrack.

The thing that has not changed is the visceral emotion that comes from experienced or novice race fans when the engines from forty plus cars begin that deep rumbling and the smell of the supercharged fuel reaches the nostrils. To stand near the fence when the closely bunched pack passes on the second lap at max speed sends ones emotions reeling from excitement to fear and back.

Whatever changes have happened, and whatever changes will happen will certainly add to the appeal. The organization is presented the task of keeping the risks within reason, but making sure the racing fan feels that on any given race day, something big could happen. This anticipation of a big event, whether a big wreck or a photo finish is what makes the sport so popular.

Learn more about this author, Walt Thomas.
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