[fielderLS3]

It is one part the economy, and about three parts NASCAR itself that is the problem. The races are engineered to the point that you can predict what will happen well ahead of time. The changes to the point system every year in a futile attempt to find a way for Earnhardt to be able to make it are simply confusing people. The new car/aero package has destroyed the 4 restrictor plate races. (70 lead changes a races isn't entertaining when it is just taking turns, and not actual racing).

But the biggest single reason is the races are such a bore. If they want people to watch, they need to start going to tracks that allow for good racing, and bring cars that actually make it possible to put on a good show. Why would someone spend $100/ticket, drive hundreds or thousands of miles on $4/gal gas, get gouged by local hotels, sit in traffic 4 hours each way at the parking gates, get gouged again by the vendors inside when for $10, they can go to the 1/3 mile oval 30 miles away, and actually get to watch an exciting show. NASCAR can't beat Jefferson Speedway on Saturday night.