Kyle Larson claimed victory at Kansas Speedway yesterday, but the achievement unfolded before a noticeably sparse crowd, sparking concern and disappointment among both fans and analysts. The grandstands, once filled during the NASCAR heyday of the 2000s and 2010s, were now only about half-full, raising pressing questions about the state of the sport as it tries to regain its footing in the 2020s and beyond.
Though considered by many to be the best track in NASCAR, Kansas Speedway’s lackluster turnout served as a frustrating reminder of the organization’s ongoing struggle to connect with fans. Local excitement, once palpable during NASCAR weekends in Kansas City, has faded, with recent events feeling more like afterthoughts rather than the main attraction. According to Nick Bromberg of Yahoo Sports,
“marketing the best track in NASCAR should be easy,”
yet this year’s event saw almost no local buildup, making Larson’s high-profile win even more bittersweet amid the empty seats.
Bromberg further highlighted NASCAR’s significant cutbacks in public relations over recent years, expressing that it is
“hard not to see a correlation between those cuts and a lack of promotion.”
Industry insiders worry that, even if Kansas Speedway were chosen to host a future championship race, fans might still not turn up in larger numbers, especially with the site of title races set to rotate after the 2026 season. Larson’s win, instead of being celebrated solely for competitive merit, has underscored broader issues threatening the sport’s relevance and long-term growth.
While suggestions that NASCAR faces an existential crisis may be exaggerated, few deny the distressing reality that the days of packed stands could remain out of reach. The situation surrounding Kyle Larson’s Kansas Speedway win has forced uncomfortable questions into the spotlight, casting doubt on NASCAR’s ability to recapture its former glory unless significant changes are made to re-engage its diminished fan base.
