Kasey Kahne NASCAR inspirational figures are at the heart of a growing debate about what ails the sport, as his former crew chief Kenny Francis voices concerns over NASCAR’s decreasing appeal and waning connection with fans. As TV ratings and track attendance continue their downward slide, Francis argues the real crisis isn’t car design or race formats, but the fading presence of heroes who once inspired legions.
Francis Points to a Lack of Heroes, Not Rules, as NASCAR’s Main Challenge
Kenny Francis, who worked alongside Kahne for nearly a decade, believes that the biggest challenge facing NASCAR is the loss of personalities fans can rally behind. Drawing from his experience as crew chief from late 2005 through 2014, Francis dismissed debates about playoff systems or car specs, focusing instead on disappearing inspiration within the ranks.
“The biggest issue the sport has is not the car, the points, the race format, etc. it’s the lack of heros and inspirational people the fans can get behind and relate to, whether it’s car owners, drivers, crew chiefs, engine builders, etc. as the sport and society in general has changed over the years, we have somehow lost the ability to recognize or create those inspirational figures,”
Francis wrote. —Kenny Francis, Former Crew Chief
Francis highlighted historic figures like Dale Earnhardt Sr., who overcame tough beginnings to achieve legendary status, and Mark Martin, known for his resilience through setbacks. He also acknowledged the impact of Richard Childress and Alan Kulwicki, whose stories resonated with long-time fans and brought energy to the sport.
Support from Racing Icons and Recalling Glory Days
Mark Martin, himself an icon of perseverance, echoed Francis’s concerns and spoke directly about the memorable partnership with Kahne that many fans recall fondly.
“Kenny has a point here. I miss the magic you and [Kasey Kahne] had. You two were a killer combo.”
—Mark Martin, NASCAR Legend
Kahne and Francis first joined forces during the 2005 season finale at Evernham Motorsports. Their alliance spanned several top teams, including Red Bull and Hendrick Motorsports, resulting in sixteen NASCAR Cup wins and making them fan favorites during their run together.
Fan Engagement and Viewership Plummet as NASCAR Struggles
While debate lingers about rules and car specs, the numbers tell a sobering story. NASCAR’s TV ratings have dropped by more than 45 percent compared to the mid-2000s, with the Cup Series averaging just 2.86 million viewers per race in 2023—a decrease from 3.03 million in 2022. Track attendance mirrors this trend, as noted by Speedway Motorsports venues facing a striking 43 percent dip in ticket revenue between 2005 and 2015 according to Sports Business Journal.
Efforts Underway to Address Concerns and Restore NASCAR’s Storytelling
Increasing frustration among devoted fans has led to calls for changes to the race format, with many voicing a desire to scrap stage racing or return to previous points systems. The debate has gotten the attention of NASCAR leadership, who have put a working group in place to review the overall format and consider updates for 2026.
“I don’t think we want to get in the habit of making small little tweaks every season to the playoffs. Where we landed was for 2025 not making any changes to the playoffs. … Basically, we look at that as a workstream for a group of our stakeholders this year, to look at it holistically.”
—John Probst, Chief Racing Development Officer
Beyond race rules, NASCAR is seeking ways to recapture the compelling storytelling that once drew millions. Reports from AD AGE indicate the search is on for a new media agency to reconnect with the blue-collar fan base that has supported the sport for decades. Tim Clark, chief brand officer, has said that the new agency’s launch may wrap up by September, with campaign rollouts likely timed for the next Daytona 500.
What Comes Next for NASCAR and Its Fans
The push to revive NASCAR’s lost magic and reestablish meaningful connections between fans and inspirational figures is now considered crucial to halting the sport’s decline. As influential voices such as Kasey Kahne’s former crew chief spotlight the root causes, NASCAR’s leaders hope their strategy shift, new media campaigns, and careful attention to fan concerns will help deliver the renewed energy—and heroes—needed to win back loyal supporters.
