Surprisingly, the split between male and female NASCAR fans is not that large. Males make up 59 percent of the fan base and female NASCAR fans take up the other 41 percent. However, 52 percent of the television viewers who watch NASCAR are women.
There is no doubt that NASCAR attracts people of all ages. Nascar demographics include the 18-34 age group coming in at 32 percent, the 35-44 group comes in at 21 percent, and the 45+ age group comes in at a large 47 percent. It’s interesting to note that 60 percent of NASCAR fans have some college education.
NASCAR Fans and Auto Racing Merchandise
Not only do the fans come out to the races in droves, but they spend plenty of their money on NASCAR merchandise throughout the year. NASCAR merchandising is a multi-million dollar operation. They simply cannot make the stuff quick enough. It’s not surprising considering that NASCAR fans are reported to be the wealthiest of all professional sports fans.
Once a person chooses a favorite NASCAR driver or race team, they will stop at nothing to show their support. They gobble up everything from hats, t-shirts, jackets, pajamas, and bumper stickers to flags, die cast cars, party decorations, and more. At a race there will be no doubt which drivers people are rooting for because it will be written all over their clothes.
Why all the NASCAR love? Most people don’t know what it’s like to make a slam dunk on a basketball court and they’ll probably never pitch a 100 mph hour fast ball, but most everyone knows how to drive. Driving is universal. Many people have imagined what it would be like to floor the gas and leave the slow pokes in the dust. So, that’s part of the attraction. The rest of the love has to do with the drivers themselves.
NASCAR Drivers
No other sport offers such easy access to the professionals. Drivers will hang out for hours and sign autographs. They will even let fans mingle in the garages before races. Many NASCAR drivers have their own fan clubs and will host picnics and meet-and-greets during the year. To put it simply, most drivers are as approachable as your next door neighbor.
Of all professional sports, NASCAR is generally the one least touched by scandal. The organization encourages its stars to include their families in all things and they are not afraid to speak the name of Jesus Christ in the invocations. The list of organizations and charities that are sponsored and supported by the teams and drivers is lengthy and there are always random acts of kindness being reported out of the NASCAR world.
Tips for New NASCAR Fans
People interested in learning more about the sport should do two things. First, get to know a little about the drivers until a favorite is found. There is sure to be a match for every taste. There’s the colorful personality and old school manner of Tony Stewart, the young and hip Dale Jr., the golden boy Jeff Gordon, and the walking commercial Michael Waltrip. Learning about the drivers, their unique personalities, and driving styles is what makes NASCAR fun.
Next, try to attend a race in person. There is nothing quiet like the feeling of the vibration of the seats as the cars charge around the track. Add screaming fans, roaring engines, delicious food, and a cold drink to the mix and you’ll be hooked.
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