Industry News

NASCAR tracks pledge new ‘weather guarantee’

NASCAR fans need no longer worry about rainouts after the introduction of a ‘weather guarantee’ by one of the sport’s main track operators.

Because stock cars depend on downforce to maintain grip on the high-banked oval tracks that make up the bulk of the schedule, NASCAR racing comes to a grinding halt whenever it rains. Races are typically rescheduled for the next available day, with most tracks not offering refunds.

Speedway Motorsports’ new policy states that if an event at one of its eight tracks is postponed due to weather and the ticket holder is unable to attend on the rescheduled date, a ticket credit can be issued toward a qualifying NASCAR race at any of its venues.

Fans with an unused, eligible ticket will have 60 days from the original race date to request a ticket credit on a qualifying future event.

It is estimated that tracks see a 10 per cent drop in ticket renewals in the year after a delay.

“Of all major professional sports, none is as heavily impacted by adverse weather as NASCAR,” said Marcus Smith, president of Speedway Motorsports, whose tracks include Texas Motor Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway with capacities of more than 100,000.

“With drivers already racing on the very edge at nearly 200 mph, even a little rain can have a dramatic impact on race weekend schedules.

“What we want to do is take weather out of the ticket-buying equation so fans can focus on having a great time and making memories on our premier NASCAR event weekends.”

Image: Steven Raines