Oct 21 2008
Road Racing vs Oval Racing
In the US, racing in circles (Ovals) is far more popular than racing a simulated road environment. So much so, that amateur road racing is free to watch.Why is this so? I ran across a good answer to this in one of the Auto Racing Forums.
Small Local Circle tracks can be found in most states in the US. The tracks are easily lit for night time racing, and there is generally not bad seat in the house. Simple rules and quick, easy, fun Friday night events for the whole family. This is what makes it attractive.
Road Racing tracks are harder to find and are generally in remote locations. Very rarely is the track set up for spectators to easily watch the action. Most tracks do not have lights so night racing is not an option. This leaves the racing to about middle of the day on a Saturday or Sunday. While this should be a good time, most spectators can not commit an hour drive to the track, and hour or two of watching the race and an hour drive home in the middle of their busy Saturday.
If a spectator were to come to the track to see what it is all about there is very little chance that they would come back. On track the spectator would see a dizzying array of cars, each running their own class and own rules. The spectator would only see one car take the checkered, but there could be 5 or more different winners. With all that is going the Spectator can not get involved in the story and struggles that is going on. This makes for less than perfect entertainment.
Many non-race fans that I talk to agree that Road Racing is more interesting that driving in circles, but can’t find a reason to watch or don’t understand what is going on. If we could manage someway to have a fun, relaxing, simple race that people can take their kids to after work, grass roots road racing may have a chance.
