Look, I’ve never been much for NASCAR, mainly because if I wanted to watch teams of rednecks expel gas while going in circles for hours, I’d turn on FOX News. That said, there’s obviously a large, national audience for the sport that perpetually draws strong ratings and has made millionaires many times over out of quite a few good ol’ boys (and not to mention the occasional California prettyboy, such as the polarizing Jeff Gordon). But now one Andrew Murstein, a New York-based taxi tycoon and self-styled racing enthusiast (in addition to the new owner of Richard Petty Motorsports), has a plan to expand NASCAR’s interests even further– into the basketball-loving, NASCAR-averse urban sprawl known as New York City.
Gotham City has always been an attractive target for NASCAR or any other entertainment-based entity with dollar signs in their eyes, as the extremely large and centrally located population marks a beyond-appealing cash-grab opportunity. If for no other aspect than the sheer novelty of a NACSAR race in a city known for a driving license-less population, one would think a race could be successful there, at least once.
Forecasting the prospects for sustained NASCAR success in the Big Apple is a little murkier however– without the built-in audience of race fans enjoyed by most of the American South (and expanding parts, North and West), a New York City NASCAR track (and subsequently scheduled yearly race) might find ticket-purchasers a little harder to come by the second, third, and forth times around, short of a massive tourist infusion from the Red State region.
Murstein, to his credit, is not deterred.
Murstein was recently spotted having lunch with outgoing Gov. Paterson and NBC sportscaster Bob Costas at the Four Seasons restaurant, which jibes with a report…that he met with the governor last month to discuss his idea.
Through a spokesman, Murstein told [NY Daily News]: “We think NASCAR is one of the best and most profitable sports for investment. A track in or near New York City will draw many racing fans from the tristate area who now have to travel to Pocono” and “will bring jobs and tax dollars to the state when we most need it.
Ah yes, the time-honored tradition of selling folks on an questionable idea by promising job growth and development (how many jobs can one racetrack create, really?). Then again, it does make sense that NASCAR (and those representing their interests) would take such a political approach in trying to ingratiate themselves in the fast-paced, result oriented world of New York City, where you’re always either shaking a hand or preparing to grease its palm.
For the safety of everyone involved, let’s just try to keep that grease off the track, fellas.
***
Taxi tycoon Andrew Murstein is revved to build race track in New York, bring sport to fans [NYDailyNews.com]
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- BC - Dec 15, 2010 at 11:15 AM
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When they were mapping out the new Meadowlands complex there was talk they were going to put a NASCAR track there. I think it would be great. They’d have no problem selling tickets. I mean, New Hampshire sells out all the time and it’s impossible to get to.
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- medtxpack - Dec 15, 2010 at 11:55 AM
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Rob S obviously has never been to a race and has no clue what he is talking about. Putting up a track and seating 120k+ fans will employ thousands of people!
Further, its not jsut a bunch of rednecks going in circles, most tracks arent even perfect circles, not to mention road courses too.
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- agiangola1 - Dec 15, 2010 at 2:26 PM
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The common (incorrect) perception is that there aren’t a lot of NASCAR fans in NYC. Let’s let the facts do the talking: According to Nielsen, in 2010 the New York DMA was the second largest NASCAR market for network broadcasts of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
That’s right – more New Yorkers are watching NASCAR on Sunday outside of any market but Atlanta.
It makes sense. We are New Yorkers. We take cabs. We can appreciate the white-knuckled thrills of careering around a corner way too fast.
If you want to read the stories of some of NYC’s more passionate NASCAR fans, the tales of over-the-top fandom of NBC anchor Brian Williams (loves Dale Earnhardt, and in fact has #3 stickers in his brief case which Brian affixes to the bumper of every car he rents); super chef Mario Batali (has been to dozens of races; loves to sample the regional cuisine: crabs at Dover, chowder in New Hamphire; beef in Texas, etc), and political commentator S.E. Cupp (huge Tony Stewart fan; he asked her on a date by saying “you can have it your way” to which SE replied, Are you asking me out or plugging your sponsor Burger King) are featured in my new book THE WEEKEND STARTS ON WEDNESDAY. Anyone who doubts the passion of New Yorkers for NASCAR should read this book.Happy holidays,
Andrew Giangola
agiangola@nascar.com
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- lewp - Dec 15, 2010 at 5:55 PM
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Hey Rob,
The idea that NASCAR is just for rednecks is so old…As you can see from prior comments, NASCAR is even popular in New York City. Why can’t you (and others) lose the age-old notion it’s just for rednecks? Did you know that Ryan Newman has a degree in engineering from Purdue? What’s your degree in Rob? Blogging?Change your attitude Rob. NASCAR, it’s not just for rednecks.
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- daweapon - Dec 16, 2010 at 11:01 PM
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I’m bout to do that turn left thang again!
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- teddysports - Dec 17, 2010 at 12:25 PM
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At least he prefaces the story by pretty much admitting he doesn’t have a clue…But I have come to expect that from the liberal ZOOKERBOTS at NBC….That being said, how about reporters who actually research their facts before allowing them to spew publicly..?? Do you have any idea how much engineering goes into these cars, or do you just have a prejudged notion that this sport is about a bunch of southern grease monkeys turning a few wrenches?? Additionally, Jeff Gordon is NOT from California, he is from Indiana….If you were doing any research at all, you would know that the current and now 5 time defending champion IS from California…I’ll help you…Jimmy Johnson…jot that down for your next clueless article on NASCAR…
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- nanababe - Dec 18, 2010 at 1:25 PM
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NASCAR in a city that doesn’t even have a country music radio station? That’s just not right!!
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- debroberts54 - Dec 20, 2010 at 10:21 AM
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Well….ah mebbe just a Southern gal with a not-so-red neck, but ah knows arrogance plus ignorance equals a little bitty man with an oversized ego. Check your facts, Mr. S. If you had researched your subject properly, as I’m sure your elementary school teachers told you to do, you would know that NASCAR knows no geographical boundaries. It’s even gone international with its fan base. As for labelling all fan states as Red states – that’s just showing your bias – something a true journalist will try very hard not to do. You should maybe consider going back to school or perhaps you should sever that friendly relationship with folks who twist your little mind and narrow that focus…..Merry Christmas from a true NASCAR fan who actually understands those big ole words you like to throw around….:)
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- clarkee38 - Dec 28, 2010 at 7:56 PM
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NASCAR in NYC?
No.
Not ever.
Never.
See “Stadium, Jets, West Side”.
There is NOBODY who has the money, the land , the lawyers and time to get such a project done.
It will NEVER happen.
