NASCAR is unquestionably a sport first and foremost. However, it must also engage the viewers, as simply seeing 35+ cars move in circles is not enjoyable. There must be some type of satisfaction in which supporters understand that they are receiving their money’s worth from tickets or a TV subscription. And the drivers are highly familiar with and understand the assignment, and they do their best to deliver the products. There is no better example of this than what Ross Chastain accomplished in Martinsville in 2022.
If you’ve been living under a rock, the Trackhouse Racing driver made one of the most daring drives ever. With a Championship 4 position on the line, he pushed the accelerator and performed a wall ride, propelling himself past other competitors. That move became viral, and everyone spoke about it for years. Unfortunately, NASCAR had to be a damp squib and eventually prohibited the technique.
Keeping this in mind, Ty Dillon discussed the impact the move had on the sport. He believes that drivers have a responsibility to their fans. Dillon told NASCAR Insiders Round Table, “As drivers, we should consider ourselves entertainers. That is what we are here to do: put on a show. We’re here to excite the fans, which is what makes their world go round and great.
“We are a fantastic fan-driven sport. That’s something I was taught. You are an entertainer, so get out and perform. If you’re making a decision, you’re aware that Ross Chastain’s performance at Martinsville was one of the most entertaining NASCAR driver performances. “He just put everything on the line, and boy did that raise his profile,” he added.
Long story short, drivers must ensure that fan satisfaction is met while racing. After all, it has an impact on TV ratings, which in turn affects income for NASCAR and its teams. Finally, everything is tied together neatly in a bow.
Since Ross Chastain, NASCAR hasn’t stopped producing viral moments.
If Ross Chastain’s Hail Melon was the appetizer, this season’s events were the main meal. The 2024 NASCAR race at Atlanta Motor Speedway saw a three-wide photo finish involving Daniel Suarez, Ryan Blaney, and Kyle Busch. Suarez, who also drives for Trackhouse Racing, eventually edged off Blaney for the win.
Needless to say, the race finish went viral, with numerous response videos on YouTube and TikTok. Later in the same season, dessert was given in the shape of another photo finish. Kyle Larson narrowly defeated Chris Buescher at Kansas Speedway.
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