Former NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield recently shared insights into how the sport is portrayed during race weekend broadcasts, suggesting that efforts are made to maintain an image of robust popularity despite declining attendance and viewership. Speaking on Chase Holden’s YouTube channel, Mayfield criticized certain practices he believes are aimed at masking NASCAR’s struggles.
NASCAR, once a dominant force in American motorsports, has faced dwindling fan interest in recent years. While new initiatives like stage racing and playoffs have been introduced, they have failed to reignite enthusiasm, leading to increasing scrutiny and calls for reform.
Mayfield compared NASCAR’s approach to filling grandstands to other major sports like the NFL and college football, highlighting the contrast:
“Have you ever seen an NFL or college football game where they’ve removed seats from the stadiums? Never. And those stands are always packed—you can’t get another person in. They’re not covering empty sections with banners or signs to make it look full.”
Mayfield and Holden also discussed NASCAR’s strategy of coloring seats in ways that make grandstands appear full on TV. Mayfield agreed with Holden’s observation that this creates an illusion of a packed crowd for viewers at home.
In the interview, Mayfield also addressed the lack of support for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports in their antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR. He accused other teams of prioritizing financial stability over standing up for change:
“What Jordan and his team are doing isn’t new—everyone in the sport wants the same changes. The difference is that others backed out. Teams like Hendrick and Penske have the money, so they’re not willing to rock the boat. Meanwhile, teams like Richard Childress Racing need financial support and won’t risk losing it.”
Mayfield praised the determination of those pursuing the lawsuit, stating that it could help bring the sport back to its roots and restore balance.
