NASCAR is a sport that prioritizes fan engagement more than major stick-and-ball sports. NASCAR fans have the opportunity to get up close and personal with their favorite drivers and teams before an event. It’s hard to imagine an NBA or MLB fan getting similar access to athletes, and this is where NASCAR stands out.
Fans can access team garages or sponsored events and meet their favorite personalities. This often leads to an obligation for drivers and popular figures to take time out to greet their supporters. For a NASCAR fan, buying a race ticket is more than just watching a race; it’s about hoping for a once-in-a-lifetime experience and creating memories to look back on.
There is a wide range of activities for fans to explore and entertain themselves. However, the hype usually revolves around catching a glimpse of their favorite driver and getting an autograph. This can sometimes be demanding on NASCAR stars, who often find themselves cornered and overwhelmed by multiple requests. As a result, drivers can lose their cool, leading to unpleasant experiences for race fans.
A Reddit user recently sparked a conversation about this topic, asking the community about their experiences meeting NASCAR drivers. While many positive interactions were shared, negative ones soon took the spotlight.
Corey LaJoie recently fell out of favor with fans after he wrecked Kyle Busch at Pocono. He was unapologetic about the deliberate crash, and this prompted a fan to share a personal experience with the Spire Motorsports driver: “Corey LaJoie. I know it’s a bandwagon thing to hate on him right now but he was a douchebag both times I met him.”
NASCAR’s most popular driver, Chase Elliott, is generally well-regarded among fans who vote for him as a star of stock car racing. However, one fan had a negative encounter, saying, “Chase Elliott full stop. Completely out of touch with how important fans are to the sport. I’ve always wondered how he has always been the most popular driver, and who even votes for that? Obviously, no one who has met him if part of the poll lol.”
Kyle Busch, often perceived as NASCAR’s ‘most hated’ driver before his move to RCR, was involved in a justified incident where he had crashed out of the race. A fan shared, “I talked to Kyle, he wasn’t nice, but one of his trucks crashed from the lead at dega. Sooo, so so.”
Bubba Wallace is known for his brash and unapologetic personality, and a fan interaction seemed to reflect this: “Bubba Wallace, NH 2019, Just seemed like he didn’t want to be at the autograph session and made it known.”
Cole Custer, despite his promotion back to Cup racing, was described as unapproachable: “Saw Cole Custer at Indy last weekend. He was cold and wouldn’t talk to anyone. You’d think someone who just had their announcement for next year would be a little more friendly.”
Race enthusiasts do not always get the desired experience when meeting their favorite NASCAR stars. However, it’s important to remember that, like any human being, drivers have rough days and can struggle to maintain a positive demeanor in stressful situations. Unfortunately, these emotions can sometimes spill over into what is supposed to be a positive or happy environment.
