Richmond Has No Race Sponsors

Just noted something very troubling to me.

As of today, Richmond has no sponsor for its April Nationwide or Cup race or for its September Cup race.

That type lack of sponsorship situation is what hurt Pocono economically so badly for years. Don't know if it is the economy or if ISC wants too much money or a combination, but in good times at Richmond we had sponsors waiting in the wings.

This is not a good thing.

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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"
updated by @dave-fulton: 12/05/16 04:04:08PM

On a much smaller scale, we have no sponsor for this week ends VCS event at Shelby. First time we've ever had to do an event without sponsorship.

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Founder/Creator - RacersReunion®

hmm. seems like we had similar woes back during the carter administration. a lot of us have forgotten those years when there were only a handful of cars capable of winning most weeks. many races were decided by laps and not seconds. imagine how THAT would play out now in the land of quick attention span.fact is the show will go on and find a way to survive until a new golden age comes around.

Those were bad times in the Carter administration( the 2nd energy crisis ) , but I remember what happened during the Nixon Administration ( the 1st energy crisis ) even worse.

Following the beginning of the Arab oil embargo in October 1973, John Sawhill became the " Energy Czar. " Gas prices went from 38 cents a gallon in October 1973 to 55 cents a gallon by May 1974 - if you could find gas at all. It stopped being sold on Saturday and Sunday and went to an odd / even license plate number distribution. Blocks long lines at the gas stations were the norm. Any travel had to be carefully planned.

FALL 1973 GAS LINES

The 1974 24 Hours of Daytona and 1974 12 Hours of Sebring races were cancelled. Bill France met with John Sawhill and cut a deal to reduce the miles run in NASCAR by 10% at all 1974 races. That may explain what puzzles many newer fans when they see the odd number of laps run at 1974 races.

The Federal mandated 55 mph speed limit was implemented ( and enforced) . I remember driving from Wilson, NC to Atlanta in November 1973. The entire route south through North Carolina had State Troopers driving side by side at 55 mph on Interstate 85, effectively keeping the entire highway at that speed.

But, you're right, Robert. It wasn't easy, but racing somehow persevered. Let's hope it does again.

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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"