BRISTOL, Tenn. – One question dominates the discussion of the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Do fans prefer a Star Parade or a Star Search?
Judging by the small turnout on Saturday’s postcard perfect 81-degree day at Bristol Motor Speedway, the answer seems clear.
The Fitzgerald Glider Kits 300 was the first of four successive Dash 4 Cash events where four Xfinity regulars will chase a $100,000 bonus while Cup drivers must remain on the sidelines.
That format allows the Xfinity gang to finally gain a share of the spotlight along with some extra money. Remember all those “Names are Made Here” commercials promoting NASCAR’s second-tier division.
With the relentless media focus on the same 15 drivers each week, fans know every detail of a Cup driver's existence. That connection between a Cup driver and his fans can be extreme.
It takes exposure and education to build that connection, but the Xfinity regulars have no chance to build an audience when Cup drivers with Cup crews, Cup budgets and Cup technology overwhelm the competition in Xfinity races.
Forget the myth that young drivers learn from the Cup stars during these Saturday schooling sessions. The disparity in speed is so drastic that the only time Xfinifty regulars see the stars is when they are getting lapped.
Yes, the Cup contingent does bring sponsorship into the series but they also take away support that could have gone to the needy and worthy Xfinity teams. Some of the Xfinity teams have less than 10 crew members total.
Thanks in part to the social media efforts of fearless driver Tommy Joe Martins, fans have learned some of the fascinating backstories of sacrifice among the independent teams.
For example, Xfinity regular and Martins’ teammate BJ McLeod was forced to drive back to his race shop in Mooresville, North Carolina, Friday night to retrieve a backup car after he crashed during the second practice session Friday afternoon.
After prepping the backup, which didn’t even have a seat installed, McLeod and a handful of his crewman rushed back to Bristol on Saturday morning. With zero sleep, McLeod got his car through the rigorous technical inspection and qualified in the No. 26 spot.
That’s a much more compelling story and better television than yet another fluffy profile of a Cup star with his wife, kid and dogs.
And a funny thing happened in the Fitzgerald Glider Kits 300. With unpredictable storylines and new names grinding on a slippery track, the Cup-free Xfinity event was tons of fun.
Instead of one driver ripping through the field like an adult at a kiddies-only go kart track, Saturday’s race was full of crashes, hot tempers and intrigue.
The saga of sacrifice and commitment from winner Ryan Preece was certainly interesting.
Those fans who skipped the Bristol version of Star Search were the losers Saturday.
“Today was a better race at Bristol than I’ve seen in a long time,” Xfinity Series veteran Elliott Sadler said.
Saturday’s attendance, which appeared to be in the 20-to-25,000 range, raises a deeper question that relates to the overall health of the sport.
If fans come to races simply to worship celebrity drivers instead of back-and-forth action, what happens when more of the Cup veterans retire?
The television ratings for Cup races this season have shown dramatic declines. Who will emerge in the key roles when more Cup stars leave centerstage?
In most cases, those understudies can be found in the Xfinity Series.
It’s just a shame that so many so-called fans fail to peer beyond the stars and appreciate the entire cast of the NASCAR traveling road show.
Preece certainly made his point Saturday by winning the race along with the $100,000 bonus. Now, more fans have a reason to follow his career.