A true fan of the sport never admits when they are lagging behind but I admit that my NASCAR adventures have slowed down drastically in the last year. More than likely it's because I work full time and go to college full time. Now I have one more semester to go and I'll be a 38 year old with a Bachelor's Degree, finally. These last few years have been rough trying to juggle a full time career and still finish this BA. I have sacrificed a lot in the form of SOCIALIZATION in order to finish and finish with a high GPA. I don't think having a 3.976 cumulative GPA with 14 credits left to take is anything to be upset over especially at my age, however, the sacrifice to my social life is starting to weigh heavily on my mind. I miss going to the races, I miss quality time with my friends and I really miss meeting new people. Life is too short and having put on hold my life for the last 10-years since moving down here in 2005 and starting college in 2009, it's time to start living again.
I had the privilege to volunteer at the Michigan International Speedway over the last few races; June/August 2013 and this past weekend, June 12-15, 2014. I have an internship requirement in order to graduate but considering I have a career of almost 18-years, my advisor allowed me to volunteer at the track to fulfill that requirement.
See, I am one of the few lucky ones who get to study a fascinating subject for my senior thesis. I get to study the fans of NASCAR. So, since August 2012, I have interviewed the President of MIS, I have interviewed fans, I have done research and I have been an observer to a sport I love. These last few races at MIS have seen me remove myself from the role of a fan and insert myself as a researcher. I want to know why the fans stay with the sport. What keeps them coming back and spending so much money to watch cars drive in circles? Why do fans pick certain drivers, sponsors, teams? What is it about NASCAR that draws out so many different people to one sport?
As a fan, I never really thought about it. I just went along for the ride, but truly, this sport has a unique culture and it is ever changing and evolving. As we usher in a new era, the old era fights to keep control. But money talks and where money talks, the fan base can and will change. It's up to the tracks to keep ahead of the game and cater to the old and the new fans; to find the balance between generations of fans and our own constantly changing demands of a society. It's up to NASCAR to keep changing the sport to keep it entertaining, exciting and challenging yet still cater to the dominant fan base as well as to the sponsors. It's a truly daunting challenge and I do not envy them their task.
Not everyone will like the changes and that is ok.
My motto: IT IS WHAT IT IS. I will make the best of it or I will find a new passion.
I noticed this past weekend here at MIS that the stands seemed very full for a change. Sure, there were a few bald spots, but overall, the sport seems to be making a comeback here in my state. (fingers crossed) It was good to see but more importantly it was interesting to see who was visiting the track. I worked with ticketing services this weekend and I admit to loving every moment of my personal interaction with the fans, especially on Sunday when I was able to finally sell tickets. They come in all shapes, sizes, ages, as well as from different backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures. I was impressed to see the representation of countries from all over the world and even from all over our country. We easily forget sometimes that even within the borders of the United States we have many different cultures that are truly fascinating. Part of me wished I would have had a little more time to just talk to them and ask them why they love the sport. What draws them to it and keeps them coming back? It's just a fascinating thought and I wish I had a way to explore it more.
Now my time at MIS is done. I am reverting back to being just a fan; however, I can honestly say I have changed. My view on the sport has changed and most certainly my view of MIS has changed. All changes are for the better, of course because now I have seen a little different side of the sport, of the track, of the people. I have seen a small piece of the puzzle when it comes to what the track does on race weekends for the fans. All the preparation, attention to detail, all the long days that are spent trying to give the fans the best experience possible.
I have an incredible amount of respect for their abilities, their hard work and their dedication. I also appreciate their willingness to let in a silly fan like myself so she can finish this degree and still study a sport that I truly love with all my heart. Now as I finish up some research next semester (starting August 26), write my two remaining papers on it all and reflect on what I have seen and learned, I think what is most important to me is how I've discovered a little more about myself. I know more now about this sport and its fans, but I have started to see what I'm made of, what I'm capable of and what truly makes me unique too. In researching a sport I love, I have inadvertently discovered some of myself. I knew I got that tattoo that says "Know Thyself" for a reason. Knowing yourself is truly a powerful thing!
So many thanks to the MIS staff that helped me on this journey. I will NEVER forget your generosity nor could I ever thank you enough for giving me this opportunity.
I raise my glass to the sport of stock car racing, to MIS, to new discoveries, to new experiences and to new friendships.
Life is good, if you dare to make it so.
OK Sondra... what's next?
