HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- Growing up right across the street from Richmond International Raceway, Reggie Johnson would always get a jolt of excitement when NASCAR's spring and fall races would come to town.
"I have very fond memories watching the people come, watching the trailers come in, going, 'Hey there's my favorite driver!'" Johnson said.
When CBS 6 broke the news to Johnson Wednesday afternoon, he was shocked.
"It's always been two races a year. I never thought the day would come when they take one away," he said.
He said over the years, residents would often complain about traffic concerns from thousands of fans coming in for race weekend.
IN-DEPTH: What Richmond loss of NASCAR race weekend means for community
Other residents, like Mary Wood, would open up their yards or parking lots to charge for parking.
"Before COVID-19, I used to park, fill my yard up, and there would be people who would camp out in the backyard, and that kind of stuff," Wood said. "One thing I've noticed is that the crowd has diminished quite a bit."
Wood and Johnson said over the past few years, they've seen fewer and fewer visitors coming to the raceway.
"I'm sure a lot of business owners are like, 'Oh, no,'" Wood said.
CBS 6 spoke with Harry Sharma, who manages Race Track Market.
"That day we do a lot of business," Sharma said about each race.
With the loss of one race, Sharma said it could have a major impact.
"We lose $5,000 to $10,000," he said. "They should do more. The reducing, it's bad."
Johnson said he understands the move, though he worries about the economic impact it could have on Henrico County and Richmond.
“I can understand it once a year, if they’re trying to expand, go international. There are international drivers in NASCAR now, so why not? You have to go with the punches."
CBS 6 is committed to sharing community voices on this important topic. Email your thoughts to the CBS 6 Newsroom.
-
-
Richmond falls 28-22 after Holy Cross rushes for 4 touchdowns
Jayden Clerveaux had one of four rushing touchdowns for Holy Cross, and the Crusaders beat Richmond 28-22 on Saturday for their first victory of the season.
No. 18 Virginia uses tiebreaking safety to top Washington State 22-20
Virginia’s Kam Robinson and Hunter Osborne stuffed Kirby Vorhees in the end zone for a game-winning safety, sending the No. 18 Cavaliers to a wild 22-20 victory over Washington State.
Man hit by car critically injured in Chesterfield, Crime Insider sources say
A man carrying a suitcase was critically injured after being hit by a car on Iron Bridge Road in Chesterfield County on Saturday night.
Israel strikes Gaza in first major test of ceasefire
Israel said it struck Hamas militants in Gaza on Sunday after they shot at Israeli soldiers who were inside the area that is still under Israeli control, according to the conditions of the ceasefire.
Gusty breezes as a cold front moves east, cooler to begin the week
Drier and cooler sunshine will return for Monday, with a high near 70 degrees. Winds will gust to 30mph.
Inside look at Richmond's 37th annual Tattoo Convention
Richmond's historic tattoo convention returns for its 37th year, featuring 170+ global artists and emphasizing the artistic side of tattoo culture and community.
-
