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.
-
-
🎥 Congrats to Richmond International Film Festival ticket winners
Don't miss your chance to win passes to the Richmond International Film Festival Tuesday, Sept. 24 through Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024.Florida sued for using taxpayer money promoting GOP spin on abortion
A political committee behind the campaign to pass a constitutional right to abortion in Florida has filed a lawsuit against a state health care agency.Authorities release audio records of 911 calls during Apalachee school shooting
Authorities have released audio records of 911 calls and the response to the Apalachee High School shooting in Winders, Georgia on September 4.Poll: Most Americans support placing new limits on Supreme Court
Americans broadly support several major changes to the Supreme Court proposed by President Biden, but they are split on a controversial measure some in the Democratic Party have advocated.One driver dead in I-64 truck crash in Henrico County
A driver is dead after the tractor-trailer he was driving lost control and struck another truck in Henrico County, police say.Donald Trump begins selling knock-off Taylor Swift 'Eras Tour' t-shirts
Donald Trump said he wasn't a "Taylor Swift fan" after the star endorsed his opponent for president. But a new item on his campaign shop shows he seems to like her Eras Tour merch design.
-
EAT IT, VIRGINIA restaurant news and interviews