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.
-
-
Celine Dion thrills fans with emotional concert after overcoming rare illness
Celine Dion has returned to the stage, performing her first full concert in over six years after being diagnosed with stiff person syndrome in 2022.
EPA eliminates rule that limits greenhouse gas emissions from power plants
The Environmental Protection Agency is repealing rules that limit planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from power plants fueled by coal and natural gas.
All eyes on 'The Pitt' as the 78th Emmy Awards take center stage
The 78th Emmy Awards are taking place Monday night in Los Angeles. NBC will be rolling out a special blue carpet this year as the network celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Babysitter charged with murder after baby found dead in Kentucky
A teen babysitter in Kentucky is facing multiple charges, including murder, after police say an 11-month-old child was found dead after the father returned home from work.
Amazon suspends use of cargo carrier whose plane ran off Miami runway, killing 5
Amazon has suspended its partnership with cargo carrier 21 Air after a Boeing 767 overran a Miami runway and killed five people.
Bob Mackie, designer to the stars who defined '70s glamour, dies at 87
Bob Mackie, the fashion designer whose visually provocative Hollywood style defined glamour for the 1970s, died Monday.
-
