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.
-
-
Harris, Trump clash on the economy, abortion, immigration in fiery debate
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have held their first presidential debate. Watch live coverage on Scripps News.Scripps News fact-checks the Trump-Harris presidential debate
Scripps News hosted a live fact-check tonight as Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump squared off for the first time in a debate.The pandemic caused teens' brains to age at an accelerated rate, study finds
The pandemic not only changed teens emotionally, but physically. A new study shows their brains matured at an accelerated rate during the time period, which can potentially leave permanent effects.Congress bestows highest award on 13 fallen U.S. service members
The 13 American service members killed three years ago by a suicide bomber in Kabul, Afghanistan, were honored with Congressional Gold Medals.Jury seated in Cumberland Children’s Hospital civil trial
46 former patients are suing the Cumberland Children’s Hospital, Universal Health Services (UHS), UHS of Delaware (UHS-D), and former medical director Dr. Daniel Davidow for $930 million.Biden says he gave Harris advice ahead of debate with Trump
President Joe Biden says he gave Vice President Kamala Harris advice ahead of her debate with former President Donald Trump. Read what he said about their conversation.
-
EAT IT, VIRGINIA restaurant news and interviews