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.
-
-
Transformer fire closes major West End intersection
A transformer fire has left an intersection in Henrico's West End without power and caused road closures that could last into Sunday night.
Deadly house fire in Louisa prompts investigation by sheriff, state police, ATF
One person died in a Saturday morning house fire in Louisa County. Multiple agencies including ATF are investigating the cause of the blaze.
Europe warns of 'downward spiral' after Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland
The eight European countries targeted by U.S. President Donald Trump for a 10% tariff for opposing American control of Greenland have criticized the move in an unusually strong joint statement.
Supreme Court will hear appeal by Roundup maker to block thousands of lawsuits
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal from agrochemical manufacturer Bayer to block thousands of state lawsuits alleging it failed to warn people its popular weedkiller could cause cancer.
Midlothian bank robbery case reaches Supreme Court over phone data privacy
Supreme Court will review constitutionality of geofence warrants used in 2019 Midlothian bank robbery, potentially reshaping digital privacy rights.
Send story tip to CBS 6 Investigative Reporter Tyler Layne
Click here to send a story idea to Tyler or any of our reporters. You can also email Tyler directly at Tyler.Layne@WTVR.com or call him at 804-254-3647.
-
