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.
-
-
Cargo ship that caused deadly Baltimore bridge collapse departs US
The cargo ship that caused the deadly Baltimore bridge collapse in March is departing U.S. waters after three months of repair work.A lot more sunshine Friday
There will be some areas of fog overnight into daybreak, but skies will be mostly sunny for much of Friday.What you need to know about Richmond's new program to recycle your old mattress
The Richmond Department of Public Works, alongside Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA), is hosting a Richmond E-cycle Day at their recycling facility on Robin Hood Road this weekend.What's the real-world impact of the Fed rate cut?
Questions remain about whether or not there will be any political implications because of the Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates less than 50 days before an election.Plaintiffs rest in civil trial against hospital and former medical director
Forty-six former patients are suing the Cumberland Children’s Hospital, its owner Universal Health Services (UHS), UHS of Delaware (UHS-D), and Dr. Daniel Davidow for $930 million.Virginia schools host cell phone free discussions to hear community voices
Richmond Public School parents and community members are invited to participate in discussions regarding Virginia's recently announced cell phone-free education plan.
-
EAT IT, VIRGINIA restaurant news and interviews