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.
-
-
Quite cool tonight, a dry week ahead
Skies will be clear tonight and it will be quite cool, with lows in the 40s to around 50. Sunshine will boost temperatures Monday afternoon to around 80.King, Daniels lead Norfolk State to 28-23 victory over Virginia State
Kevon King had 137 yards rushing, Jalen Daniels accounted for three touchdowns, and Norfolk State defeated Virginia State 28-23 on Saturday.Elijah Burris helps Hampton beat Division II Virginia Union 33-21
Elijah Burris carried it 35 times for 145 yards and two touchdowns, quarterback Chris Zellous also rushed for two scores and Hampton beat Division II Virginia Union 33-21.Richmond falls to Wofford 26-19
Amari Odom threw for two touchdowns, Ryan Ingram ran for a score and Wofford beat Richmond 26-19 on Saturday.James Madison defense makes a stand in red zone and Dukes deny Gardner-Webb
Tyler Purdy scored the game's only touchdown, the James Madison defense held on fourth down in the red zone late in the fourth quarter, and the Dukes edged FCS-member Gardner-Webb...Angel Reese out for remainder of WNBA season with wrist injury
Angel Reese will miss the remainder of her rookie WNBA season with a wrist injury. See how the star player is reflecting on her historic season.
-
EAT IT, VIRGINIA restaurant news and interviews