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.
-
-
Republican vows to remain in NC governor's race despite 'salacious' media report
North Carolina Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson has vowed to stay in the race despite a scandalous media report. Robinson is the sitting lieutenant governor.Why these Virginians plan to vote early
Election Day is just over six weeks away, but Virginians won’t have to wait until Nov. 5 to make their decisions about the representation they want to see at the local, state and national level.Hispanic women fueling US economy, report says
A report from Bank of America found that the Latina contribution to the U.S. economy is significant, and that Hispanic women make up over 30% of labor force growth.Who are the Menendez brothers? What to know ahead of Netflix's new crime series
The case of the Menendez brothers has continued to transfix the true crime world since they killed their parents in 1989. Ahead of Netflix's new series on the brothers, here's what to know.Alaska man charged for alleged threats against Supreme Court justices
A 76-year-old Alaska man has been charged for making alleged threats against Supreme Court justices.Titan submersible malfunctioned prior to its Titanic dive, company official says
The scientific director for the company that owned the Titan submersible testified Thursday that the sub had malfunctioned just prior to its fatal dive.
-
EAT IT, VIRGINIA restaurant news and interviews