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.
-
-
NICU nurse broke babies' bones; prosecutor says hospital blocked full probe
Henrico's top prosecutor says the hospital's actions blocked a full investigation into NICU nurse Erin Strotman, who broke babies' bones.
Police say Thai student killed grandparents before school rampage
Five school staffers were killed and more than 20 people wounded in a shooting at a high school outside Bangkok, officials said.
Warning issued to those who have purchased fake and counterfeit squishy toys
A warning has been issued to those who have purchased fake and counterfeit squishy toys. Some squishy toys do not comply with federal safety requirements for children’s toys.
Senate approves Russia sanctions package backed by late Sen. Graham
Senators voted 86-11 to approve new sanctions targeting countries that buy Russian oil and gas as the war in Ukraine continues.
Virginia deputy killed in the line of duty: 'Unimaginable loss'
An Appomattox County Sheriff's Office Deputy was killed in the line of duty on Thursday, according to a news release.
ACLU confident it could defeat Trump's latest birthright citizenship orders
President Donald Trump is once again testing the boundaries of executive power on immigration with two new executive orders that are expected to face legal challenges.
-
