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.
-
-
Harvard morgue manager gets 8-year sentence for selling brains, skin and faces
A former manager of the Harvard Medical School morgue in Boston was sentenced to eight years in prison for stealing and selling body parts "as if they were baubles."
Trump administration seeks nationwide ban on gender-affirming care for minors
The Trump administration proposes banning gender-affirming care for minors at federally funded hospitals, extending restrictions nationwide.
Mangione hearing ends with key evidence decision expected in May
Luigi Mangione’s two-week hearing over what evidence can be used at his state murder trial has concluded, but a judge will not issue a ruling until May 18, 2026.
After HHS walks away from mRNA vaccine research, Moderna finds $54M lifeline
Moderna will get $54M from a global coalition for a bird flu mRNA vaccine after the US canceled a $760M deal and cut mRNA research funding.
Man arrested in connection to Ettrick shooting that left man critically injured
A man has been arrested in connection to a shooting in Ettrick last Friday that left another man critically injured.
Celebrating National 'I Love Honey' Day with AR’s Hot Honey
Watch Virginia This Morning each weekday from 9 to 10 a.m. Find the show on Facebook and Instagram at @VirginiaThisMorning.
-
