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.
-
-
Cold weather limits Central Virginia road clearing
Sub-freezing temperatures are limiting VDOT's ability to clear secondary roads in Richmond as refreezing undoes daytime progress.
Hanover BOS is not in support of DHS plan to turn warehouse into ICE facility
The Hanover County Board is not in support of the federal government's plan to turn a warehouse in the county into an ICE detention center, according to a statement shared at their meeting Wednesday.
Brazilian au pair testifies against former lover in Virginia double murder case
Brazilian au pair Juliana Peres Magalhães testified against former lover Brendan Banfield in Virginia double murder trial involving his wife.
Democrats appeal Virginia redistricting ruling to state Supreme Court
Virginia Democrats plan to appeal a judge's ruling that their proposed redistricting amendment is illegal after failing to follow proper procedures.
Judge halts DHS arrests of refugees awaiting green cards in Minnesota
A federal judge in Minnesota has temporarily blocked the Department of Homeland Security from arresting or detaining refugees who have not yet received green cards.
Send story tip to CBS 6 Investigative Reporter Tyler Layne
Click here to send a story idea to Tyler or any of our reporters. You can also email Tyler directly at Tyler.Layne@WTVR.com or call him at 804-254-3647.
-
