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.
-
-
Mass shooting survivors sue US government after Army Reservist killed 18
Nearly two years after a member of the U.S. Army Reserve killed 18 people in Lewiston, Maine, survivors and victims’ families are suing the federal government.
US deportations to African nations escalate amid concerns over due process
Immigration attorneys say the U.S. has deported at least 20 people to various African nations over the past two months — with some being held in prisons despite facing no criminal charges.
Over $500,000 worth of fake Labubu dolls seized at Seattle airport by US customs
U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted $500,000 worth of contraband at Seattle's airport — but the contraband wasn't drugs or weapons. It was fake Labubu dolls — also referred to as "Lafufus."
SNAP benefit cuts begin taking effect, changing how many Americans buy food
Changes to SNAP benefits included in former President Donald Trump's tax law are starting to take effect, with more changes expected over the next couple of years.
Conservative news network Newsmax files antitrust lawsuit against Fox News
The conservative news network Newsmax filed an antitrust lawsuit against Fox News on Wednesday, saying Fox has sought to maintain its market dominance by stifling competition.
6 Questions With… Cara Dickens of RVA Galleries
Watch Virginia This Morning each weekday from 9 to 10 a.m. Find the show on Facebook and Instagram at @VirginiaThisMorning.
-
