An Exploration of the NASCAR Fanage

The purpose of this initial study was to examine NASCAR fans to determine the influences that make them such loyal fans during the June and August races of the 1997 season. It is important to recognize that this was an exploratory study to identify important fan variables. Each venue in NASCAR is different and must be understood in terms of the general NASCAR fan psychographics and demographics. The venue selccfed for this study was the Michigan International 'Speedway. Most of the fans who attend this venue are from: Canada (especially Ontario Province), Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana, There are also fans from New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia as well as other distant states that represent a national audience. This study was completed in two phases. Phase I was the spring race (June) and Phase II was the summer race (August). The June race was a pilot test for instrument development. The August race was where the primary study was conducted.