Brenden Queen winning at Daytona this weekend greatly benefits the grassroots world. I know that every one that is in the Cars Tour Series saw him win and now believes that any one of them could be the next big name to win at Daytona. I was there when he took home the checkers for his first championship in the cars tour, and winning at Daytona just fueled his drive to win even more
I'm just really happy for him to see him move up in the world, but let's look more into why grassroots racing is so important to the motorsports industry today and why we should always be at a local short track in our home town.
Grassroots racing is the foundation of American motorsports, serving as the breeding ground for future stars and a hub for passionate racing enthusiasts. From dirt tracks to short ovals, local drag strips to road courses, grassroots racing embodies the purest form of competition. These smaller, local races provide entertainment for communities and play a critical role in the development of drivers, crews, and industry professionals who aspire to compete at higher levels.
One of the most significant aspects of grassroots racing is its role in driver development. Many of today’s NASCAR, IndyCar, and IMSA champions got their start in local racing series, honing their skills in Legends Cars, Late Models, Midgets, and Sprint Cars before moving up the ranks. These grassroots divisions teach young drivers car control, race craft, and discipline, all essential traits for success in professional motorsports. Without these lower-tier series, the talent pipeline for major racing organizations would be significantly weakened.
Beyond developing talent, grassroots racing is also vital to the motorsports economy. Thousands of local tracks across the country provide jobs for track operators, crew members, mechanics, and parts suppliers. Small businesses, such as race shops, fabricators, and sponsors, thrive because of grassroots racing. Many manufacturers test and refine their products in these competitive environments before they reach professional circuits, making grassroots racing an integral part of the industry’s ecosystem.
Moreover, grassroots racing helps keep motorsports accessible to fans. Unlike top-tier series, where ticket prices and travel costs can be prohibitive, local short-track and dirt-track racing events are affordable and family-friendly. These races allow fans to get up close to the action, meet the drivers, and engage with the sport on a personal level. This accessibility fosters lifelong motorsports fans and ensures a strong following for racing at all levels.
In conclusion, grassroots racing is the lifeblood of American motorsports, fueling talent development, supporting the industry’s economy, and maintaining fan engagement. Without it, the motorsports landscape would be vastly different, with fewer opportunities for aspiring racers and diminished support for higher-tier racing series. By continuing to invest in and support local racing, we ensure the longevity and growth of the sport for generations to come.