All News Elliott Sadler Joey Logano Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Fan response to Nationwide Series positive so far:

April 3, 2012 at 12:00 AM
  • Fan response to Nationwide Series positive so far: The numbers are in and the results show fans are ‘fired up” about the start of the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series season. Not since 1995, when NNS regulars won the first seven races, have the first four out of five races of the season been won by non-full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers. #30-James Buescher (earning driver championship points in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series), #2-Elliott Sadler (two wins) and defending series champion #6-Ricky Stenhouse Jr. won the first four races of the season. Joey Logano finally broke that string on March 24 at Auto Club Speedway.
    Following the NNS at Auto Club, 3,932 Official NASCAR Fan Council members (avid NASCAR fans) responded to a question focusing on their feelings about series regulars winning against NASCAR Sprint Cup full-timers. Of those, over 70 percent ‘agreed” that the wins by Buescher, Sadler and Stenhouse:
    • Makes me feel good about the NASCAR Nationwide Series
    • I’d like to see more NASCAR Nationwide Series regulars win races
    • I expect to see NASCAR Nationwide Series regulars win NASCAR Nationwide Series races
    • I’m more interested in the NASCAR Nationwide Series because regulars are winning
    NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers not dominating NASCAR Nationwide Series races this year also resonates with the Fan Council. Of the survey participants, over 80 percent ‘disagreed” with the following statements:
    • I miss seeing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series regulars winning in the NASCAR Nationwide Series
    • I’m less interested in the NASCAR Nationwide Series because my favorite Cup driver isn’t racing
    Methodology: Conducted among members of the Official NASCAR Fan Council. Members are avid NASCAR fans, 6 or 7 on a 7-point interest scale where 7 is extremely interested in NASCAR. 3,932 respondents completed the survey fielded March 26-27, 2012. (NASCAR)(4-3-2012)