NASCAR is breaking new ground and bucking a decades’ old tradition this weekend by having a race on Easter Sunday. Will it be a super success or a major bust? A lot of this depends on how many people show up to watch in person and how many people tune in on television. If the stands are mostly full and the TV ratings are at least modestly high, the move to Easter will largely be judged as a success. But if ratings tank and sections of the grandstands are noticeably bare, many will question if this was the right move.
This much is certain: NASCAR and Bristol are doing everything within their power to give the Easter holiday its proper due, as the track will host a pre-race Easter celebration highlighted by appearances from popular Christian recording artist Chris Tomlin and best-selling author and pastor Max Lucado. Gary LeVox, most well-known as the lead singer of Rascal Flatts, will also be on hand to perform some Gospel favorites.
Likewise playing a role in the 90-minute Easter celebration will be team owner Joe Gibbs, Motor Racing Outreach CEO Billy Mauldin and several other special guests from the NASCAR industry. “Easter has always been a special time for our NASCAR community,” Mauldin said. “This year, gathering together at Bristol, to worship and celebrate with Chris Tomlin, Max Lucado and all the NASCAR fans, has everyone looking forward to the day.” But do most fans approve of NASCAR hosting a race on what many consider to be a sacred holiday? Stay tuned. The numbers will tell the story.