Silence. It is February but the silence is pervasive. Where is the
roar of engines?
Didn't you hear? NASCAR cancelled testing this year. In a cost
cutting measure because of the economy, NASCAR has banned all
testing at all sanctioned tracts.
The testing ban is estimated to save teams an estimated $1 million
per car per test. As the teams keep their money their pockets
though, how is the Daytona Beach economy effected with a scaled
back event? With less coming in from the teams and less fans making
the trip, what will this blow do to the already ailing financial
health of our city do to us all.
There has been a serious division in the city for years with regard
to special events. Many understand the fact that the economy of
this destination is dependent on races, motorcycles and Spring
Break. Many others wish it weren't so because of the increased
noise and traffic.
Now one group will get a small taste of what a less than jammed
packed, engines roaring, economy boosting race week will be like.
In 2002 the Halifax Area Special Events Committee Report stated
that an equivalent of 10,580 full time jobs is generated from just
the race events. No testing means no teams in town. Fewer hotels
rooms occupied means less room tax. With less room tax there is
less money to promote the area. Not to mention fewer diners in
restaurants, fewer shoppers...yep, less noise and traffic but at a
serious price.
"We are creatures of habit in this sport; we stick to
routines," Eddie Wood, co-owner of Wood Brothers Racing, told
ESPN. "When we go down in early January we stay at the same
place, eat at the same restaurant, say hello to the same folks;
it's just part of the deal. That said, it sure did cost us a
lot of money ..."
We are all creatures of habit. The habit of enjoying the economic
benefit of NASCAR is pervasive throughout Volusia County.
Regardless of which side a person may be on this issue, they do
reap the benefits of money flowing into local businesses and tax
rolls. Like all habits, withdrawal can be difficult. If the silence
is music to your ears now perhaps you should remember what the
inspirational Leroy Brownlow said, There are times when silence has
the loudest voice". Let's hope the silence is not
deafening in the following months.
