Filling seats to see Kyle vs. Carl ... and everyone else (cont'd)

Raygan Swan: I agree Joe, but NASCAR wants that larger market for the sponsors, retail programs, etc. Maybe Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick could buy homes in the area, get some rooted fan following. I don't know.

David Caraviello: Joe, they've been there. They had one April date for the first seven years of their existence, and you couldn't find an empty seat. But the track wanted two races, and NASCAR certainly wanted two races in that market. But the demand for two races obviously hasn't been there, at least not with the current setup.

Joe Menzer: You know, I like what Kyle Busch said last weekend. He said he thinks they ought to go to each place once -- and that's it! Not a bad idea. Although you could still go twice to places like Daytona and Lowe's Motor Speedway -- and let's get that second race for Vegas!

Labor of love?

Labor Day Weekend was viewed as one of the highest of NASCAR's high holidays. David Caraviello says that longing for the good old days can overshadow how problematic those days could be.

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David Caraviello: Kyle's a smart guy.

Raygan Swan: A smart-arse guy!

Joe Menzer: Getting back to the question, which I think was about Atlanta, how much will the date switch actually help them?

David Caraviello: Interesting how Atlanta and California have very similar markets and very similar issues, but are perceived very differently. I think that has a lot to do with the approach. Atlanta's brass is very up front about how they have attendance issues and have to do things differently. California's brass bristles at any mention of empty seats, almost as if they're insulted. Gotta get over that.

Raygan Swan: And how many other events will the track be competing with on a holiday weekend in the city of Atlanta?

David Caraviello: I don't think Sunday night of Labor Day is going to come into too much conflict. The NFL hasn't started yet, college played the day before. Atlanta is approaching this the right way.

Joe Menzer: You know, back in my younger days when I was covering the NBA and then the NFL, we always heard that the Hawks and Falcons didn't draw because there was too much other stuff going on. I think it's just a bad sports town, myself. The only time the Falcons took a big bite out of the market was when Michael Vick was in his prime. Now he's in the doghouse.

Raygan Swan: It's a wonderful shopping town though, Joe. Just saying. I personally love the city and with the right marketing program, they could find success.

David Caraviello: Atlanta can't get a free pass here. Their attendance issues might be more serious than those faced in California. People hammer on California a lot, though, probably because the track acts like it's making every excuse.

Raygan Swan: Well, if California has another weeper debacle in the midst of bad weather again, kiss attendance goodbye!

Joe Menzer: I love the city of Atlanta, too. But let's face it: even the Braves, in their prime, had trouble selling out many playoff games. That wouldn't happen in Cincinnati.

David Caraviello: Joe, this is not the Reds forum. Don't make me wave those 14 straight divisional championship banners in your face. And let's get back to racing!

Joe Menzer: I can't talk much about my Reds these days, anyway. But the Big Red Machine never had trouble drawing sellout crowds.

David Caraviello: Dude, it's Cincinnati. What else are they going to do, eat chili and look at a riverboat? Please.

Raygan Swan: I love it when you two fight about baseball!

Joe Menzer: Don't forget Montgomery Inn Ribs, too! And Richard's steak sandwiches, if you get down Hamliton way. Those are all the major Ohio food groups. (Continued)