I have to agree with your observations regarding the lack of young people in the crowd. Being 22, I always feel in the minority when I attend races.

The growing up with it comments are interesting. My parents would take me to the weekly winged show at Haubstadt back when they ran. However, that history hasn't limited me to wings. I enjoy both, but I did attend more USAC than WoO and ASCoC races this year. Either way, though, sitting with my parents every week and creating my own races with die cast cars on the bleachers is clearly where my fandom started.

I've got a friend who I took to 4 or 5 races this year, and he enjoyed them, but I still think the only time he will go is when I invite him. So, maybe growing up around it is necessary. I'm sure there are exceptions where fans found the sport later in life, though.

The silver crown thoughts are also interesting to consider. Admittedly, I would choose sprint cars or midgets first. I have some understanding of the silver crown history and have full respect for them, but I just prefer to watch sprints or midgets. Maybe that's due to not seeing the champ car races before my time. I'll say one thing, though. One of my favorite experiences of the year was at the Hoosier Hundred. I snuck out to where the photographers were standing in between turns 1 and 2 during practice, and watching them work those cars through the corners while standing only feet from them was amazing. I plan on attending that race again next season and hope to also get to the one at Terre Haute.

I'm not really sure that I've answered any questions that you had. I just figured I would offer my thoughts as a young fan. I can assure you that you'll continue to have this young fan in the stands, and I'll be doing my best to spread the word, whether I'm successful or not.