[cmakin]

Originally Posted by SoIllSprinter The pits during the event is a workplace and should be treated as such, fans shouldn’t be allowed. After races open the pits. The NASCARs and Indy Cars of the world give tours prior to the event, maybe that’s possible for the big sprint shows as well. I would hazard a guess that many drivers leave early after the show because not only have they worked their tails off but they have done so under a microscope of constant fans around the work area. Maybe more would stay around for meet and greets if the pits were closed during the event. I have personally heard that fans in pits are becoming more confrontational as well, which is not a pleasant work space for anyone. To parrot Funk above, though I haven’t done so in years, I’ve never had an experience that wasn’t positive when talking with drivers, owners, or crew after a race, they were all exceedingly accommodating.

I agree with this comment, too. I am old enough to recall when you had to be on a race team (oh, and male and over 16) to get into the pits.