David Landman is a longtime NASCAR fan. He says the crowds appear to be thinning out.

  • Reports indicate NASCAR race ratings dropped by as much as 45%
  • NASCAR changing format to improve attendance, ratings
  • Monster Energy is new NASCAR sponsor

"We're season ticket holders in Phoenix, and I've noticed attendance has dropped off from time to time in that one," said David Landman.

Sandman’s assessment coincides with what major news outlets are reporting, that NASCAR ratings have been dropping since its heyday in 2008 by as much as 45 percent.

"I read that article but I'm not too concerned about it," said NASCAR star driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. during media day at the Daytona International Speedway.

NASCAR officials were also there but did not answer any questions about a drop in ratings.

However, NASCAR is changing its format to include segment winners who can be interviewed during the breaks.

It's an effort to improve both attendance and television ratings.

Even Earnhardt hopes NASCAR can rely on true race fans.

“We got a lot of fans that are loyal to the sport, a lot of folks that are very supportive," said Earnhardt.

NASCAR lost one of its biggest sponsors, Sprint, last year. Monster Energy is the new sponsor.

The chief marketing officer believes that could bring some new energy to the sport and some younger viewers.

Landman believes the ratings slump is a generational thing, and millennials just don't have the attention span to stay tuned.

"They have different things they do other than watch 3 or 4 hours of NASCAR," said Landman.

But other factors play a part on the duration of a race.

Race time can be extended when there is an overwhelming amount of rain during a race.

The race is either paused and resumed, or postponed and restarted another day.