Drivers Stunned by Fan Adulation at New York’s Fanatics Fest
New York City, June 2025 — NASCAR drivers are used to roaring crowds and loyal supporters at race tracks across the country, but nothing quite prepared them for the overwhelming reception they received at Fanatics Fest NYC this past weekend. The high-profile fan event, held at the Javits Center in Manhattan, brought together racing’s biggest stars with thousands of devoted fans—many of whom had never seen a stock car in person before.
Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Denny Hamlin were among the top names in attendance, and all three admitted they were taken aback by the intensity and passion of the crowd in a city not traditionally known as a NASCAR hotbed.
> “You walk into the building, and it feels like Charlotte or Daytona,” said Larson, who signed hundreds of autographs and took photos with fans throughout the afternoon. “New York City isn’t the first place you think of when you picture NASCAR country, but this event flipped that idea on its head.”
Fanatics Fest NYC featured a wide range of attractions for motorsports fans, including a full-scale replica pit stop setup, virtual race simulators, Q&A panels, and exclusive NASCAR merchandise. Fans lined up for hours to get a glimpse of their favorite drivers, and many came dressed head-to-toe in race gear.
Hamlin, who co-owns the 23XI Racing team with Michael Jordan, said the outpouring of support in New York was “eye-opening.”
> “I’ve done appearances in big cities before, but this one felt different,” Hamlin remarked. “It was younger, more diverse, and the energy was off the charts. It gives me a lot of hope for where this sport is heading.”
William Byron, currently enjoying a strong season with Hendrick Motorsports, echoed the sentiment, noting the changing face of NASCAR’s fanbase.
> “You look around and see people from all walks of life—families, college students, folks who probably don’t get to a lot of races live, but clearly love the sport. That’s powerful,” Byron said. “It proves that NASCAR has a bigger reach than people think.”
The event also saw appearances by other racing personalities, including crew chiefs, pit crew members, and rising stars from the Xfinity and Truck Series. A surprise highlight came when Byron and Larson went head-to-head in a simulated race, which drew a large crowd and social media buzz.
Fanatics, the event’s organizer and one of NASCAR’s major merchandise partners, said the festival exceeded expectations. Over 30,000 fans attended the three-day event, and NASCAR-related merchandise sold out faster than at any other Fanatics convention to date.
The timing couldn’t be better for NASCAR, which has made significant efforts in recent years to broaden its appeal and shed the perception that it’s a sport limited to the southeastern U.S. With street races in cities like Chicago and the success of international drivers like Shane van Gisbergen and Daniel Suárez, the league has actively sought to rebrand itself as a global and accessible motorsport.
> “This weekend showed us that the appetite is there,” said Steve Phelps, President of NASCAR. “Events like this are crucial for the future of the sport. We’re reaching new audiences in new places, and they’re embracing us with open arms.”
As NASCAR prepares for major summer races, including the high-stakes showdown in Atlanta and the playoffs push, the energy from Fanatics Fest may provide a boost—not just in morale, but in ticket sales, ratings, and future urban market expansion.
For many fans and drivers alike, it was more than just an event. It was a moment of realization: NASCAR is no longer confined to traditional roots. It’s growing, evolving, and thriving in places like Manhattan
—and everyone’s along for the ride.
