Just this past week, Richmond International Raceway announced that it would go smoke-free in the stands. Restrooms, buildings and other areas had already been smoke-free. Now, beginning this season, patrons will not be permitted to smoke in and in front of the grandstands or in the portals leading to the grandstands.
It’s somewhat ironic, considering Richmond’s long time association with tobacco companies. And, the Spring Cup series for more than 30 years was known as the Winston Cup based on support from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.
I’m not a smoker, nor am I a crusader for smoker’s rights. And, while we’re at it, I’m not really a NASCAR fan. RIR says this was in response to requests from fans.
So the key here is that this was a decision made by the owners at RIR, unlike the restaruant smoking ban mandated by the government.
And that’s the way it’s supposed to work.
