Around here, everyone has gone to 1/8 mile for every sporstman class. Mostly for insurance purposes for the track as the street cars get faster and faster, but don't have safety equipment.
I can see the number of spectators dropping off, but for the drivers it's great:
1. Easier on the car
2. Less cost for fuel (most race cars use fuel that costs $10-$20 per gallon)
3. Closer races at the finish line.
4. Crashes when they happen are generally at a slower speed.
5. Less cool down time needed in between rounds.
6. More cars per hour can get down the track.
