Revising The NASCAR Schedule

William Bowser — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:00:11 -0400

Yahoo recently had a debate on what tracks should be in the Chase. I am here to give you an opinion on what I think should be done to the schedule.

If there must be a chase and not 36 different tracks, I like the idea of 12 races in the "playoffs."

Why? Let 24 tracks decide who gets in. Then, final twelve will be determined by the drivers in the chase. The No. 1 seed picks the final race. No. 2 picks race 35, etc. Tracks can lobby all the want.

If a driver wants to take a bribe, it's America. Do it. However, they'll also have the chance to choose the place most likely to help them win the title!

MY DREAM SCENARIO:

My schedule consists of 22 tracks: The 12 mentioned in my chase below and the following ones.

Atlanta, Chicago, Dover, Homestead, and Watkins Glen International (road course) deserve races unless more unique shapes are built.

Fontana out, Mexico in. Kansas out, Kentucky in. Martinsville out (no way to pass without bumping), North Wilkesboro back in. New Hampshire out, Rockingham/Montreal/NYC road course in. Phoenix out, Texas World Speedway back in.

Gateway, Iowa, Memphis, Milwaukee, Nashville, O'Reilly, and Mansfield host Nationwide & Truck races. They do not appear ready for the big crowds expected, though.

That Leaves these twelve in geographical order to possibly save cost.

25. Talladega—This race should mix everything up in the beginning.

26. Richmond—Second most popular short track.

27. Pocono—Only triangle in the series.

28. Indianapolis—One of the most important races to win, depending on a driver's background.

29. Michigan—Very popular. Drivers can race any lane the cars need to pass.

30. Sonoma—Chase needs a road course. This increases the west coast participation.

31. Las Vegas—Vegas, baby. Nuff said for sponsorship.

32. Texas—Same as Atlanta, but farther west. Everything in Texas is big!

33. Bristol—Most fan's favorite track/race.

34. Darlington—Keeps the sport in its roots. Tough track to drive.

35. Charlotte—Hometown track for most teams. Always important to them!

36. Daytona—Restrictor plate track to finish the season will guarantee a large TV audience and make winning at Daytona REALLY matter again.

Bleacher Report - Articles by William Bowser

Revising The NASCAR Schedule