Photo from STL Today
The NASCAR schedule release is one of the things I look forward to the most each year. Thanks to Jordan Bianchi and the Athletic, we received it a day sooner than expected.
While it isn’t the massive overhaul we had last year, there are still plenty of moves and changes to break down. I’m going to highlight some of the key moves, and try to give them a grade.
Clash moves to LA Coliseum on February 6
Grade: C-
I don’t like this for a couple reasons. For one, this race takes place a whole two weeks before the Daytona 500. The Clash is supposed to be the big start to Speedweeks, so what is this? Now I understand that this is the week before the Super Bowl, which is also in Los Angeles; but maybe they shouldn’t make this move if you’re going to compete with all the Super Bowl media. Now, I do realize that the LA area will be even more packed than usual; but it seems like a very risky move. It’s going to be an unnecessary trip for all the teams to go all the way from North Carolina to California, with a brand new car, before the season even starts. I don’t feel good about this one.
Circuit of the Americas moves to late March
Grade: B+
With the Daytona Road Course back off the schedule, I like the idea of moving this earlier in the schedule. There were some points this season that felt like there were too many road courses in too short of a time period. Additionally, the weather last year made Circuit of the Americas a bit of a letdown. The actual racing itself was solid. Hopefully the weather cooperates this time. COTA has potential to be a big time event for NASCAR.
Bristol Dirt on Easter Sunday
Grade: D
Spoiler alert: this is the worst rating I will give. I don’t like the idea of running on Easter at all. I get that NASCAR wants to shorten the length of the season, and they need to get rid of an off week now that Pocono lost their doubleheader. I get that; but why not have a doubleheader at a track like Richmond, a track that now has two regular season races? The thought of an organization that gathers for an invocation before every race now turns around and runs on Easter Sunday doesn’t seem right. It’s a tradition that’s going away. Not only that, but why Bristol Dirt? I get they’re going to run at night; but there will still be some families that have Easter traditions and may miss the race. Bristol Dirt should be one of the most-watched races all year. This is a big risk.
All Star Weekend stays at Texas, but moves back to before the Coke 600
Grade: B
I’m good with this move. I think Texas is a fine spot for the All Star Race, given the fact that they lost a points-paying event. I always liked having the All Star race right before a crown jewel event. I felt like it added extra value to both events. Remember years like 2008 and 2010 where Kasey Kahne and Kurt Busch swept both races? That was cool. I like NASCAR going back to what worked.
Pocono loses a date to World Wide Technology Raceway
Grade: NA
I don’t think it’s fair for me to rank this one. Given the fact that I am a proud St. Louisan and also work at the World Wide Technology Raceway drag strip, I don’t really think I’m the guy to give you an unbiased opinion. I’ll just say this: I haven’t been this excited in a long, long time. I remember my first race, the 2008 Nationwide Series race, and dreaming about getting the Cup series there one day. Losing our date from 2011-13 and nearly losing the track entirely, it seemed like it was never going to happen. Leadership like Curtis Francois and Chris Blair taking over is the best thing that could’ve ever happened to St. Louis racing. Man does it feel good to finally have that dream become a reality.
Homestead replaces Richmond in the Playoffs
Grade: A
I love this move. Homestead is easily a top-five track in terms of the racing it provides. While it’s not the Championship anymore, it belongs as a Playoff race. Moving it to the second race of Round Three is a great spot for the track. Richmond, meanwhile, hasn’t exactly had the best racing recently. Keeping both race dates, but moving to race no. 24 seems perfectly fair for the Virginia track.
Playoff Schedule moves around, Kansas and Texas move up, Las Vegas goes back
Grade: B
This one is loaded, so let me break it down for you: Kansas is now the second race of the First Round. Texas is the first race of the Second Round. Las Vegas is the first race of the Third Round. Everyone clear? Good. I like Kansas and Texas moving out of the Third Round. Even as someone that goes to Kansas, neither race seems like it should determine who will race for a Championship. Las Vegas isn’t much better, but I do like the fact that they will likely race under the lights again. The Third Round is now Las Vegas, Homestead and Martinsville. I’m not sure there is another track that should replace it (Talladega? Roval? I’ll pass.) Recent history suggests that these dates may continue to move around a little bit. So I think it’s perfectly fine for the time being.
2022 is a blank canvas, so there’s no telling which moves will be successes and which ones will not. I am very excited to see how next year unfolds. What do you think of the 2022 NASCAR Schedule? Leave a comment or tweet me @HBLoomis. Let’s talk racing!
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