NASCAR Cup Series

NASCAR: Do Tracks Deserve Multiple Races? - Part One

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule is made up of 23 tracks. 13 of these tracks hold multiple events each year. Do they all deserve more than one Sprint Cup Series race each year?

NASCAR is different from other forms of motor sports in they hold multiple races per year at the same facilities. Currently there are 13 racetracks on the Sprint Cup tour that host multiple races.

That being said not every track deserves more than one race. In this, part one, we review six of NASCAR’s current tracks to see if they deserve two races. In the coming weeks we’ll review the final seven tracks and provide replacements for the tracks found undeserving of multiple races.

Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Daytona – Yes

The world center of racing has and always will be a fan favorite. Speedweeks and the Daytona 500 continues to be the greatest start to any sports season.

The Great American Race holds a special place with drivers and fans alike. This race won’t be moved anytime soon. NASCAR then returns to Daytona in July for the Coke Zero 400. What would the Fourth of July be without night racing at Daytona? Bottom line Daytona is a historic venue that continues to keep up with the times make the fan experience one to remember.

Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte – No (Sort of)

Charlotte Motor Speedway is one of NASCAR’s oldest venues. However, Charlotte is the only NASCAR track (outside of Speedweeks at Daytona) to hold more than two events each year.

Currently Charlotte holds the all-star race and Coca-Cola 600 in May along with a chase race in October. As we all know the majority of the NASCAR schedule is made up of intermediate type racetracks.

Obviously the Coca-Cola 600 must stay in Charlotte. This race holds a special place in NASCAR history and any movement to the venue or the date on Memorial Day weekend would be met with great opposition. The track also offers a “home” chase race for most teams. This is also important to help break up the long run to the end of the Sprint Cup Series season.

The odd man out is the all-star race. The all-star event has received much criticism in recent years. It’s finally time to shake things up and move it away from Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Mandatoy Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports

Martinsville – Yes

Martinsville is the oldest track on the Sprint Cup Series schedule.

While the Cup series visits other short tracks throughout the year there are none quite like Martinsville. Two long straightaways with 90 degree turns at each end creates can’t miss action. Some of the best short track racing has happened at Martinsville and each race continues to be a fan favorite.

If you’re attending in person there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Great short track racing along with the famous two dollar Martinsville hot dog and you can’t go wrong. There might be an argument to visit three times each year.

Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan – No

NASCAR at Michigan has a long history. On race day you never know what’s going to happen.

The race could come down to fuel mileage or a green, white, checkered shootout. Speeds are also a huge draw to Michigan as the two-mile track is the largest oval not requiring restrictor plates. That being said the racing can also get spread out and cause the two 400 mile events to drag on. This can include long green flag runs and few cautions to shake things up.

While Michigan is a track that defiantly deserves a spot on the schedule it doesn’t deserve two races each year.

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Phoenix – Yes

Phoenix is one of the most unique tracks on the schedule.

The track produces great racing and is a gem in the west. The current dates at the track line up just right. The first race currently lands in the middle of the west coast swing and the second race takes place right before the season finale at Homestead. It’s also the only chase race is the west.

Both races are a rare chance for NASCAR’s fans on the west coast to attend a race in person and therefore deserve to keep their spots on the schedule.

Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas – No

Kansas Speedway is a great racetrack. Don’t get me wrong. However, the track looks and feels the same as many of the other mile and a half tracks to the fans.

While drivers will tell you these tracks are very different at the end of the day it’s all about fan perception. The current chase schedule consists of five mile and a half, “cookie cutter” tracks in the final ten races. Cut the October race. The Chase for the Cup should mix in a variety of racetracks. Five mile and a half tracks is just too many.