NASCAR Needs A Road Course In The Playoffs ASAP
By Kayla Gipson
The NASCAR Cup Series playoffs need a road course. The idea is really such a simple one and the positive impact that it would have on the sport is one that many simply don’t seem to grasp.
On January 19, it was reported that AJ Allmendinger did a data test on Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Road Course. It was also reported, it’s a possibility to see the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series add the road course to the Schedule this season. Unfortunately, with the recent rule changes announcement, the Charlotte Road course was not added.
Two of the popular ideas were: it will be used in the All-Star race or it will be used in the playoff race at Charlotte.
While using the Road course during the All-Star race is a good idea. If one or two drivers aren’t really that good, it won’t affect the points standings. It will also give the All-Star race a challenge, which the All-Star race should be a challenge, way drivers can earn the win and the million dollars.
I believe what NASCAR needs to make the chase exciting would be using the Road course in the playoff’s.
Sure, there is the possibility of confusion on the points if some drivers don’t do too well, especially that late in the playoffs . However, the pros outweigh the con’s by having the Charlotte Road course in the playoff.
From the 2014 to the 2016 seasons, the playoffs has only gone through minor changes. Those changes have taken place in the round of 12. Right before the 2015 season started the Kansas and Charlotte races flipped. Next season the races will flip again, with Talladega not being the last race in the round of 12, Kansas will take that spot.
As mentioned above, theses have been only minor changes. Even if NASCAR put those three race in different rounds, the changes will still be minor. By adding the Road Course, not only will NASCAR make a major change but it will also add a different style of track.
Of the 10 playoff races, there are only four different track styles. Three are short tracks and one is a super speedway. Those tracks include New Hampshire, Dover, Martinsville, and Talladega. The rest is mile and half’s. If NASCAR adds the Road course in the mix of tracks that are already in the playoffs. There will be an even number of tracks with five unique tracks and five-mile and half tracks
How can NASCAR liven up the playoffs? That has been the question for the past three years. Road Courses already make the regular season entertaining, so it should liven up the playoffs.
Need proof? Look no further than the Road Course races that all three NASCAR top series raced at this past season. Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin going back and forth on the last lap at Sonoma. Michael McDowell surprise win in the Xfinity series at Road America. Cole Custer Vs John Nemechek at the end of the Camping World Truck series race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. Denny Hamlin’s win and the spin between Martin Truex Jr. and Brad Keselowski at Watkins Glen.
Fans took noticed at the Watkins Glen race. There were more fans in attendance then the two previous races.
NASCAR needs something to make the playoffs more exciting. The past three years the drivers were the ones keeping the playoffs exciting. From drivers duking it out with each other to the insane points battle this past season. It seems over the years the drivers are the ones that keep us on the edge of the seats, not the racing.
Must Read: Daytona 500 Results
Adding the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course to the schedule, is what NASCAR might need. Because it will bring more excitement to the Chase and it will bring back edge of the seat racing.