Shorter races being considered by NASCAR

NASCAR Chairman Brian France was a recent guest with host Eli Gold on Motor Racing Network's "NASCAR Live." Questions were taken from fans and they covered a number of different subjects.

One subject was shorter races. That subject is near and dear to my heart because I have long suggested that some of the NASCAR races are far too long. The Coca-Cola 600 is more than any fan, or in fact racer, should have to put up with. I actually think that as the race drags on the fans lose interest and drivers just hang on hoping it will all be over SOON.

When asked about shortening races, France said, "We (NASCAR leadership) think that shorter races in general makes sense. Sometimes a specific venue or track believes differently, and they have their own fan base and research that says, 'Hey we like a 500-mile race on this particular weekend' or in the case of Charlotte a 600-mile event. Generally speaking, we're very open to working with the tracks and the local markets … to shorten races whenever it's possible and we'll continue to do that."

I can remember having several conversations with the late Dr. Joe Mattioli, a dear friend, regarding shortening the two 500-mile races at his Pocono Raceway to at least 400-miles. Dr. Joe was dead set against. He claimed that fans wanted 500-mile races. Shortly after he passed away the new management shortened the races to 400-miles and I think fans have been seeing a better event.

France addressed the talk about a midweek NASCAR Sprint Cup race. Those that talk about such an event are usually people who have absolutely no idea of what goes into the promotion of an event. Keep in mind that many of the people that work at tracks during the events being run are volunteers and for many working a midweek event would be difficult if not impossible.

France indicated that there are no track operators that would be willing to give up a weekend race for a midweek event and I do not find that surprising.

"The other challenge that we have, we don't have home teams, we rely on 80,0000-100,000 or even more to make a weekend out of something and drive on average 200-plus miles and often stay more than two days and often bring family members,"Â� said France. "When you start doing that … those kinds of opportunities to draw people to these big venues, these big speedways become more difficult."Â�

Consider the fact that several tracks have cut back on seating. Charlotte Motor Speedway eliminated 41,000 seats, Daytona has eliminated close to 50,000, Dover has cut 17,000, Atlanta has dropped 17,000 seats and the list goes on. People coming to Daytona this year will be facing a learning experience as the many changes will not be in place for 2015 but in 2016 it will be a great experience with everything completed. With all that said it is probably not a good time to be thinking about midweek races.

Quite frankly, though I know a lot of people would like to see it happen, I doubt it will ever happen. timesherald.com

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