In case you missed it, there was a big announcement this week, unveiling the 2016 NASCAR schedules for the Sprint Cup Series and Xfinity Series. Both series will see some slight changes in the order of events, while the Xfinity Series will be the only of the two to see a new track for them, with their first trip to Pocono Raceway in June.
What could prove to be more important though is that the tracks on the schedule for both series are locked in through 2020, meaning no new tracks until at least 2021 in theory. With that, here’s a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly from this big schedule release.
The Good
Other than the fact that many NASCAR fans can now plan their travels to the racetracks for 2016, there is plenty of good that comes out of these long-term deals. Tracks are now going to be able to negotiate longer deals with sponsors for naming rights to their races, with that guarantee of a race through 2020. This means that many of the track that we didn’t see sponsors for races at (New Hampshire and Kentucky come to mind) will get to try and negotiate for some much needed cash.
This also bodes well for the owners of the tracks. Knowing that you are locked in to receive the big money from a race weekend or weekends for five seasons will certainly help the investments of Speedway Motorsports Incorporated and International Speedway Corporation, who own the vast majority of the tracks in the deal. Wall Street will be happy, and so will Bruton Smith and the France family.
The Bad
While some out there will be happy to see this endless conversation quiet for some time, many fans will be upset with the idea of little to no changes in the tracks that make up the 2016 to 2020 seasons. Barring an investment in another track by one of the owners currently involved in the deal, and the switch of a date to that track approved by the NASCAR brass, there will not be another road course added to the Cup Series or more short tracks and standalone tracks for the Xfinity Series in the near future. Disappointing for many, but it allows for five years of thinking for what tracks to add in 2021.
The Ugly
Some might confuse the bad and the ugly here, but the worst part of this announcement has to be the omission of that other NASCAR national touring series, the Camping World Truck Series. While the schedule is still being developed it seems, the announcement will most certainly not get the headlines and attention this one has gained. As we wait, fans can continue to hold out hope for new races on the Trucks schedule, including a second dirt race at Knoxville perhaps, and keep their fingers crossed that NASCAR provides more marquee opportunities to the premier pickup series in America.
What are your thoughts on the 2016 schedules for the Sprint Cup Series and the Xfinity Series? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below or tweet them to us at @LWOSracing.
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