Don't give an idea about shortening races to NASCAR. They've mess up enough of the tradtions as it is.

oldtimeracing - 14 April 2008 08:28 PM

Don't give an idea about shortening races to NASCAR. They've mess up enough of the tradtions as it is.

Going to shorter races would be bringing back a tradition. Up until the early 70s most of the schedule was made up of short tracks of around 100 miles in distance.

gary243 - 14 April 2008 10:36 PM

oldtimeracing - 14 April 2008 08:28 PM

Don't give an idea about shortening races to NASCAR. They've mess up enough of the tradtions as it is.

Going to shorter races would be bringing back a tradition. Up until the early 70s most of the schedule was made up of short tracks of around 100 miles in distance.

And there were 70 races a year and everyone seems to think there are too many now. Bill Jr. got a lot of stuff right.

Mike

I've always liked the fact that Daytona, Charlotte and (back when it had two dates) Darlington each featured different distances for its 2 annual events. I'd like to see one race at Michigan increased to 500 miles, and one race at Pocono shortened to 400 miles.

Back in the 60's, wasn't one of Atlanta's two dates a 400 miler?

I've been to several races at Michigan, and wished they'd have been 500 milers, but watching on tv wish they'd be shorter. When you're there, there's so much more to enjoy, not just a camera on the leaders, you can watch your favorite driver race whomever regardless of position, plus just the spectacle of it all, the concessions, souvenier alleys , the sponsor displays, all the outside stuff that never makes the living room. I'd be in fear of shorter races leading to more commercials for the sponsors to justify their costs, or worse, going to pay per view.
An idea I'd like to see tried at least once is the format they use for the All Star Race, a couple of shorter "heat races,?laps= depending on the track length, then take 1/2 the top finishers from each heat for the main feature event. That would promote hard racing, even a little strategy , but would be a heck of a show. I doubt the car sponsors would want to take that chance.
In response to Brown Eyes comments about the local short tracks, there's something special about going to the local races, especially if you're involved, sponsor or personally know some of the teams/drivers, being in the pits, the fun and frustration, things you'll likely never see or feel at a Cup race.

One time over the radio once, Crash Gladys of SpeedFreaks hinted on something about either fewer races or shorter races. There are a lot of people who wished certain events would be taken off the caldendar or traded for other races. I think the IndyCar Series has just right race distances. The only distances I WOULDN'T shorten are the more prestigious races like the Daytona 500, the Coca-Cola 600, and the Brickyard 400 among others. Some would probably say that consistently racing for as long as they do is a motor of motivation and endurance to go through countless 400-500 mile races. I rarely watch a NASCAR race from start to finish unless it's probably a prestigious oval race or any of the road racing events. That's just me.

I think some of the races can be shortened. Maybe make the Chase for the Cup races the same regular length. You know, work a little harder for the big money races.

I agree that Michigan races should be longer. After spending 4 hours stuck in traffic before and after the race, dealing with 150,000+ fans and paying $100 for a ticket, it would be nice to see a race that lasts longer than 2 and 1/2 hours. One race lasted only 2 hours and 15 minutes. Total BS.

There are both sides to this. If they make the races shorter then who would want to spend a lot of money to go see a race that would only last maybe two hours and it's over. Then again if some of the races are longer you would get tired and bored sitting there four or five hours. I know i get bored watching some of the races on TV that last five hours,but it's only because the commercials and debri cautions drag it out so long. And i get mad when i plan on watching an exciting race and it only last two hours. There are pros and cons to this,so what is the solution? I guess if you want to watch the race,or go to the race,do it. And if you don't want to watch the race,or don't want to go to the race,don't do it. Does this make sense?