” I believe the event itself from a drivers perspective, from a fans standpoint, from a ratings perspective, those were all effective,” Phelps said. “… Ive heard some discussion of, Hey it was so excellent, (the Daytona road course race ought to) take the place of the 2nd oval, the race we simply had this previous weekend. I do not see that occurring.”.
” I would state the opportunity for us to do midweek racing in the future is practical, whether were going to have that for the 2021 schedule, I dont understand,” he stated.
Another subject was the possibility of the Daytona road course joining the schedule as a points event. The Daytona road course was used in location of Watkins Glen in August. The Cup Series will race on the Daytona road course in the Busch Clash on Feb. 9, 2021.
MORE: Aric Almirola, sponsor going back to Stewart-Haas Racing for 2021 season.
Phelps talked about the schedule, amongst various subjects, with media Tuesday afternoon.
Phelps stated the plan stays for the 2021 NASCAR Cup schedule to begin Feb. 14 with the Daytona 500.
He said avid fans liked the midweek races, but casual fans did not tune in as much as a weekend race.
NASCAR President Steve Phelps explained Tuesday that work remains on the 2021 NASCAR Cup schedule and notes that elements tried this year might return next year.
Phelps also said about the Daytona road course: “I believe it is terrific that is a choice that we have, if you will, in our bag of techniques to be able to have engaging racing. … We wish to ensure that anywhere we go to race that the fans are getting the best show they can get. If thats what it is and it is figured out that makes good sense for us to do, then you will see it on the schedule moving forward, however, again, absolutely nothing to announce.”.
” I dont see that altering, but I think never say never,” he stated.
MORE: William Byron indications contract extension through 2022.
Daytona road course.
Phelps stated midweek races stay possible. NASCAR scheduled five midweeks Cup races after returning from the COVID-19 break in May: Darlington in May, Charlotte in May, Martinsville in June, the Bristol All-Star Race in July and Kansas in July.
Midweek races.
” Well team up with our broadcast partners and our teams,” he stated. Whether its going to be a part of the 21 schedule or not, I would state its most likely on the lower end of possibility but again absolutely nothing has been completed.
2021 schedule release.
When the 2021 NASCAR Cup schedule will be revealed, Phelps provided no schedule for. He noted that NASCAR may reveal only a partial schedule for 2021 because of the unpredictability with the coronavirus.
2021 schedule strategies.
” Thats something that we need to weigh, clearly, with all the stakeholders in the market, the tracks themselves, our broadcast partners and … the groups.”.
New places on 2021 schedule.
.
Could there be other new locations? Phelps said yes.
Nashville Superspeedways Cup date is tentatively set for June 21, 2021.
Whether its going to be a part of the 21 schedule or not, I would say its probably on the lower end of likelihood but again nothing has been settled.
” But I have no idea what that is going to appear like at this specific point,” he said. “There are still great deals of discussion that are taking place and were attempting to accelerate them as rapidly as we can.”
If thats what it is and it is determined that makes sense for us to do, then you will see it on the schedule moving forward, but, again, nothing to reveal.”.
As for what officials might consider for the 2021 Cup schedule, Phelps said:.
” Do we desire to continue to take a look at capacities new places? The response is yes,” he stated. “Do we desire to look at potential format changes? Yes. Do we desire to consider continuing of one-day shows in some kind or style? Most likely.
Another subject was the possibility of the Daytona road course joining the schedule as a points event. The Cup Series will race on the Daytona road course in the Busch Clash on Feb. 9, 2021.
One brand-new place next season will be at Nashville Superspeedway. The 1.333-mile track in Lebanon, Tennessee, has a four-year sanctioning contract to host Cup races. Among Dovers 2 Cup dates will move there. Nashville Superspeedways Cup date is tentatively set for June 21, 2021.