Another Shakeup to NASCAR’s Future Schedule Could Be in the Works

What’s Happening?

In what might be the most polarizing move NASCAR has made to date, Steve O’Donnell, COO of NASCAR, told Adam Stern they are “having ongoing discussions with multiple groups in the New York City area.” According to the report, O’Donnell has already visited several potential venues in the largest media market in the US. NASCAR’s top executive also tabbed Seattle, Denver, Mexico, and Canada as targets for new venues.

What you need to know:

• Steve O’Donnell has disclosed to Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern that NASCAR is actively pursuing a partnership to bring a Cup Series to the New York City metro area.
• In addition to NYC, O’Donnell is working with Denver and Seattle, and has received “very strong interest” from groups in Canada and Mexico.
• The potential New York City addition bolsters NASCAR’s suggestion that the 2024 schedule could be the most changes yet.

Main Characters

SBJ’s Adam Stern always has his finger on the pulse of NASCAR business. His latest article reports Steve O’Donnell is chatting with several sites in New York City and others across North America.

In the Stands

This news was met with mixed reviews, but some fans in the NYC area were thrilled about the prospect of a race in their own backyard.

Tony C considered the potential Pocono implications of a Big Apple race. Given the recent experimentation with Pocono’s 2 races, the NYC addition would certainly add a wrinkle to the Northeastern presence.

While new cities and new tracks can be exciting, there are tracks all over the country yearning for national attention and the revenue that comes from it. Josh White asks why not use of those instead of a street course.

While some like new tracks and experiences, other fans, like Reddit user InternOwn2711, are quick to defend their favorites.

The main question that arises as NASCAR talks expansion is, “what track loses its place on the schedule?” BeardedBullTN on Reddit breaks down his perspective on the matter.

The knee jerk reaction to the news was to assume NASCAR is considering a street race – perhaps around MetLife Stadium. Ronh2 on Twitter says the sport should pump the proverbial brakes on that.

Regardless of location or allegiance, the development of a Cup Series race in New York City will attract copious amounts of viewers.

On Your Screen

Out Of The Groove’s Eric Estepp gives his take on the New York race (start at 3:40). He says NYC would bring the impact to NASCAR that they may have missed out on with the Chicago event, comparing these pioneering markets to F1’s presence in Miami and Las Vegas and INDYCAR’s newer Nashville event. New York would be the pinnacle of the metropolitan oneupmanship amongst the various motorsports entities, should that competition exist.

From the Pressbox

Speaking of competition among motorsports properties, SpeedFreaks’ Crash Gladys noticed a fact within the article that makes Steve O’Donnell proud.

Statistically, NASCAR remains the most popular motorsport in the country, but that doesn’t stop them from making aggressive moves to innovate the sport. New York City might be the next in the growing list of those aggressive decisions.