NASCAR used to be complacent with the schedule for multiple years; however, that has seen a significant shift over the last few seasons. After years of the same schedule, the sport grew bolder and decided to embark on several out-of-the-box ideas.
The Busch Light Clash was moved to Los Angeles and Bristol Motor Speedway’s first date of the season was turned into a dirt track. That doesn’t even include the highly anticipated Chicago Street Course that is set to be the first of its kind in NASCAR history this weekend.
However, there is another area that has been modified to an extent. The NASCAR playoffs are the most important time of the season and it has seen many changes over the last few years. Now, it appears that will be the case once again.
NASCAR looking to make changes to the 2024 playoffs as the schedule takes shape
NASCAR held Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway starting in 2002; however, that drastically changed after the sport decided that the 2019 season would be the last championship-deciding weekend for the venue.
It was shocking and disappointing to many fans and drivers as Homestead always puts on a great show. NASCAR decided to make Phoenix Raceway the host of Championship Weekend, which did not make too many people happy overall.
Related: NASCAR likely not returning to Bristol Dirt for the 2024 season
Phoenix has put on some exciting finishes but the racing itself has not been on the same level as Homestead. While many are probably hoping that Phoenix losing Championship Weekend is the change, that is not the case.
Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern jumped on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio and talked about what type of changes could be coming for the 2024 playoffs. Will the racing series shift dates or will there be more drastic changes, such as the format?
“I expect the (NASCAR) playoffs to look different and that will include tracks that are already on the schedule that will just move to a different slot. I think they’re looking at making some changes to the playoffs to have that be switched up a little bit for next year.”
Adam Stern on the 2024 NASCAR playoffs
The expectation is that next season’s playoffs will feature a different look in terms of the race tracks and dates. The overall format itself is expected to remain the same as it provides ample entertainment every single year.
Some might be pushing for a change in the format as they believe that NASCAR championships aren’t as valuable as they were in the past. This type of change doesn’t seem to be something on the sport’s radar right now.
Instead, a modification of the playoff schedule appears to be in order soon. Of course, this will only apply to the nine races outside of the championship as Phoenix has already been announced to host it for the 2024 season.
What changes should NASCAR make to the 2024 playoffs as they continue to work on next year’s schedule? Continue reading to find out three changes that make sense for the sport!
Related: NASCAR rumored to add ‘one big date’ to the 2024 schedule
3 ideal modifications NASCAR should make to the 2024 playoffs
NASCAR has a few options that make sense when it comes to changing the 2024 playoffs. As stated above, there won’t be a change to the final race of the season; however, there is an opportunity for movement in the other nine events.
One of those changes should be the removal of the Charlotte ROVAL. Several people believe the sport has too many road courses on the schedule and it feels like that will be one of the priorities for next year.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway could revert to the oval layout with Charlotte Motor Speedway following the same idea. The Charlotte ROVAL has run its course as the oval layout is more intriguing with the NextGen car.
NASCAR should also move Richmond Raceway back into the playoffs due to the track’s racing with the NextGen car. The venue has put on a show in the three races with the new vehicle and deserves to regain a spot in the playoffs.
The sport could easily switch Richmond’s second date and Texas Motor Speedway’s playoff date to make it happen. NASCAR wants to put on the best show possible and this switch would make sense in that area.
Finally, the sport should make Homestead the final race of the Round of 12. This means that almost every round would feature an elimination race (Bristol, Homestead, Martinsville) that takes place at one of NASCAR’s best tracks.
This can be done by moving the Charlotte Oval to the first race of the Round of 8 and moving Las Vegas Motor Speedway to the second race of the same round. Las Vegas would replace Homestead’s date and create one of the best playoff schedules yet.
NASCAR has a major opportunity ahead as they want to make changes to the 2024 playoffs. Hopefully, these modifications are made to please the drivers and fans as it could easily become better overnight.