NASCAR is more than just a sport. For many fans, the high-speed drama and intense rivalries are a part of their lifestyle, and iconic venues such as Daytona International Speedway or Charlotte Motor Speedway have shaped the racing series’ identity. The sports’ history is deeply rooted in a select group of tracks and venues that motorsports enthusiasts feel very possessive about. However, the sanctioning body is always on the lookout for more avenues in a bid to expand the sport and increase its market.
Recently, we have seen many iconic tracks being stripped of their chances to host a race, including Irwindale Speedway. While veterans like Dale Jr. call for more short tracks on the schedule to make the sport more… INTERESTING, we are not quite sure what NASCAR is up to! There is a thin line between accepting and deliberately ignoring, it’s breached by action. And authorities are taking certain steps that are confusing everyone.
According to the latest rumors, NASCAR could potentially add a brand-new racetrack for a small tire test, which could potentially pave the way for its inclusion in the Truck Series calendar. Is the sanctioning body moving away from its roots or adding to its rich legacy by being more inclusive?
It all began with what was a seemingly innocent post by the Instagram account, ‘nascarrumornostalgia’. The account shared what could be a potential game-changer for the NASCAR Truck Series, a “small tire test” at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina. Scheduled for the Tuesday after the Talladega race weekend on April 29th, the announcement sparked curiosity amongst the fans about the venue potentially being added to the calendar.
Located just outside of Charlotte, Carolina Motorsports Park has always been considered a local gem but has fallen under the radar in the NASCAR world. Its unique layout and challenging corners make for entertaining races, and it offers something a little different from the traditional ovals and high-banked superspeedways that dominate the sports calendar. Even though the venue has been used for various testing and smaller events in the past, the prospect of being a part of the Truck Series is causing a lot of chatter in the motorsports community.
Tire testing at Carolina Motorsports Park would be quite against the norm. The NASCAR world has usually prioritized larger, more established tracks in the past, and many fans have begun questioning the venue’s role in the future. Could the tire test be a part of a strategy to diversify the existing Truck Series calendar? Possibly. It will at least break the monotony of the same old tracks that supporters have been visiting for decades.
Could Carolina Motorsports Park be a part of the Truck Series?
The land on which the Carolina Motorsports Park is built was acquired in 1998. Built on an old airport, the venue wouldn’t have existed if it wasn’t for Joe Hooker and Bob Humphreys, who have played important roles in the project becoming a reality. The layout was designed by the famous Alan Wilson, and the ownership changed hands in November 2019, with Motorsports Capital taking over.
While there is no official confirmation about the tire test yet, the rumors alone have gotten fans buzzing. While the prospect of a Truck Series race taking place at a relatively unknown track is an exciting one, it could signal a shift away from NASCAR’s roots. Is this simply a one-off experiment, or is the sport heading in a new direction? Only time will tell. However, fans and insiders will be eagerly keeping track of any confirmation, which may begin a brand new chapter in NASCAR.
The post NASCAR Rumor: Another Step Away From Its Roots, NASCAR Adds Potential Venue to the List appeared first on EssentiallySports.
