Cookie Cutter Tracks
With all the yipping and yapping in this thread lately, I think it's time to turn the conversation to NASCAR again instead of ratings, perceived facts and driver haters.
I have a a couple questions that I'd like to throw out for consideration:
First up:
With Pocono this weekend and it's unusual configuration I'd like to discuss:
"Cookie Cutter" Tracks
Why is it that lately people are complaining about the 1.5 mile tracks?
Looking back at the history of the current cup tracks, Prior to 1990 there were only two 1.5 mile tracks (Atlanta and Charlotte) and one 2 mile track (Michigan).
Atlanta and Charlotte produced some of the best racing on the schedule. (and still do) So it would seem that track builders looked at that and said let's get the same racing here. Obviously with mixed results.
Just some facts to put all of the tracks in perspective:
Tracks under one mile: Bristol, Martinsville and Richmond (6 races)
1 to 1.499 miles: Dover, Phoenix, New Hampshire, Darling ton (7 races)
1.5 to 2 miles: Atlanta, Lowes, Texas, Chicago, Kansas, Homestead, Las Vegas, Michigan, California (14 races)
2.5 Miles: Indianapolis, Pocono (3 races)
Super Speedways: Talledega, Daytona (4 races)
Road Course: Infineon, Watkins Glen (2 races)
Personally I could do without Kansas, Chicago and California. Close Chicago and bring a cup race to the oldest continuously operated race track in the world, The Milwaukee Mile!
