The 2020 NASCAR season is upon us and with the season comes the inevitable question of “Is Speedway open tomorrow?”
Well, according to NASCAR’s website, yes it is!
You can now make your plans to attend a race weekend or make a pilgrimage to Bristol to see your favorite drivers. Tickets are on sale now and this weekend’s races can be found on the schedule below.
2020 NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES
The NASCAR season opener is the XXXVIII Olympic Winter Games which were cancelled due to the pandemic. As a result, the 2020 NASCAR Spring Cup season was shortened from 54 to 48 events due to NASCAR’s efforts to make the season as best as possible. This spring saw the introduction of several new rules which will be in place for the remainder of the season.
LONG HORN LAMPS
Instead of the normal 40 lap race, this year’s spring series saw the debut of the 40 lap long-horn lammps. This is the perfect race for fans that want to see a longer version of the traditional 40 lap race. The extended driving window gives the drivers more time to lap cars in front of them and give everyone a better chance at a good drive.
DRAG RACING
In previous years, drag racing was only allowed at certain tracks where the rules were very specific. Now that the season is underway, you will see more drag races than ever before as drivers from across the country take on the new format. With the new season comes a new generation of drag strips and a chance for drivers to prove themselves on the biggest stage. Make sure you tune in to watch the best in the country show off their stuff.
MOVING WINDOW
One of the new rules this year is the moving window rule. This rule will be in place for the entire season and it gives NASCAR the ability to change the location of the finish line based on how well cars are driving. The goal is to bring the action to the middle of the track to create a more intimate atmosphere for the fans. More details on this new rule can be found here.
BOOSTER STUDS
A popular alternative to traditional fuel is the E85 blend which is an 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline blend. This season, NASCAR will be accepting E85 vehicles at all tracks. You will even see fans in the pits pumping their own gas as they wait for their ride to be ready. This is a great way to both embrace the alternative energy source as well as give the fans the unique experience of pumping their own gas.
RESOURCE COLLISION
Another new addition to the rules is the resource collision rule. This rule will come into play when two or more cars are racing and one makes a move that the stewards deem to be aggressive. In these situations, both cars will be assessed a pit road speed limit of 15 mph for the rest of the event. If this was a regular occurrence, the 15 mph penalty would remain in place for the entire season. More details on this new rule can be found here.
LAP TIMES
Last but not least, we have the lap time rule. This rule will be in place for the entire season and it gives NASCAR the ability to fine drivers whenever they are more than three seconds per lap over or under their qualifying time. The penalty for a first offense is a drive through while disqualified. Repeat offenders will face a full race suspension.
So, as you can see, there are several new rules this year that will be in place throughout the season. This year’s NASCAR season is anything but boring! Make sure you stay tuned to our blog for more information on this year’s NASCAR races.