NASCAR yesterday announced start times for the '18 Monster Energy Cup Series, and unlike the current season, "no race will start before" 2:00pm ET, though a "number of races that had later start times this year will have a slightly earlier start," according to Ellen Horrow of USA TODAY. Pocono and Michigan each had 3:00pm start times for both of their Cup races this season, but in '18, both tracks will see their spring race start at 2:00pm and the summer race at 2:30pm. Races at New Hampshire, Chicagoland, Watkins Glen and Indianapolis "will also see slightly earlier start times" (USA TODAY, 11/7). For the first time, the spring race at Richmond "will be run at twilight," with a 6:30pm start time on April 21. Sunset in Richmond that night will be at 7:51pm, meaning drivers "will run the first stage of the race in full light, the second stage in twilight, and the third stage under the lights" (RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH, 11/7). In Michigan, Taylor DesOrmeau noted NASCAR is "swapping its coverage" of the '18 June race at Michigan, going from from FS1 to Fox, while the August race remains on NBCSN. A move from cable to broadcast TV "typically prompts a boost" in ratings (MLIVE.com, 11/7).
LESS IS MORE? In Dallas, Gerry Fraley writes NASCAR is "pushing tracks toward two-day weekends." The "blueprint is Monster Cup qualifying and an Xfinity series race on Saturday and the Cup race on Sunday." Texas Motor Speedway is "firmly opposed to the concept and will stay with the traditional three-day weekend: with practices, Cup qualifying and a race on Friday to start the weekend." TMS President Eddie Gossage said, "There are mixed opinions on whether two-days work well or not. Personally, I would subscribe to the theory that three days is better than two, four days is better than three and so forth. We won't be changing. Generally, the fans don't want to get rid of the three-day weekend. They're the only ones that matter" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 11/7).
