Sunday Races to Begin at 1 PM
Sunday Races Start at 1 PM Eastern Time
If you’re one of the many NASCAR fans who have been asking NASCAR for earlier, more uniform start times for races you’ve just got your wish.
Starting with the 2010 Daytona 500 Sunday races will start at 1PM Eastern Time. The invocation and National Anthem will begin shortly after the race broadcast begins, with the green flag waving about 15 minutes later.
That means that most Sunday afternoon races – from Daytona to Talladega to Kansas – will see a green flag around 1:15 Eastern Time. California Las Vegas and Phoenix races will start at 3PM Eastern Time.
Saturday night races will get underway at 7:30 Eastern.
“NASCAR fans have been asking for earlier and more consistent start times, and we are making this change for our fans, beginning with the Daytona 500 next February,” said NASCAR Boss Brian France.
It was a very smart move to put the start times back to their traditional time. It was a dumb move to change them in the first place.
TV executives thought they could increase the audience by picking up more west coast viewers with a later start time. After all, when it’s 1 pm Daytona time it’s 10 am in Los Angeles.
The problem is that for every Los Angeles race fan that tuned in there was one or two in North Carolina or New York that tuned out.
By starting the races earlier, and at a uniform time, fans will know what to expect and when to tune in. They will be less likely to get sidetracked with other activities before the race even gets started.
The earlier start times will also be a benefit to fans who attend races in person. They will be able to get out of the speedway and home sooner. For some that might mean a night spent at home and not in a hotel. It may also mean more people can attend races without having to skip work on Monday for travel.
“It allows us another hour of daylight to run our races and to get traffic out before nightfall,†said Jerry Gappens, head of New Hampshire Motor Speedway
So how do you like NASCAR’s new uniform start times?
Answers Why You’re a NASCAR Fan
Answers: Why You’re a Fan of NASCAR
A while back we asked you the question “Why Are You a NASCAR Fan?†That post has been one of the most popular articles here on RacingWin – generating over 140 responses so far.
It proves just how passionate you NASCAR fans are about your sport, whether you’ve been a fan for 50 years or you just got into NASCAR this year.
Here’s what some of you had to say:
“I am 48 years old and have been a fan for 42 years, mostly because my dad and grandfather were fans. We used to listen to the races on the radio every Sunday.† ~ Tim
“Back in the late 50’s my daddy took me to a race at Asheville-Weaverville Speedway, I was in high school. I have loved racing ever since.†~ Betty
“I became a NASCAR fan when I married my wonderful husband 24 years ago and we both enjoy all the excitement, we also love the dedication the drivers show to the sport and us fans.†~ Fannie
“I have watched NASCAR since the 70’s and will keep watching till I die. I cheered for Dale Sr. and now cheer for Dale Jr.†~ Ray
“My boyfriend got me hooked on NASCAR. He was watching a race on TV and I thought I would watch it with him.†~ Kim
If you want to hear some positive NASCAR stories you should read all the comments. And if you haven’t already shared your NASCAR story you can tell the world why you’re a NASCAR fan.
No Penalty from NASCAR
No Penalty for Mark Martin or Jimmie Johnson
Crews for Mark Martin and Jimmie Johnson had to make some fast changes before their race cars could depart Hendrick Motorsports for this weekend’s Price Chopper 400 Sprint Cup Race at Kansas Speedway.
During an Official NASCAR inspection the cars were not found to be illegal – but were very close.
The No. 5 car and the No. 48 car were found to be extremely close to the tolerances set in the NASCAR Rulebook after going through technical inspection at the NASCAR R&D Center this week.
NASCAR has not announced any penalties against either team – so their top 2 positions in the points Chase seem to be safe for now.
Hauler drivers were supposed to be on the road with the race cars – but instead were standing by to leave the shop.
NASCAR took several cars to the R&D Center following Sunday’s race at Dover, including the No. 48 and No. 5.
Jimmie Johnson and Mark Martin – and their race teams — need to be extremely careful. It is difficult enough to win a Championship as it is. It would be impossible to win one after a 100 point penalty and the loss of their crew chiefs.
NASCAR has taken a hard line against cheating since rolling out the COT. Do you think it has been effective?