Sunday Races to Begin at 1 PM

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Filed under: NASCAR 

 

Dale Jr & Girlfriend Amy Reinman | Photo

 

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.clock_1

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?

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Comments

13 Comments on Sunday Races to Begin at 1 PM

  1. Sheila on

    2. I’m delighted that Nascar has gotten back to the traditional starting time for races. As a fan who went to NHIS for the Fall race, it was ridiculous getting up at 4:00AM and not returning home until after midnight. It was easier to watch it on TV.

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  2. Diane on

    3. Yeah…right!
    That’ll happen.
    A 1PM race will actually start (if we’re lucky) at 2PM!

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  3. Jackie from Daytona Beach on

    4. I think Nascar did the right thing. 1000`s of Seniors, people are Nascar Fans too, and couldn`t sit up late at night to watch the finish. Or go to the Race Track, Now they can. As for me I don`t like night races. In this world we are living in now it`s not safe for anyone going to the night races and going home late at night.

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  4. Jo Ann on

    5. We love the new time!!! I’ve heard nothing but complaining around here since they changed the start time to a later time. Will be less complaining around here now. Thank you so much Nascar!!!

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  5. Mama Donia on

    6. SOUNDS GOOD TO ME, IF THEY KEEP THEIR PROMISE!!!!! THEY NEVER HAVE———

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  6. BillB on

    7. That is one of the best things NASCAR has done in a long time. Thank you!! I had sworn off going to the races because of the late finishes, and I live in the Daytona area. Thanks again, NASCAR maybe I’ll see you again in person.

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  7. mamadew88 on

    8. I think it’s a great idea, this way we all get our required 8 hours sleep, especially for fans who have to get up early the next morning and start an early day.
    I think the drivers will feel the same way as well.This way we are all on the same page…….THANKS

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  8. sharon on

    9. Thank You Nascar

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  9. chevynation on

    10. Thank you so much-good work NASCAR!

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  10. Joe on

    11. GREAT IDEA !!!!

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  11. jeff on

    12. yehoo nascar thank u very much i love the idea and i hope u can stick to you promises… GO DALE JR

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  12. REGAN on

    13. NOW IF WE COULD JUST GET RID OF THE COT AND LET THE GUYS RACE!!!!!!!

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  13. Doowah on

    14. Always gotta be somebody poor mouthing, right Diane.

    [Reply]

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