Highly anticipated 2021 NASCAR Cup Series schedule sees shakeup; Bristol dirt race added!
The 2021 NASCAR schedule has been released. There been a major shirt with the Cup Series returning to the dirt and an addition of many road courses.
Typically, the new schedules are released around April. Due to a flexing 2020 schedule, the 2021 announcements were pushed way back.
2021 has been highly anticipated, for years. A bulk of track contacts expire, allowing NASCAR more freedom to introduce new tracks.
In addition, NASCAR has purchased ISC since the previous schedule announcement in 2019. That also adds freedom to adjust the schedule.
Road courses and short tracks were expected to be the focus for 2021. Circuit of the Americas and even a Bristol dirt race were rumored ahead of the schedule announcement.
In fact, NASCAR will be going to Circuit of the Americas in 2021.
“We developed the 2021 schedule with one primary goal: Continue to take steps to create the most dynamic schedule possible for our fans,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer.
He added, “Extensive collaboration between NASCAR, the race tracks, race teams and our broadcast partners allowed NASCAR to create what promises to be an exciting 2021 schedule of races.”
Additionally, the NASCAR Cup Series will run on the dirt! Bristol Motor Speedway will be temporarily converted to a dirt track for the March event in Bristol, Tennessee.
The NASCAR Cup Series last raced on dirt in 1970. That race was won by Richard Petty.
Related: NASCAR dirt race at Bristol? Some drivers aren’t in favor
Chicagoland Speedway and Kentucky Speedway removed
Chicagoland Speedway: The track hosted NASCAR Cup Series from 2001-2019. The 2020 event was canceled due to the coronavirus.
“The move away from NASCAR racing at Chicagoland Speedway is one of many changes reflected in the 2021 schedule, and by no means a reflection of the support our fans have demonstrated,” stated a note from Scott Paddock, track president, on the speedway’s website.
“Rather, it is a desire and an important step for the industry to incorporate new markets and new courses into the schedule, and expand the variety of competition.”
Chicagoland concluded, “As far as NASCAR racing at the Chicagoland Speedway, it’s difficult at this time to speculate on what 2022 might bring. We will continue to work with NASCAR on potential future opportunities beyond 2021 and will keep you updated. “
Kentucky Speedway: The track hosted NASCAR Cup Series events from 2011-2020.
“Of course, we’re disappointed the Bluegrass State is not on NASCAR’s schedule for 2021, as the past two decades have been filled with memorable moments that will last a lifetime. This has been a tough year for so many, but there are still wild adventures ahead,” stated Mark Simendinger, general manager of Kentucky Speedway.
“We will evolve into a multi-use rental complex and also seek additional entrepreneurial prospects. Kentucky Speedway is open for business, and we have the potential to host special events, commercial television production, music festivals, other racing series and stand-alone RV rallies and camping events.”
Kentucky Speedway concluded, “Change is sometimes hard, but I’m looking forward to the many opportunities that lie ahead for our facility.”
2021 NASCAR schedule
February 14
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona Beach Florida
February 21
Homestead-Miami Speedway
Homestead, Florida
February 28
Auto Club Speedway
Fontana, California
March 7
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Las Vegas, Nevada
March 14
Phoenix Raceway
Phoenix, Arizona
March 21
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Atlanta, Georgia
March 28
Bristol Motor Speedway (DIRT)
Bristol, Tennessee
April 10
Martinsville Speedway
Martinsville, Virginia
April 18
Richmond Raceway
Richmond, Virginia
April 25
Talladega Superspeedway
Talladega, Alabama
May 2
Kansas Speedway
Kansas City, Kansas
May 9
Darlington Raceway
Darlington, South Carolina
May 16
Dover International Speedway
Dover, Delaware
May 23
Circuit of the Americas
Austin, Texas
May 30
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Concord, North Carolina
June 6
Sonoma Raceway
Sonoma, California
June 13
Texas Motor Speedway (All-Star)
Fort Worth, Texas
June 20
Nashville Superspeedway
Nashville, Tennessee
June 26
Pocono Raceway
Long Pond, Pennsylvania
June 27
Pocono Raceway
Long Pond, Pennsylvania
July 4
Road America
Plymouth, WI
July 11
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Atlanta, Georgia
July 18
New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Loudon, New Hampshire
— Olympic Break —
August 8
Watkins Glen International
Watkins Glen, New York
August 15th
Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Road Course)
Indianapolis, Indiana
August 22
Michigan International Speedway
Brooklyn, Michigan
August 28
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona Beach, Florida
2021 NASCAR Playoffs Schedule
September 5
Darlington Raceway
Darlington, South Carolina
September 11
Richmond Raceway
Richmond, Virginia
September 18
Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol, Tennessee
September 26
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Las Vegas, Nevada
October 3
Talladega Superspeedway
Talladega Alabama
October 10
Charlotte Motor Speedway (Roval)
Concord, North Carolina
October 17
Texas Motor Speedway
Fort Worth, Texas
October 24
Kansas Speedway
Kansas City, Kansas
October 31
Martinsville Speedway
Martinsville, Virginia
November 7
Phoenix Raceway
Phoenix, Arizona
Links
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