The NASCAR drivers were impressed with the governing body’s choice to reschedule the Clash.
William Byron at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Via IMAGO)
The 2024 NASCAR Cup season began early after the governing body was compelled to delay the unofficial season opener. The Los Angeles Clash at the Colosseum was held with only a few hours’ notice on Saturday instead of Sunday, disappointing fans who were unable to adjust their schedules last minute. However, NASCAR did offer complimentary admission to fans who wished to attend the race.
Now, a rising star driver from Hendrick Motorsports has put forth a proposal. He has urged NASCAR to develop a system inspired by the NFL’s Flex Scheduling, which would provide fans with more flexibility in their schedules to watch the events. This idea, according to Byron, could be a game-changing move for the sport that would bring joy to fans.
Flex Scheduling is a tool that the NFL has utilized for many years to ensure that fans can watch the most highly anticipated games during prime-time hours on weekends. Initially, the NFL schedules games on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday nights, but they may change the schedule based on market conditions. Fans are typically notified 28 to six days in advance.
While a 28-day notification may not be feasible in NASCAR, a six to four-day window could work. Instead of postponing races, NASCAR could consider rescheduling them to Saturday, as it is a more suitable day for attracting fans and achieving higher viewership on television. Historically, waiting until Monday due to inclement weather has resulted in a decline in ratings.
The entire NASCAR community was pleased with the governing body’s decision to change the race date, as they believed waiting for the rain to pass was not a practical option. They also appreciated NASCAR’s bold choice, despite the potential for significant financial loss.
The 2020 Cup champion and Byron’s teammate at HMS expressed his satisfaction with NASCAR’s decision and commended them for making the call. He also noted that having an event like the Clash on Saturday is ultimately better for the sport.
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