How does your favorite track rank?

dpkimmel2001

dpkimmel2001

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PeopleAreStrange, I wonder if CBS has been reading your polls? CBS released a list of what it considers the top 10 tracks on the schedule and goes into a little detail about each.


Over the course of the NASCAR season the Sprint Cup Series visits 23 tracks from February through November. Beginning at Daytona and ending up at Homestead, NASCAR's top division cross crosses the country on its grueling 36 race slate and competes on a wide variety of tracks big and small.

We decided to rank the facilities using a 1-5 scale in four areas:


Location – Where the track is geographically and how that impacts the sport.


Accessibility/Traffic – How easy or difficult is it for fans to travel to each specific track and maybe more importantly gauging the ingress and egress for each facility.


History – The venue's legacy within NASCAR's timeline.


Racing – Judging the actual on track product and competition each venue produces.

While one track scored a 19 out of the possible 20 points available to lead the list, five tied with 16 while others were locked at 15 and 14. So we were forced to apply a personal perspective in some cases to break those ties.


With those criteria in mind, we present the Top 10 Sprint Cup Series track power rankings:

1. DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY


Location: 5 | Access/Traffic: 4 | History: 5 | Racing: 5 | Total Score: 19

“The World Center of Racing” has it all with near perfect location and ideal accessibility for fans. Whether it's to kick off the year at Speedweeks or make a mid-summer visit for the annual Fourth of July weekend, a visit to NASCAR's birthplace should be on every fans bucket list.

2. MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY


Location: 3 | Access/Traffic: 3 | History: 5 | Racing: 5 | Total Score: 16

The Virginia short track gets the nod over the other two tracks that scored 19 points mainly for two reasons: history and racing. Martinsville has been a part of the NASCAR landscape from the very first day and hopefully will always remain on the schedule. The half-mile, paper clip track might also generate the best racing anywhere on the schedule.


3. DARLINGTON RACEWAY


Location: 3 | Access/Traffic: 3 | History: 5 | Racing: 5 | Total Score: 16

Like its short track cousin in Virginia, Darlington has a long and storied NASCAR history. The sport's original superspeedway may have been reconfigured and renovated a few years back but it still creates chills for fans and competitors alike every time the South Carolina track's gates swing open.



4. RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY


Location: 3 | Access/Traffic: 3 | History: 5 | Racing: 5 | Total Score: 16

There's a pattern here with this logjam of tracks that scored 19 points in our rating system and it's in the history and racing departments. Richmond's legacy also dates back to NASCAR's early beginnings and although the fairgrounds track underwent a huge facelift nearly twenty years ago now, the .75-mile layout creates side-by-side racing for pretty much the entire length of any event.


5. INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY


Location: 5 | Access/Traffic: 3 | History: 5 | Racing: 3 | Total Score: 16

When NASCAR announced it would bring the Sprint Cup Series to Indy in 1994 it sent shock waves through the motorsports world. Open wheel loyalists considered it blasphemy that cars with fenders would invade their holy ground. But even though the Brickyard 400 doesn't attract the huge crowds of its initial years, the race remains the second most prestigious on the schedule behind the Daytona 500.

6. HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY


Location: 5 | Access/Traffic: 4 | History: 2 | Racing: 5 | Total Score: 16

While South Florida may not have the history of other NASCAR venues, Homestead is still the perfect spot to end the season. The warm weather and relatively easy access for fans makes the track a great finale destination. And Homestead is the gold standard for 1.5-mile tracks with its progressive banking providing spectacular competition.

7. BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY


Location: 3 | Access/Traffic: 3 | History: 4 | Racing: 5 | Total Score: 15

Whether it's “old” Bristol, “new” Bristol or the upcoming “new old” Bristol, The Tennessee short track has always been a fan favorite for its exciting racing. It's not easy to get there and the Tri City area's accommodations are limited and expensive, but any trip to Bristol is usually worth the effort.


8. PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY


Location: 5 | Access/Traffic: 4 | History: 3 | Racing: 3 | Total Score: 15

NASCAR brought major league stock car racing to the desert during the boom of the late 1980s and Phoenix has remained a staple on the schedule since. Technically not a short track at one mile long, PIR – even after its recent reconfiguration – gives drivers an opportunity to race in tight quarters at times reminiscent of a Saturday night bullring.


9. TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY


Location: 3 | Access/Traffic: 3 | History: 4 | Racing: 4 | Total Score: 14

To witness the sprawling facility rising out of the horizon as you drive down Interstate 20 is truly awe-inspiring. The massive track has had an infamous history at times but Talladega is truly a part of the NASCAR fabric and on the must-see list.


10. CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY


Location: 4 | Access/Traffic: 3 | History: 4 | Racing: 3 | Total Score: 14

Located in the hub of the sport, in many ways Charlotte Motor Speedway is NASCAR racing. The Queen City has grown into a first-class metropolitan area in recent years and fans have the opportunity to not only see big time stock car racing but to go behind the scenes of the sport with visits to nearby team headquarters as well as the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
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From here.
 
I am a bit surprised that Martinsville beat Bristol . I found Bristol higher on the access /accomodations and history . But loved them both equally.
 
My head is spinning DP, I'll get back to ya on this one.
 
They were doing good till they got to 5 and it went down hill from there. Martinsville sits a top my list. It doesn't shock me that Daytona is #1 though, even non Nascar fans know of that one:)
 
Thegroundpounder99 said:
That is a good one. I must be watching the wrong Homestead:) Then Indy being the second most prestigous:confused:
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Racing history isn't limited to nascar. Indy sure is prestigious, and that's why it was historic when stock cars were put it on the schedule. Unfortunately, the racing is some of the worst, IMO. 'Exciting race' and 'exciting Indy race' are 2 entirely different scales, so I just hope for the best Indy can give.
 
FenderBumper said:
Racing history isn't limited to nascar. Indy sure is prestigious, and that's why it was historic when stock cars were put it on the schedule. Unfortunately, the racing is some of the worst, IMO. 'Exciting race' and 'exciting Indy race' are 2 entirely different scales, so I just hope for the best Indy can give.
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Which reminds me, how about that Cup race there in 74'? Do you remember that finish? ;) Sure the track is prestigious, historic, blah, blah blah. BUT, it has nothing to do with NASCAR. We were the outsiders when we started racing there in 94' and I don't really know all how much we've progressed beyond that. As far as NASCAR history goes at that track what stands out to me is Jeff Gordon wining the first race there and then seeing the first man win a race there in 95'. Besides those two moments and the tire debacle, I got nothin. I take that back. Stewart wining there was memorable. :cool:
 
StewartHaas-Gibbs Racing said:
The writer probably only watched NASCAR last year and saw the fantastic race between Tony and Carl.
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And that was only because of the epic championship battle. You're right, can't say that's an every year thing. That was a truly spectacular moment that's not likely to be repeated anytime soon.
 
dpkimmel2001 said:
Which reminds me, how about that Cup race there in 74'? Do you remember that finish? ;) Sure the track is prestigious, historic, blah, blah blah. BUT, it has nothing to do with NASCAR. We were the outsiders when we started racing there in 94' and I don't really know all how much we've progressed beyond that. As far as NASCAR history goes at that track what stands out to me is Jeff Gordon wining the first race there and then seeing the first man win a race there in 95'. Besides those two moments and the tire debacle, I got nothin. I take that back. Stewart wining there was memorable. :cool:
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IThe 'within NASCAR's timeline' diddy didn't register right away.

I guess I'll have to agree with you now! :mad:
 
Being from Alabama I was happy to see Talladega in the top 10 list. I have been to 3 races there including the very 1st one in 1969 and all 3 times I couldn't really enjoy the race because it is so damn big.... you get 2 seconds of white nuckle excitement as the cars pass the front stretch wide open and then you have to sit down and wait 1.2 minutes for them to come back... The last race I went to in April this year kept me entertained for about 30 minutes then I left and went home and watched it on TV because I had recorded it. The TV was much better than being there. Maybe if they had Martinsville Hotdogs ??
 
verefx said:
Maybe if they had Martinsville Hotdogs ??
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Think you'd catch a federal charge bringing those dogs across state lines:D They are great though. I never liked hot dogs till I had one there. Now I look forward to them as much as the race!
 
No road courses on the list and only two mile and a half tracks, I thought there would be more. :rolleyes:
 
There would have to be a category for each televised and attended otherwise the results are speculative. This poll is for attended races only, which leaves a lot on the table for local costs (Food, Lodging, etc.)
 
Well, I guess everyone has different opinions.

Not sure I get why location or traffic helps determine the list, or why Homestead gets a 5 for racing.
 
PeopleAreStrange said:
Well, I guess everyone has different opinions.

Not sure I get why location or traffic helps determine the list, or why Homestead gets a 5 for racing.
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Location: I hit Darlington and Charlotte outside of a vacation in Myrtle Beach. That is location.

Traffic: I used to spend three hours in traffic after Michigan or the Brickyard. I am a patient man but get me out of there after the race.

Homestead: I agree.
 
Matthew2470 said:
I was stuck 2.5 hours after the All Star race.
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Smoke14 said:
You should have taken the bus to the outlot. We were in Salisbury at the hotel an hour after the all star race.
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Better yet just go out to your car/truck and do a little extra tailgating after the race. I'm not talking about drinking. Relax and get out the grill and cook up something, play some cards, take a nap, etc. That'll take up a little time and you'll drive right out of there. Sure, you may leave a little later but it's better than sitting there in traffic. I never sit bumper to bumper in that crap. It's not worth the aggravation. Leave that up to the rookie fans.
 
dpkimmel2001 said:
Better yet just go out to your car/truck and do a little extra tailgating after the race. I'm not talking about drinking. Relax and get out the grill and cook up something, play some cards, take a nap, etc. That'll take up a little time and you'll drive right out of there. Sure, you may leave a little later but it's better than sitting there in traffic. I never sit bumper to bumper in that crap. It's not worth the aggravation. Leave that up to the rookie fans.
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That's seems like a civilized solution to the barbarian traffic although I've recently read something on here about being "rational" so if sitting in traffic seems rational than to each their own.
 
dpkimmel2001 said:
Better yet just go out to your car/truck and do a little extra tailgating after the race. I'm not talking about drinking. Relax and get out the grill and cook up something, play some cards, take a nap, etc. That'll take up a little time and you'll drive right out of there. Sure, you may leave a little later but it's better than sitting there in traffic. I never sit bumper to bumper in that crap. It's not worth the aggravation. Leave that up to the rookie fans.
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The last time I was at Charlotte I had the wife and daughter with me and they wanted to get to sleep. Normally I sit in the lot until no cars are lined up at the exit.

No rookie here.
 
Smoke14 said:
The last time I was at Charlotte I had the wife and daughter with me and they wanted to get to sleep. Normally I sit in the lot until no cars are lined up at the exit.

No rookie here.
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I knew that other guy in the parking lot looked familiar.

This is the whole reason that we mainly camp at the track and just walk back to our RV although I know that many out there don't have that option.

Regardless of whether we are camping or tailgating at the track we normally hang out in the stands until a half hour or more after the race. Cooler showers are easily prevented by this method. It makes for easy egress to the car or rv rather than merging in with the masses heading out of the venue. We normally get back to the truck, fire up the stereo and grill then grill up a late night dinner. Watching the people sit in their cars in the same spot for long lengths of time can actually be entertaining if you let it be. Seeing some of the people that are there long after the event can also be quite entertaining. I watched a guy try to fold up his EasyUP one night after the Richmond race. Let's just say he did get it folded and in the back of his pickup but I can guarantee you that it was never used again. I wanted to go help this guy. Honestly I did but I couldn't keep from laughing long enough to go give him a hand. The damage was already done.

Camping is the sweetest method of attending a race and by far the most relaxing. I've met life long friends at these events and have a blast every time I go. The race is secondary most race weekends. I think if I didn't have race tickets for some tracks, I'd go there just to camp. Good people, good times!
 
dpkimmel2001 said:
I knew that other guy in the parking lot looked familiar.

This is the whole reason that we mainly camp at the track and just walk back to our RV although I know that many out there don't have that option.

Regardless of whether we are camping or tailgating at the track we normally hang out in the stands until a half hour or more after the race. Cooler showers are easily prevented by this method. It makes for easy egress to the car or rv rather than merging in with the masses heading out of the venue. We normally get back to the truck, fire up the stereo and grill then grill up a late night dinner. Watching the people sit in their cars in the same spot for long lengths of time can actually be entertaining if you let it be. Seeing some of the people that are there long after the event can also be quite entertaining. I watched a guy try to fold up his EasyUP one night after the Richmond race. Let's just say he did get it folded and in the back of his pickup but I can guarantee you that it was never used again. I wanted to go help this guy. Honestly I did but I couldn't keep from laughing long enough to go give him a hand. The damage was already done.

Camping is the sweetest method of attending a race and by far the most relaxing. I've met life long friends at these events and have a blast every time I go. The race is secondary most race weekends. I think if I didn't have race tickets for some tracks, I'd go there just to camp. Good people, good times!
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Well DP and all, you too Fender, spent the day walking through caves in Ky. Will enjoy all that you said and maybe more starting tomorrow, arrival time at the brickyard about noon. The wife may say, honey I want a shirt-hat-decal etc. and I'll say walk across the street to the merchandise trailers and get one while I watch practice and drink a beer. Yep, I am damn sure looking froward to it. Rate the race, 12, enjoyed the hell out of it, my wife and I know we will in advance.
 
Johali said:
Well DP and all, you too Fender, spent the day walking through caves in Ky. Will enjoy all that you said and maybe more starting tomorrow, arrival time at the brickyard about noon. The wife may say, honey I want a shirt-hat-decal etc. and I'll say walk across the street to the merchandise trailers and get one while I watch practice and drink a beer. Yep, I am damn sure looking froward to it. Rate the race, 12, enjoyed the hell out of it, my wife and I know we will in advance.
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Sounds like fun Johali. Did you find any skeletons in those caves? Or mushrooms! Get us some special cave mushrooms.

Don't forget to post some pics of the cars and that new RV you've been bragging about all month. lol
 
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