BRISTOL, Tenn. – 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion Chase Elliott was very open about his thoughts on the newly released 2023 schedule next year which will feature 36-races, including the highly anticipated street course event in downtown Chicago.
But for Elliott, he is all about the less is more approach, wishing for a compact schedule compared to a lengthy 36-race season which will feature just one off weekend next year on Father Day’s weekend in June.
“I think a more compact schedule, in my opinion,” offered Elliott. “But look, I don’t make the rules and nobody asks my opinion that does. And that’s completely fine, I’m not asking for that job. I don’t want that job. But I’m a firm believer that less is more, in the sense of the timing of a schedule and when we could end our season to make the most for TV ratings and things of that nature.
“I think we could do better, personally.”
Voicing his opinion, Elliott didn’t shy away from wanting to more races run under the lights on a Saturday night compared to under a blistering sun during the afternoon on a Sunday.
His thoughts though weren’t coming from a driver’s perspective, but rather from if he was a fan sweltering in the grandstands and baking in the sun at race tracks where heat and humidity have proven to be no joke in late spring throughout the summer and even into early fall.
“And then as far as the night races go; there are a lot of Sunday afternoons that we spend in some really hot environments. Which is fine, I’m good with that. But if I was a fan sitting in the bleachers, I wouldn’t be,” added Elliott.
“For 3 ½ hours in August, I would much rather do it at night and enjoy a night race, which number one I think is really cool. The environment is really neat.”
Elliott gave an example of Saturday night’s Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol where typically when the sun goes down and the lights illuminate – the packed crowd unleashes an electrifying vibe that is contagious.
“This is the best race of the year; here (Bristol) under the lights,” added Elliott. “I also understand that it’s cool because we don’t do it much. But I just think you see a lot of short tracks in places that run Saturday night shows and I think during the summer months, it’s something we should consider doing more of.
“That’s my opinion, but again, I don’t get asked. I don’t want to get asked and I don’t want that role. Just my humble opinion and that’s really about it.”
When asked if he had an ideal number in mind for night races or a track that should host, Elliott said he hadn’t put much thought into an exact number – but said he enjoys racing at night.
“I haven’t put that much thought into it,” he explained. “Just in general, I like them and I like the idea of them; when it’s hot for the spectators to have a more enjoyable environment to watch in.”
The four-time Cup Series winner this season was vocal, however, about the industry being smarter about competing against the National Football League (NFL) in the fall – when television ratings become tug-of-a-war battle on Sunday afternoons from September to early November.
“36.. 45.. 50 – I don’t think it matters how many races we have,” sounded Elliott. “But I don’t see any reason in competing against NFL football when that starts. In my opinion, that’s not a battle we’re ever going to win.
“I think we should be smart about that.”
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
