NASCARs Nationwide Series schedule for 2011 isnt quite finished, and it appears it could be dramatically different from this years schedule. Gateway International Raceway asked out of its two dates earlier this year, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials are considering taking over the date currently held by OReilly Raceway Park. And there could be more movement, too. Iowa Speedway, which hosts this weekends U.S. Cellular 250, could be in a position to pick up a second Nationwide race. Dover Motorsports Nashville Superspeedway, the sister to Gateway, has two dates this year, but attendance at Nashville has been terrible in recent years. Could that track lose a date? NASCAR President Mike Helton wouldnt speculate on whether the Nationwide schedule would be drastically different. Id always try to avoid getting out ahead of the announcement of the schedule and let it speak for itself, Helton said this week at Iowa. I would tell you, theres a lot of movement going on in the three national series this year, trying to sort it all out. Helton did say, however, the possibility of the Nationwide Series dropping below its current 35-race schedule is being discussed. Thats been bounced around, Helton said. Is it necessary to do that? Obviously, theres players that have to be talked to in regards to that, Nationwide, for one, ESPN and other promoters, and the competitors. That level of activity is being talked about. Rusty Wallace Racing owner Rusty Wallace said Nationwide owners want the schedule cut back to help contain costs in the series.(NNS Racing)(7-31-2010)
