While the next-generation cars are grabbing most of the headlines, much of the change in recent years has been to the schedule, which has seen NASCAR shift races from traditional tracks to new markets. This year’s season-opening exhibition race at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was the boldest move yet, with NASCAR spending millions to build the temporary circuit.
The sport also has planned a street race in Chicago next year and the sanctioning body is said to have interest in races in several other cities in the U.S., particularly the New York City region, and internationally. It’s exploring cities in the West and Pacific Northwest, like Denver and Portland, and is already running a NASCAR Xfinity Series race in Portland.