NASCAR world reacts to big race changes

The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series is almost here but some notable changes to a few of the upcoming races this year caught the attention of the racing world on Monday.

NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass confirmed on Twitter that at least two 2023 races are being reduced from 500 miles to 400 miles. He noted the Ambetter Health 400 in Atlanta, which takes place in March, and the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 in Texas, which will occur during the NASCAR Cup Playoff.

“I missed it when start times were announced in November that the Texas track had “400” in the name of its race,” said Pockrass, in response to a question about races with 400 in the name. “So far, spring Atlanta and the Texas playoff race were shortened for 2023 from 500 to 400 miles.”

The move appears to be in part to shorten some of the race times so that they can be closer to 2.5-3 hours rather than 3.5-4 hours. Since NASCAR introduced the Stage racing system, that has increased race times to a pretty large degree.

The NASCAR world was torn on the move, with some appreciating the shorter races and others complaining that you get less for your money.

“I’m good with 400 over 500 miles. A 500-mile race isn’t what it used to be. Engines last nowadays, driver/crew are stronger so the endurance portion of a long race is gone,” wrote MidTownExpress.

“Good, this should have happened a long time ago,” wrote Joe Annunziata.

“Tickets are cheaper for these races now right? They are giving you less racing after all,” wrote Ryan Stevens.

We’ll see how racing fans feel when the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series gets underway in February.

[Bob Pockrass]