Why NASCAR needs to make more tweaks to the schedule

Should NASCAR consider making more changes to their schedule?

It's no secret that 2021 was going to be a big year for the sport of NASCAR, and it has more than lived up to the hype. In fact, after two first-time winners in the first two races, and a plethora of smaller teams still in the hunt, it's evident that the sport's changes were a success.

With that being said, what stops NASCAR from going just a little bit further in tweaking their schedule? Not only would it likely result in a more level playing field for bigger and smaller teams, it would also create a way for younger drivers to take advantage of opportunities as well.

First. Cup. Win. Well done young man. Well done! @CBellRacing @JoeGibbsRacing pic.twitter.com/8OeGEKXKuK

— Rheem Racing (@rheemracing) February 21, 2021

For example, what if instead of only doing two wildcard races at the beginning of the season, they also raced at Talladega Superspeedway? It could be slotted in between the next four races, of which three are at the cookie-cutter 1.5-mile ovals.

The point here is to create an air of unpredictability in the results on any given weekend. After only two weeks of the 2021 season, NASCAR has two first-time winners, and as a result, a whole range of new title contenders.

This is good for NASCAR from every point of view, and needs to be explored further. The possibilities are endless, and could result in the sport finally being able to build and maintain a stable audience.

At least this way, there is an even balance of wildcard races and mile-and-a-half tracks, which could also help NASCAR from a ratings standpoint. One example of this is the viewership of four million people that tuned into the Daytona road course race.

Over the weekend, our No. 34 team had the opportunity to visit the @MotorsportsHOF and see @Mc_Driver’s #Daytona500 winning No. 34 @LovesTravelStop Ford Mustang, which sits proudly on display.If you’re in the @DAYTONA area, we encourage you to check it out! pic.twitter.com/lmaVlHVYns

— Front Row Motorsports (@Team_FRM) February 22, 2021

What can NASCAR do?

NASCAR needs to make good use of this momentum, but the Homestead-Miami Speedway just doesn't seem like the place to do it. Instead, a possible thriller at the Talladega Superspeedway, where the whole field has a chance to win, would serve up a lot more excitement and keep the viewership numbers on an upward trend.

The idea driving these changes is that there would be an equal number of opportunities for the established teams and the lower-funded operations. It will also create a more level field between veterans and less-experienced drivers, making for a very interesting dynamic to watch unfold.

Keep in mind that Christopher Bell just won his first Cup Series race at Daytona. Michael McDowell, Austin Dillion, Cole Custer, and Ryan Preece all sit within the top 16 at the moment. This is best for business. It is also more entertaining than previous schedules; but needs to be given a few finishing touches.

Whether that finishing touch is NASCAR dedicating a whole month to Saturday night short track racing, a few more dirt track races, or more road courses, they need to find a way to mix up the schedule.

Finally, they would need to create a schedule that allows the entire field a chance at getting to victory lane, something which is severely diminished at mile-and-a-half tracks. While purists might frown at that, seeing it as manufactured excitement, if it serves to drive up fan interest, it's the only logical step for NASCAR.