Press Box: Schedule changes a way to boost NASCAR

Water beads up on a rim and tire during a rain delay a NASCAR race last season.
Water beads up on a rim and tire during a rain delay a NASCAR race last season.

The revamping of the points system headlined last offseason for NASCAR.

There was certainly some concern about the changes from many, including myself. It seemed to work fine for the most part. The dominant driver all season won the championship.

This offseason hasn't had as much buzz to it.

There's been some attention on Danica Patrick getting a ride for the Daytona 500, but there are more pressing topics as the season gets started.

The inspection process has been adjusted by getting rid of the lasers. Pit crews will be dwindled to five from six, meaning someone will have two jobs to do over the wall.

The change that has initiated conversation is the addition of the so called "roval" to the schedule. I suggest not using that term. Let's just stick to something like the Charlotte road course.

Anyway, it's a move that proves NASCAR is not afraid to manipulate the schedule. This is a topic that can create some heat between NASCAR and its fans, especially since a number of them plan annual trips to certain tracks during a certain time of the year.

But it's necessary to adjust the schedule to spice it up a bit from time to time.

Obviously there are races that won't be messed with: both Daytona races, the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend and Darlington on Labor Day weekend. Giving up those prime dates won't be in the interest of the tracks.

However, there are several options for NASCAR when it comes to scheduling.

Changing the playoffs is one of them, which NASCAR will roll out this season.

The Charlotte road course is an elimination race in the first round of the playoffs, creating even more intrigue to the event. Las Vegas added a second date, which kickstarts the playoffs.

Also, the Brickyard 400 was moved from late July to early September for the season finale, making it possible for cooler weather and adding more importance to the a marquee race.

These changes are just the beginning.

Playoff races can be moved around so more tacks can host an elimination race. Tracks that only host regular season events can shift to the playoffs to mix it up as well.

It appears NASCAR is headed in that direction. Kevin Harvick recently voiced his opinion about the schedule, saying he's a fan of the Charlotte road course but more changes need to be made so the schedule isn't "stale."

Adding more tracks to the schedule is another step.

Kentucky Speedway was added in 2011 after hosting Xfinity and Truck races for years. It became a hot ticket.

Iowa Speedway may be next on the list. But it depends on if the needed improvements will be made, including adding seats, parking and camping to handle the Cup Series. Just make sure to have it in the spring or fall instead of the summer like it is now.

Road America is another track that's been a candidate to be added to the Cup slate. It would mean more variety and it could replace a summer date held by Michigan or Pocono, both of which have two dates.

An easy way to make a track a more desirable destination for fans is to change the date. NASCAR is doing this more and more. And it doesn't appear it'll stop any time soon, which could be a big boost for the sport.