NASCAR fans, get ready for an action-packed year as the 2024 schedule brings some thrilling changes to the racing world. From new tracks to different race dates, NASCAR is constantly evolving to provide an exciting and dynamic experience for its loyal fan base. Let’s take a closer look at the key changes that will shape the upcoming season.
New Season Opener at L.A. Memorial Coliseum
The 2024 NASCAR season will kick off with a pre-season exhibition race at the iconic L.A. Memorial Coliseum, maintaining the tradition for the third consecutive year. Set to take place on February 4th at 8pm EST, this event will feature not only the Cup Series race but also the NASCAR Mexico Series. It promises to be a thrilling start to the year, showcasing the best of NASCAR racing.
Beyond the highly anticipated Daytona 500, the schedule for 2024 brings some notable changes. The first race following Daytona will be held at Atlanta Motor Speedway, marking the beginning of two consecutive drafting tracks. However, one track that will no longer feature on the schedule is the Auto Club Speedway. As previously announced, the Bristol Dirt race has been replaced, and the spring race will now take place on concrete. Additionally, Texas Motor Speedway has been removed from the playoffs, making way for a different ninth race of the season on April 14th.
Excitement builds as two new tracks join the NASCAR schedule in 2024. North Wilkesboro Speedway, which hosted the All-Star Race last year, will undergo a repaving before being showcased once again on May 19th. This race is eagerly anticipated by fans as it brings back the nostalgia of a celebrated track. Another noteworthy addition is the Iowa Speedway, which will host the first Cup Series race in the state since 1953 on June 16th. Both tracks will provide unique challenges and exhilarating racing experiences.
NASCAR fans will be delighted to see the return of the Chicago Street Course for the second consecutive year, scheduled to take place on July 7th. This challenging urban track proved to be a hit with drivers and spectators alike, providing edge-of-your-seat action. Furthermore, the highly anticipated return to the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval will mark the final race before the summer break on July 21st. This race is expected to be a grand spectacle, leaving fans hungry for more as they eagerly await the second half of the season.
One of the most significant changes in the upcoming season is the relocation of the regular season finale. Previously held at Daytona International Speedway, the regular season finale will now be the Southern 500 at Darlington. Taking place on September 1st, this race adds a new level of excitement as it concludes the regular season. NASCAR fans can still enjoy the thrill of Daytona, with the race moving to the week before the Southern 500.
The playoffs also undergo some changes. Atlanta joins Talladega as a drafting track in the opening round, and Watkins Glen International becomes the second road course in the playoffs, joining the Charlotte Roval for the first time. Kansas Speedway takes Texas’ place as the opening race of the Round of 12, while the final six races of the season remain unchanged. The Championship 4 finale will be held at Phoenix Raceway on November 10th, continuing the tradition since 2020.
As Ben Kennedy, NASCAR Senior Vice President of Racing Development and Strategy, stated, “NASCAR is committed to delivering an annual schedule that continues to be bold and dynamic across all three national series while maintaining the famed destinations that our fans love.” The 2024 schedule certainly upholds this commitment, with new tracks, exciting changes, and thrilling racing experiences awaiting fans throughout the season. Get ready for an exhilarating year of NASCAR action like never before!
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