The debate over the ideal number of road course races in the NASCAR Cup Series schedule remains a hot topic, especially as the sport balances tradition with evolving fan interests. While seasoned veterans like Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski argue that six road course events per season are excessive, 2023 Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney offers a contrasting viewpoint, believing that six road course races are appropriate and add valuable diversity to the schedule. Blaney emphasizes the unique challenge these races present and welcomes the variety they bring to the 36-race calendar.
Ryan Blaney, known as an average road course competitor with one win in nearly 40 starts, expressed ahead of the Sonoma Raceway event that maintaining six road course races feels right to him, though he is comfortable with a slight increase or decrease in the number. He appreciates the differing demands of circuits like street courses and traditional road tracks, finding the challenge rewarding regardless of the final count.
We do six (races) now I think; that’s a fine number to me. Whether you go four or six or seven, I don’t really have a huge preference…I’m not the best at them but I enjoy the challenge of doing something different, whether it’s like a street course or here (Sonoma)… But if it goes down or up, it’s really not going to change the way I look at it.
—Ryan Blaney, Frontstretch Plus on YouTube
Blaney’s stance contrasts with several NASCAR veterans who have voiced concerns that a schedule with too many road courses diminishes the traditional appeal of stock car racing, mostly rooted in oval tracks. However, Blaney’s enthusiasm for road courses is shared by Hendrick Motorsports teammate Alex Bowman, regarded as one of the Chevy garage’s leading road racers. Bowman acknowledges the shift in fan sentiment over the past decade, noting that calls for more road courses have given way to opinions that now suggest there may be too many. He supports maintaining the current range of five to six races per season, influenced partly by his personal success on these types of tracks.
Ten years ago, they wanted more road courses. Now, we have too many. So, I think five or six is probably a good number but there’s also people way smarter than me making that decision… Selfishly, we typically run pretty well at the road courses, so I like them.
—Alex Bowman
Blaney Highlights Chicago as the Most Challenging Road Course
During a podcast appearance following the Chicago race, Ryan Blaney elaborated on what makes certain road courses particularly difficult. He singled out the Chicago street circuit as the toughest road course on the schedule, citing its rough surface and technical complexity as key challenges. Blaney mentioned that although he enjoys the variety these tracks provide, the street course demands both physical and mental endurance due to its unforgiving layout and narrow confines.
I enjoy it. I enjoy the challenge of it. I mean, it’s tough. I think, I think Chicago is the toughest road course we go to, just because, you know, it’s people always ask me, like, what’s challenging about I’m like, well, just, you know, the roads are rough.
—Ryan Blaney
He further described the roughness, sharp turns, and close racing action at Chicago as factors that make this event uniquely grueling. Drivers face tight corners with limited runoff areas, meaning mistakes can be costly. These elements contribute to making Chicago a physically demanding venue and one that requires heightened concentration from the competitors.
Everything’s super rough, trying to figure out the bumps, and it’s so narrow, like there’s nowhere to bail. Like, if you kind of get in the corner too hot, smoke it in there, and you get bouncing real hard on your blocks or something, or on the shock limiters. Like, there’s no gravel trap or grass to run off to… So, it’s, like, really mentally challenging for me.
—Ryan Blaney
Ongoing Negotiations Cast Uncertainty on Chicago’s NASCAR Future
Blaney’s comments come amid uncertainty about the future of the Chicago race, as NASCAR and the city must negotiate a new agreement following the expiration of the current deal after the most recent event. The physical and mental demands described by Blaney underscore the uniqueness of the race and its value within the broader NASCAR schedule. How the discussions progress will determine whether this challenging street course remains part of the calendar or if alternatives will be explored.
The inclusion of six road course races in the schedule represents a significant shift from NASCAR’s earlier focus on oval tracks, reflecting changing fan interests and the sport’s evolution. Blaney’s endorsement of the current number signifies support for maintaining a diverse schedule that tests drivers’ versatility and appeals to a broader audience. Meanwhile, input from veterans advocating fewer road courses reflects a balancing act between honoring tradition and innovating the sport.
As NASCAR continues navigating these differing perspectives, the voices of drivers like Ryan Blaney and Alex Bowman highlight the complexities involved in shaping a schedule that both challenges competitors and satisfies fans across various racing disciplines.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Ryan Blaney ever won Talladega?
A. Blaney came in eighth at the Charlotte Roval, which moved him to the Round of 12. He dramatically won the Talladega fall race, just barely beating Ryan Newman by 0.007 seconds. This victory pushed him forward to the Round of 8, even though he had a setback with an early spin onto pit road.
Q. Has Ryan Blaney won at Talladega?
A. Blaney narrowly clinched victory in the fall race at Talladega, finishing 0.007 seconds ahead of Ryan Newman. Despite an early spin onto pit road, this win moved him into the Round of 8.