Major changes were expected when NASCAR unveiled its 2020 Cup Series schedule earlier this week. The shakeups _ the sanctioning body's first in many years _ were substantial, but still not as transformative as some fans would have liked.
Of course, you just can't please everyone.
Because of its current contracts, NASCAR can't actually change which tracks it goes to _ or doesn't _ until the 2021 season. Those changes can come after new negotiations with track operators Speedway Motorsports Inc. and International Speedway Corp. It's feasible then that NASCAR looks to scrub certain tracks off the schedule entirely while adding new ones to fill those voids.
Anyone expecting those huge sweeping changes would have been disappointed by Tuesday's release, but that's missing the point. NASCAR should be applauded for taking such bold steps to improve its product. Toying with rules packages and aerodynamics is one way to improve the racing; changing the stakes at certain venues is another.
That isn't to say every change was perfect. Some of the new moves, ones that bucked tradition especially, will go over poorly with fans. Again, you can't please everyone.
Instead of trying to convince you the new schedule is all good or all bad _ it's neither _ let's break down a bit of both.
