Preparing for the 2023 NASCAR Season

Revving Up for Change: What’s New for the 2023 NASCAR Season

As we approach the start of the 2023 NASCAR season, racing enthusiasts around the world are eagerly anticipating the changes that are in store for the sport. From the driver lineup to the schedule, and even possible rule changes, there are many updates to look forward to this year.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the various changes that NASCAR has announced and speculate about what these changes might mean for the upcoming season. Whether you are a die-hard NASCAR fan or just a casual observer, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about the upcoming changes.

II. Driver Changes

One of the biggest changes for the 2023 NASCAR season is the driver lineup. There are a number of driver/team swaps, as well as several rookie driver promotions to look out for.

Notable moves include Ryan Preece, who will be driving for Stewart Haas Racing, and Noah Gragson, who has moved to Petty GMS Motorsports. Ty Gibbs, the 2021 Xfinity Series champion, has made the move up to Joe Gibbs Racing in the Cup Series, while Ty Dillon will be driving for Spire Motorsports.

Another significant change is the addition of Jimmie Johnson, who will be driving for Petty GMS Motorsports after spending last year in the IndyCar Series. With all of these changes, it will be interesting to see how each driver performs in their new team and car, and how they will adapt to the challenges of the 2023 season.

III. Schedule Changes

The 2023 NASCAR season will also see a number of changes to the race schedule. One of the most exciting changes is the addition of a new street course race in Chicago, which will be the first-ever NASCAR street course race. The race will take place over the July 4th weekend and will be a double-header weekend with IMSA.

The 2.2-mile circuit is laid out along the shore of Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago and incorporates iconic downtown scenes such as Michigan Avenue, Lake Shore Drive, Grant Park and the Buckingham Fountain. This race is sure to bring a lot of excitement and challenges to the drivers as they navigate through the city streets.

The return to North Wilkesboro will be celebrated with five days of racing, including smaller racing series and concerts. This is sure to be a memorable event for NASCAR fans and will bring a sense of nostalgia to the sport.

Other schedule changes include the return of the pre-season exhibition Busch Light Clash at the LA Coliseum, and the spring Bristol Dirt Race for a third consecutive season. The Chicago Street Course race in July has replaced the Road America event.

The 10-race Chase for the Cup playoffs remains unchanged with the same 10-track lineup, in the same order, and with the championship-crowning race again being held at Phoenix. Overall, the 2023 schedule promises to be a thrilling ride for fans and drivers alike.

IV. Street Course Race in Chicago

The new street course race in Chicago is one of the most exciting changes to the 2023 NASCAR season. The circuit is laid out along the shore of Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago and incorporates iconic downtown scenes such as Michigan Avenue, Lake Shore Drive, Grant Park, and the Buckingham Fountain. The course will be 2.2 miles long with 12 turns, providing a unique challenge for drivers and promising an action-packed race for fans.

One of the main advantages of the Chicago Street Course is its location. The race will be held in the heart of one of the United States’ most vibrant and exciting cities, making it easily accessible to fans and spectators. Additionally, the course is located near many of Chicago’s top attractions, providing fans with the opportunity to combine their love for racing with a city break.

The Chicago Street Course is part of a double-header weekend with IMSA, which will race on the same course on the preceding day. The hope is that the new street course will provide plenty of passing opportunities, with a number of straightaways designed to promote high-speed action. The race length in terms of laps and stage breaks has yet to be announced, but this new race is sure to be a thrilling addition to the NASCAR schedule.

V. Wet Weather Package for Short Tracks

NASCAR is reportedly considering the introduction of a wet weather package for the 2023 season. The package would include rain tires for some short oval tracks, such as the LA Coliseum, Martinsville, New Hampshire, North Wilkesboro, Phoenix, and Richmond. The package would also include a windshield wiper, flaps behind the wheels, and rain lights on the back of the car, and, of course, the Goodyear rain tires.

The introduction of a wet weather package for short tracks would help mitigate rain delays at races and keep the racing action continuous. If employed, it could also produce another wrinkle of strategy to what is already a strategy-filled racing series. NASCAR is yet to make an official announcement regarding the wet weather package for 2023, but it has been widely speculated over the past year due to multiple recent races being affected by rain and adverse weather.

If NASCAR introduces this package, it will provide another dimension to the sport, with drivers having to adjust their racing techniques to adapt to wet weather conditions. Additionally, the wet weather package would offer new opportunities for drivers who excel in wet weather racing, and could help boost viewership and excitement for the sport.

VI. Possible Rule Changes

There have been several rumored and speculated rule changes that may be implemented by NASCAR in the 2023 season. One of the most talked-about changes is the possible elimination of caution flags at stage breaks. While stage racing has been a hot topic for several seasons, there is a growing push to, at the very least, eliminate the caution flags associated with them.

Under this proposal, NASCAR would still recognize the stage milestones during the race and award the stage points to the specific drivers earning points per usual. However, the sanctioning body would keep the racing action continuous and eliminate the caution laps. Fans have argued that the caution flags kill the flow, momentum, and excitement of the race, and this change could improve the racing action and provide a more enjoyable viewing experience.

Another possible change is the revamping of the structure of the typical race weekend. NASCAR has been employing limited practice and shorter qualifying sessions in recent seasons, but if NASCAR shortens their races through the elimination of unnecessary caution flags, it could be that the sanctioning body would welcome back more practice laps and separate, if not expanded, qualifying formats.

Shortening race distances has been a non-starter for years, but the elimination of stage cautions could allow NASCAR to return to a more historical weekend schedule that includes longer format practice and qualifying. This is something to keep an eye on as the rule changes evolve going forward.

There has also been some talk about more oval track racing and less road course/street course racing. Historically, NASCAR included two road course events in the 36-race calendar, which were held at Sonoma and Watkins Glen. However, in recent years, NASCAR has expanded the road racing to a 6-to-7 event schedule, and some of the oval track racing has been sacrificed.

Critics have now claimed that the road racing is “oversaturated” and doesn’t hold the same special feel as in the past with just two events. Moreover, the Cup Series has sacrificed ovals like Indianapolis, the second Charlotte race, Chicago, Kentucky, and the second Michigan race to make way for the expanded road racing calendar. Although the 2023 calendar is already set, there might be some changes announced in the coming year that could affect the 2024 calendar and beyond.

Finally, there is the possibility of a new track for the championship race. NASCAR is locked in with Phoenix Raceway as the host venue for the upcoming season’s championship event, but the 2024 schedule and beyond are still up in the air. In order to keep the racing fresh and with the idea of mixing things up, NASCAR may opt to move the championship race in 2024.

Some ideas that have been floated include Bristol Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, or Homestead-Miami Speedway. However, before entertaining a move to a short track for the championship race, NASCAR would need to consider an overhaul to the short track package on the Next-Gen car. That could produce yet another possible rules change in the future.

VII. New All-Star Race Location

The All-Star Race is an exciting exhibition event that has been held in different locations throughout its history. For the 2023 NASCAR season, the All-Star Race will return to North Carolina, but with a new venue. The race will now be held at the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway, which has recently undergone extensive renovation and rehabilitation.

NASCAR’s decision to hold the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway is particularly significant, as it is one of the sport’s original tracks. With NASCAR celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2023, it seems fitting to place this exciting exhibition race at such a historic venue. The return to North Wilkesboro will be celebrated with a week-long event featuring smaller racing series such as CRA Super Late Models and CARS Late Model Stock Tour, which will open the racing action for the week.

NASCAR hasn’t raced at North Wilkesboro since 1996, so it will be a triumphant return for the sport. Additionally, the All-Star Race will be followed by a Camping World Truck Series and Cup Series later in the weekend. Fans can look forward to Friday night and Saturday night concerts to add to the All-Star experience.

The decision to move the All-Star Race to North Wilkesboro Speedway reflects NASCAR’s commitment to mixing things up and keeping the racing fresh. With the Next-Gen car being a hot button topic over the last year due to lack of passing, NASCAR may consider an overhaul to the short track package on the Next-Gen car before entertaining a move to a short track for the championship race. This could produce yet another possible rule change in the future.

VIII. New Title Sponsor for the Truck Series

NASCAR announced in August 2022 that it had entered into a new partnership with Stanley Black & Decker, with the Craftsman Tools brand set to replace Camping World as the title sponsor for the NASCAR Truck Series in the 2023 season.

This move marks the return of Craftsman as the naming rights sponsor for the Truck Series, after being the inaugural partner with the series when it began way back in 1995. As 2023 marks the 75th anniversary for NASCAR, it seems fitting that they’re returning to the original title sponsor for this division of the sport.

The new sponsorship agreement with Craftsman will bring a new level of excitement to the Truck Series in the upcoming season. As one of NASCAR’s most popular racing series, the Truck Series features up-and-coming drivers who are eager to make a name for themselves on the national stage. With Craftsman as its title sponsor, the Truck Series will be well-positioned to grow in popularity and continue to be a key part of NASCAR’s racing calendar for years to come.

IX. Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2023 NASCAR season is shaping up to be an exciting one with many changes in store for fans and drivers alike. The driver changes, including team swaps and rookie driver promotions, will add new talent to the field and create a more competitive racing environment. The schedule changes, including the new street course race in Chicago and the move of the All-Star Race to the North Wilkesboro Speedway, will offer new challenges for drivers and provide fans with unique experiences at some of the sport’s most iconic venues.

The possible addition of a wet weather package with rain tires for some short ovals and the rumored rule changes are further indications of NASCAR’s commitment to evolving and improving the sport for both drivers and fans. With Craftsman replacing Camping World as the title sponsor for the Truck Series, the upcoming season will be filled with fresh energy and excitement.

Overall, we can’t wait to see what the 2023 NASCAR season has in store. The changes and developments set to take place promise to make it one of the most thrilling seasons yet. It’s going to be an exciting ride for NASCAR fans and we’re looking forward to seeing how it all plays out on the track.

Note: ChatGPT helped me structure this article, I typically ask ChatGPT to help me write a blog post outline then I take the reigns from there