My 2007 Schedule for the Chase

By Mark Young

I read yesterday about the 2007 schedule that NASCAR released and as expected there were no surprises.  No major changes to it at all and no additions or deletions either.  I have given the schedule, the final ten races in particular, some thought and have decided that if the Chase for the cup is supposed to be so special and create so much drama that there should be some changes to the schedule.  Check out how I would run NASCAR for the last ten races and let me know what you think.

First thing I should say is that I didn't take seasonal climate or logistics into consideration here, I just think these are the tracks that should host a Chase race.  I am also limiting my schedule to tracks currently on the NEXTEL Cup schedule.  There would be others that have since gone by that I would put on but alas, money has pushed them out of the way.

1. Darlington - This track is a driver's track and deserves to be a part of the final ten races.  I would also make sure that it was held in the daytime and not at night so the track would change more with the sunlight or lack thereof.

2. Loudon - Though I personally don't care for this place very much I do think it is a challenge because it is flat.  Leave it in the Chase for sure.

3. Dover - The Monster Mile is so much different than other tracks that based on that fact alone it should be a Chase hosting venue.  Plus when wrecks happen it tends to gather other folks into it creating more drama.

4. Martinsville - Short tracks rule in my book and Martinsville is so different than other tracks this just makes sense.

5. Charlotte - Everyone else can call it Lowe's but to me it is still Charlotte.  The home track for NASCAR and the changes the track goes through during a race is a test for the teams to stay on top of it.

6. Homestead - The face lift this track has undergone make for some great racing and deserves a spot in the Chase.

7. Bristol (night race) - Now granted the night race just before the Chase starts creates drama but man think of how it could shake things up in the Chase.

8. Infineon - Reluctantly I put this one in here but if you are going to have road races on the schedule one of them should be in the Chase.

9. Atlanta - Great track, great racing, and great finishes put this one as a must in the Chase.

10. Daytona (night race) - We start the season in Daytona, we should finish the season in Daytona.  Plus there has to be a plate race in the Chase.

Well there you have it my friends, my final ten races for the Chase for the NEXTEL Cup, I am sure you all have your own thoughts on how it should be, let me know what you think.