🚦 From Two to Six: NASCAR’s Road Course Explosion

Once, NASCAR Cup Series fans only saw two road-course races each season—Sonoma Raceway and Watkins Glen. That double-header schedule persisted for nearly three decades, until the Charlotte “Roval” was added in 2018. A seismic shift came in 2021, when NASCAR suddenly jumped from two to seven road-course events—including COTA, Road America, Indianapolis, and the Chicago street race. Since then, the schedule has normalized around six road-course dates annually—tailored for variety and global fan appeal  .

🏁 Which Tracks Make the Cut?

Currently, the Cup Series hits six road-course venues:

Sonoma Raceway Watkins Glen International Circuit of The Americas (Austin) Charlotte Motor Speedway “Roval” Chicago Street Course (Grant Park) Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez (Mexico City) 

These races make up roughly 16% of the 36-race Cup schedule  .

🧭 Supporters vs. Traditionalists

🔹 The Road-Course Advocates

Youth and international appeal: NASCAR leaders, led by Ben Kennedy, view road courses as a way to capture new demographics and expand globally  . Variety on track: These venues catalyze intense, strategic racing and shake up the usual left-turn rhythm—seen in thrilling street-action like Chicago’s and COTA’s tactical demands  . New champions emerge: Road races have helped “ringers” and cross-series athletes (e.g., Shane van Gisbergen) shine—upending oval trends  .

🔸 The Traditionalists Push Back

Brad Keselowski argues that “NASCAR was built as a primarily oval series” and six races is “too many,” claiming oval events still deliver stronger ratings and attendance  . Dale Earnhardt Jr. also expressed discontent with the number of road-course races but admitted little can be done  . Fans on Reddit are split—some feel six or seven road races are okay if spaced out; others long for four or less, suggesting that overexposure could dilute excitement  .

“Six spaced out evenly over the course of the season could be palatable…” 

“Fix the car, don’t take steps backwards and get rid of road courses. 80% ovals is more than enough…” 

📊 What the Data Reveal

In 2021, NASCAR peaked with seven road-course races, followed by six in 2022 and 2023  . Critics point out some road races struggle with pass competitiveness; five of the six lowest-lead-change races were on road courses  . At major ovals like Talladega, races often exceed 70+ lead changes, highlighting a contrast in on-track dynamics  .

🧬 What Lies Ahead?

NASCAR is reportedly exploring a seventh road-course date in 2026, possibly a San Diego street race  . Upcoming schedule decisions will likely hinge on fan reaction, TV metrics, attendance data, and feedback from drivers and teams.

🎯 Final Take: Balancing Act

NASCAR’s road-course expansion marks a bold shift from its oval roots. Advocates praise the fresh challenges, new-faced winners, and global reach. Traditionalists, however, miss the heart of NASCAR—high-speed oval battles, packed stands, and pure left-turn strategy.

As it stands, six road-course outings offer a diverse calendar—but whether that’s too much or just right depends on who you ask. The 2026 schedule may be the next crucial barometer: will NASCAR dial back, stick firm, or keep getting more twisty?