For the first time since 1956, the spring race at the only remaining NASCAR circuit from the 1949 calendar, Martinsville, will be a 400-lap race instead of the usual 500 laps.

This move of shortening the race is seen as NASCAR adapting to the modern demands of the sport.

Journalist Bob Pockrass wrote, “Martinsville spring night race will be 400 laps instead of 500. Stages 80-100-220. Accommodates fact it is a night race. The fall playoff elimination race is still 500 laps. Only scheduled 400-lap Cup race in Martinsville history was in 1956.” 

But the fans didn’t quite welcome this news about one of NASCAR’s more traditional circuits being bent down and altered in the name of modernity.

Fans react to a shortened Martinsville

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As part of the intensive testing for the Next Gen car, the next circuit in line was the Phoenix Raceway, where drivers and teams ran around the track in order to get more up to speed with the car.

And John Probst, NASCAR’s senior vice president of innovation and racing development, described the testing so far to be “really positive.” “There have been no real mechanical issues with the car and the driver feedback has been pretty good. From that perspective, I feel we’ve made really good progress,” Probst said.

He admitted that until the green flag comes out, the true picture won’t come into focus despite the negatives showing signs of promise. “Right now we’re really happy but we’re also prepared to monitor how the season starts,” he added.

“Right now, all indications are pretty good, it’s just experience tells us to be cautiously optimistic.”

NASCAR is certainly taking a big leap of faith with the Next Gen cars. But the small or rather understated elements of the mix like this recent Martinsville one could also play a big role in making or breaking their ambitious objectives for the future.

Now, it’s true that all these moves, big and small, have attracted a considerable amount of criticism.

And perhaps this situation could be summed up with one dialogue from La La Land considering where the Busch Clash will be – “How are you gonna be a revolutionary if you’re such a traditionalist?” 

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