USA Today via Reuters
May 16, 2021; Dover, Delaware, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Alex Bowman (48) leads the field on a late restart during the Drydene 400 at Dover International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
May 16, 2021; Dover, Delaware, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Alex Bowman (48) leads the field on a late restart during the Drydene 400 at Dover International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Since July 23rd, the 2021 Summer Olympic Games have dominated the TV screens. As a result, several other major sporting series have gone on hiatus or a summer break. This includes NASCAR as well, because nothing can stand up to the might of the Olympics. The Summer Olympics is arguably one of the biggest sporting events, ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
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Given its global status, it would be foolish for other sports to compete against it, coverage-wise. Several media channels pay millions to air the games globally, so NASCAR can hardly compete against it. From a marketing perspective, it makes more sense for a summer break than trying to compete against a global sporting event.
I'm fine w/these 2 wks off. TV partner pays big $$ to air races & wanted these two wks off b/c obviously channel availability limited/scarce during Olympics. Better for NASCAR to be off than try to squeeze race in on a channel (& what if rain) while also going up against Olympics https://t.co/ehJ45zbx9e
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 26, 2021
Besides, the drivers will also be glad to have a break in the middle of the season. For some like Kevin Harvick, it gives him time to spend with his family and also monitor his son’s racing progress. For other drivers, it helps them recharge their batteries for a final assault for the remaining playoff positions.
When will NASCAR resume?
According to the schedule, the next Cup, Truck, and Xfinity race will be at the Watkins Glen International circuit. Those races will kick off on August 7 and 8. For the moment, nobody knows who will be on pole position and how the Cup, Xfinity, and Truck grid will line up.
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 13, 2021; Fort Worth, TX, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) and driver Kyle Busch (18) and driver Christopher Bell (20) and driver Cole Custer (41) and driver Chase Elliott (9) lead the field at the start of the NASCAR All-Star Race at Texas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
One thing is for sure, everyone will be hotly contesting these next few races, especially because the playoffs are just around the corner and it is closer for some than others. Additionally, this break was welcomed with open arms because the NASCAR drivers will have 14 consecutive weeks of racing. Obviously, this will put a lot of strain on drivers and teams, and the break could be the key to stopping them from burning out.
READ MORE: Kevin Harvick Declares Fellow NASCAR Champ Kyle Busch as the Best Cup Series Driver Currently
