It is certainly a matter of subjectivity, but the two-mile tracks may be among the best NASCAR offers.
(Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
The radiuses of the corners at Michigan International Speedway and Auto Club Speedway compared to the track length most often contribute to two- and three-abreast racing. Those multiple grooves mean drivers have an opportunity to move around and find the line that works best for them.
The balance of maneuverability and speed seems to be replicated on the similarly shaped, three-fourths-mile oval of Richmond International Raceway, so that short track can also be used as a comparative.
Qualification is important—but not prohibitively so. Poor track position can be overcome if a driver has a superior car. Given the length of the race, strategy often plays an important role, but the speeds obtained on this speedway type means that pitting is going to cost a lap, so one must be careful.
These traits are going to be even more important with the addition of segments. There are now three opportunities per race to be in the top 10 when points are on the line. And since no one truly knows how big a factor each individual segment bonus point is going to matter, it is a wild card that cannot be ignored.
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