This space is usually dedicated to looking back at a previous Cup race, but since Kentucky is hosting its first Sprint Cup race this season I’m going to do something different. Even though it is only July there is no reason why we can’t look ahead to next season especially since rumors of the 2012 schedule will begin in the next month. Today I’m going to identify six tweaks that, in my opinion, could improve the NASCAR schedule for next season.

Shorter Schedule: I believe this has to be one of the top things NASCAR can do to improve. Brian France has said they are looking at shorter races, but they should also look at a shorter schedule. 36 races is too much right now, and something like a 32 race schedule for Cup should get them out of the way of the NFL, which would be a big boost for TV ratings for Chase races. As for Nationwide and Trucks, 28 races for the Nationwide Series would be just right and expanding the truck schedule to 28 races would also be a good move.

Shorter Races: This should only apply to certain races as they are too long in their current state. Pocono is the first track I would move from 500 miles to 400 miles. 500 miles at Pocono is way too long, look at California where they went from 500 to 400 miles, and it was one of the best races there. I would also support moving Martinsville to 400 laps. I’ll leave the rest to NASCAR.

Two Races in One Day: This would be a very effective move that not only shortens race weekends, but also gives fans more for their money. On the weekends the Cup is racing at night, run the Nationwide race during the day. This will maximize value for fans with two races in one day and make weekends shorter for teams.

More Nationwide Stand Alone Events: The two races in one day is fine, but only certain races would be great for a doubleheader, so I say give the Nationwide Series more races by themselves. Restricting Cup drivers from winning the championship is one step in helping the series, but giving them more races at tracks that Cup don't race at would be another way to help the series grow.

Adding New/Old Tracks: Kentucky is a new track but other tracks could improve not just the Cup Schedule but also Camping World and Nationwide. Fans are tired of all these 1.5-mile tracks, so to that I would try out the short track Iowa, add a road course like Road America, or even Road Atlanta. Another idea would be to add Rockingham Raceway, who hasn't had a Cup race since 2004.

Chase Tweaks: It seems NASCAR has changed the Chase so much it’s tough to know how a champion will be determined. I am going to offer a change in the tracks and where to start the Chase. Chicago has to be the worst place to start the Chase unless NASCAR was counting on the NFL Lockout wiping out the Bears week one game, which is in Chicago at the same time as the Chicago race. You want a solution for the Chase, kick things off on Saturday night in Bristol, add a road course to the Chase, and end the season in Las Vegas.

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