Source: Matt Weaver at Autoweek.com/Jayski.com
If all goes according to plan, the NASCAR Cup Series will resume its 2020 season on May 17 at Darlington Raceway, contesting a new look makeshift schedule primarily in the southeast amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Due to the pandemic, and the a limited number of states close to the race shops in Charlotte, North Carolina with loosened restrictions, the first six races back will take place in the Carolinas and Virginias without fans in attendance.
Autoweek obtained a copy of this schedule disseminated to teams this week.
- Sunday May 17 | Darlington 400
- Wednesday May 20 | Darlington 310
- Sunday May 24 | Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte
- Wednesday May 27 | Charlotte 310
- Sunday May 31 | Martinsville
- Wednesday June 3 | Bristol
- Sunday June 7 | Atlanta
- Sunday June 14 | Miami
It was also important for NASCAR to contest four consecutive races with the 550 HP, high downforce package, since teams had a surplus of these cars prepared for races at Atlanta, Homestead and Texas prior to the shutdown.
It remains unclear where the Xfinity Series and Gander Truck Series fits into the current plans.
Rumors have NASCAR making at least a preliminary announcement regarding plans by the end of the week.
Some of the speculation/expectations:
People at the track will be limited. No fans. Races will be one day shows. There may not be live pit stops and over the wall crew will be cut down. Practice sessions are not likely early on. Teams would be expected to show up, take the cars through inspection, drivers would qualify, cars would be impound.