NASCAR should take the Busch Series "Trans-Am" racing

Much has been written about where NASCAR should take the Busch Series starting in 2008. Brian France has been looking for a new sponsor for the second most popular racing series in North America, as Anheuser-Busch will not be back after this year.

There has been some speculation that NASCAR is interested in using the "pony" car bodies as a basis for its redesigned Busch Series in 2008 or 2009.  Ford has had their Mustang in their lineup since 1964.  Chevrolet is set to re-introduce the Camaro in 2009 and Chrysler has had plans for a new Dodge Challenger to debut in 2008 or 2009. A Car of Tomorrow-like version of these and Toyota could resurrect a new version of the Celica GT and all the major players are represented.

With the success of the road course races this year, it seems a natural then to make the NASCAR (insert title sponsor here) Trans-Am Series a true Trans-American road racing/short oval series.  Andy Petree said he loved road racing on the ESPN broadcast after the race at The Glen.  Success has been seen at Montreal, so add Vancouver and Toronto can be served by Mosport International Raceway's historic road course or new 1/2 mile oval.  While north of the border add the current Canadian Tire Series stop at Cayuga Speedway Park's 5/8 mile oval.

Mexico City stays in the lineup along with Sprint Cup companion events at Infineon and Watkins Glen.  And seeing as NASCAR is all about hitting new markets; add Lime Rock Park.  The Busch East Series already runs there. Road America makes perfect sense after the series makes its annual stop in Indianapolis on the oval at Raceway Park, then take Elliott Sadler's recommendation and run on the road course at the Speedway.

The Trans-Am could run the infield at Daytona during Speedweeks and Michigan is talking about reviving their road course.

Hmmmm.  There are limitless possibilities. 

I'd like to here more suggestions for the 1 mile and under oval, and road course series?

Hey NASCAR--ya listening?

photos: classicdriver.de (mustang)  vorshlag.com (Challenger)

spelling:  4ever3 (thanks)

Comments

[vroom]

Most important is that the new BGN must have a distinct flavor of its own!

[Matt]

One mile and under tracks:
Myrtle Beach Speedway (we can dream right?), Iowa, Irwindale, Mansfield (double header w/ the trucks).

[marc]

For once I agree with you Steve, although I wouldn't recommend it being so road course-centric.

You run the risk of alienating "traditional" fans. I would go with about 5 road courses, the Glen, Infineon, Road America, Montreal and a street course somewhere, possibly Las Vegas or Edmonton.

The new Pony Cars are the way to go, period.

To "bring in a younger crowd" some of the events can be held in conjunction with Formula D events. Kasey Kahne and a few other NASCAR drivers have already made appearances in the FD series with good success.

[Bob (aka 4ever3)]

That's Cayuga BTW.

I agree with Marc, and Road America is nice addition, but instead of Edmonton they could run Toronto during the Molson Indy weekend.

[Charlie]

I vote for the fast half mile at Toledo Speedway.