NASCAR and 4 Majors: What Races Are NASCAR's Majors?

Jul 28, 2010
Todd Jacobs

The LVMS Could Become 4th Major in NASCAR. - photo by: Rik

NASCAR needs to spice things up. Looking at the empty seats for the Brickyard 400 was disheartening. Is it the economy or NASCAR's failure to market Indy?

NASCAR needs to get out the jumper cables and jump start a new marketing idea. Jamie McMurray captured the trophies for the two most prestigious races on the 2010 NASCAR schedule. Winning the Brickyard 400 this Sunday July, 25th 2010 and winning the Daytona 500 in February, McMurray proved that he can show up for the big races

The word "major" was spoken more than once by broadcasters and the idea should be explored. Kyle Petty called McMurray, "Majors McMurray," which has led to talk of a NASCAR Majors similar to golf. NASCAR could name four Majors, much like golf and find a sponsor to kick in 3-5 million dollars for anyone, team or driver, that wins all four events.

Another addition to the NASCAR Majors could be a separate points system for the four Majors and the winner could be awarded an additional million dollars if they win the points but fail to win all four Majors. This would create more interest for the last Major.

What Races Could be the Four Majors of NASCAR

The question would then become which races could become NASCAR Majors? The first obvious choice is the Daytona 500. After the Daytona 500, which other events could make up the four majors. The Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway is perfect for the second major.

The race is in May and is spaced perfectly between the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400, which would be the third major. The fourth major doesn't exist yet but it can be created. The following is how a NASCAR Majors system could work.

The Daytona 500 Would be the First Major and Could Lead

The first race of the year, the Daytona 500 is much like The Masters in golf. The Daytona 500 is a race that every team prepares for months in advance. It is appropriately labeled, the Super Bowl of NASCAR and is the most watched race of the year.

Teams already put all their resources towards this race and why not reward them with some added prestige and of course money. The Daytona 500 winner would be the man to beat when NASCAR makes their way to the next race also.

NASCAR's Southern 500 at Darlington is a Driver and Fan Favorite

The Lady in Black is a perfect Major for the second Major in NASCAR. All the drivers want to win the Southern 500 at Darlington and the track enjoys a love hate relationship with the drivers. The Southern 500 would be most like the British Open in golf. The track isn't perfect but the drivers love the challenge.

Brickyard 400 Showcases NASCAR on the track known as the Birthplace of Speed

The history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Birthplace of Speed, is perfect for NASCAR and their third Major. Indianapolis Motor Speedway holds special meaning for all the NASCAR drivers but especially those that have risen through the ranks of open wheel racing. Every driver loves to race on the challenging oval and it is a perfect test of man and machine. All the drivers also want to take their picture kissing the bricks after a Brickyard 400 victory.

4th Major Does Not Exist Yet but Can be Created with One Tweak to Schedule

The fourth NASCAR Major would be the final race of the NASCAR season and would be held in Las Vegas. The drivers love to bring their families to Las Vegas and if NASCAR gives Las Vegas Motor Speedway a second race it should be the final race of the season.

NASCAR held their end of the year awards ceremony in Las Vegas last year instead of New York and it was a rousing success. From that moment on, Bruton Smith has been politicking for the year end race. Las Vegas would make sense for a year end grand finale and the conclusion as the fourth NASCAR Major.