NASCAR took precedence over the Tokyo Olympics. The Games put NASCAR on a two-week hold, giving drivers time to take a much-needed break or ruining the momentum they’ve built. The always outspoken Kyle Busch recently shared his thoughts on free time.
NASCAR on hold as TV takes control
For NASCAR fans, the two weeks without a race can be tough. As we know in the sports world, it’s the television that decides everything, and that’s why there is no more NASCAR coverage until August 8.
NBC covers NASCAR, but also owns the television rights to the Summer Games. With the Olympics packed in a few weeks, the network is putting all of its resources into the Games and the world of motorsport is shut down during that time.
There are four weeks left before the end of the regular season. The race resumes with consecutive road runs at Watkins Glen on August 8, followed by a race on August 15 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
With four races remaining before the playoffs and only three playoff spots remaining in the NASCAR Cup Series, things will be interesting in August.
Kyle Busch gives his opinion on the break
There are pros and cons of stopping the season for a few weeks. Drivers have the opportunity to catch their breath after the chore week after week. Momentum, however, can be lost for both pilots and fans. Aric Almirola scored a shocking victory in the final race of the Cup Series, taking the victory in New Hampshire. His victory quickly changed his season and made things interesting in the playoff race. Now everything is put on hold.
Bush recently gave his opinion on what the break means to him.
“Having a week off is good,” Busch said, according to NBC Sports. “I think it’s time for us, a good summer break anyway so we can go out and do things in the summer that you usually always have to wait for the winter. Can’t tell you how many winter vacations I’ve had and places I’ve been in December, January compared to being able to go somewhere far in July.
Busch is one of 13 drivers already in the playoffs, so it might be easier to take a break knowing there is life after the regular season.
Kyle Busch isn’t the only driver in favor of the long break
Kevin Harvick, who has not won a Cup Series race this year, said he welcomes the time off. He believed that having a summer vacation is more beneficial for everyone involved than having a vacation early in the season.
“I would rather have a summer break and not have all the breaks at the start of the year,” he said. “I would withdraw it from the start because everyone is fresh and full of energy
“I think having that two week break really allows these guys in the store and on the road to really get two weeks off that they can schedule. This is something very important for the families of these people.
Martin Truex, who has won three wins this year, is alongside Busch and Harvick. He didn’t have any big plans for free time other than to relax.
“Cold, fish, whatever,” Truex said. “Just hang out.”
For now, it’s gymnastics, water polo and whatever your favorite Olympic sport is. NASCAR fans just have to wait another week.
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