Evergreen is certainly a superior race track, but I was trying to minimize the number of tracks in need of significant improvements.

As for Richmond, the way this schedule is formatted makes it easy to swap Chicago and Richmond's dates.

Chase, this is precisely why, for short tracks, I picked the ones I did.  Given the current state of the cars, I don't believe (and I say this as a person who specializes in fluid physics) that SAFER barriers are absolutely necessary.  Gateway and the road courses are already at the necessary level.  It's the amenities that need help, as you said the WiFi, bathrooms, etc.  That's where NASCAR needs to make a multi-year binding deal with these tracks to have a race and give the tracks some kind of help in making such improvements.  NASCAR needs to be willing to give its tracks a helping hand.  Is BZF really going to die if his paycheck decreases from $250,000,000 to $150,000,000?  If he really cares about the sport, he won't.

Dave,

You misinterpreted my statement.  By "no big deal," I meant more that a Cup team winning was "to be expected."  I love the links and articles you have been posting on this topic as I have learned a great deal from them.