SEC NASCAR series? A track for every SEC team to play a game
The Battle at Bristol is set to break the all-time college football attendance record when Tennessee and Virginia Tech square off Saturday night at Bristol Motor Speedway.
The seating capacity is 153,000, and they are expecting 160,000. Having the game played at the NASCAR track opens up the idea of having an SEC NASCAR series, with all 14 SEC schools participating. If all tracks below are filled with seating capacity, not including additional seating that could be brought in, the total amount of people that would attend the SEC NASCAR series would be 1,179,655.
What would be ideal matchups for SEC teams to play at the NASCAR tracks?
Here are a few thoughts that could open up a discussion of the reality that the SEC and NASCAR could come together for one weekend in the future.
Alabama vs. Georgia Tech (Talladega)
Granted, it’s smaller than Bryant-Denny Stadium, but Alabama fans would come in numbers, like they usually do, and they – along with the nearby Georgia Tech faithful – would easily sell out the 78,000 seat Talladega Superspeedway that could also add additional seats in the spacious infield.
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Auburn vs. Florida State (Daytona)
Auburn and Florida State have played in memorable games over the years, with the most recent being the 2013 BCS national championship game. The two fan bases could pack out the Daytona International Speedway without a problem, and it would be something to see. The track is smaller now but still seats 101,000 and it would be an interesting atmosphere with the lake that takes up part of the track’s infield.
Florida vs. Miami (Homestead)
Florida is a stranger to scheduling big-name out-of-conference opponents outside of Florida State, but renewing the Miami series at the Homestead-Miami Speedway would be a spectacle. The track is smaller in capacity, compared to others, seating only 46,000, but additional seats would be possible. Like Daytona, a lake takes up a portion of the infield.
Texas A&M vs. Arkansas (Fort Worth)
The Razorbacks and Aggies play annually at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, so moving it to the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth would not hamper the two fan bases travel plans too much. The track’s capacity is 181,655 and could easily set an attendance record, and Aggies and Razorbacks fans would come in numbers.
Kentucky vs. Louisville (Kentucky)
Whenever Kentucky and Louisville play, it’s big for the residents in the Bluegrass State. The two schools would probably have to work out a two-year deal to play at the Kentucky Speedway, due to both schools losing a home game, but having the rivals square off in front of 107,000 would be something. One school may even have to decide to give up their home game, when it’s their turn to host, to field the game at the track.
South Carolina vs. N. C. State (Darlington)
The track labeled as “A NASCAR Tradition” could field the home-state Gamecocks and neighboring foe North Carolina State. Darlington Raceway opened in 1950, and seats 58,000 with room to bring in additional seating.
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Tennessee vs. North Carolina (Charlotte)
The Vols and the Tar Heels have not met since the wild finish in the 2010 Music City Bowl, and playing in front of a 94,000-plus spacious Charlotte Motor Speedway would be a good time to renew the series.
Georgia vs. Clemson (Atlanta)
Another venue that could bring in a lot of people in attendance, the Atlanta Motor Speedway seats 111,000 with room for more. The Bulldogs and Tigers always field competitive games when they have played in the past, and would be good to have the two play in Atlanta.
Missouri vs. Kansas (Kansas City)
The longtime rivals have not played since Missouri’s Big 12 departure for the SEC. What better way for the two to play each other again, than in the SEC NASCAR series. The 74,000 seat track would provide a great environment for the two rivals.
Mississippi State vs. West Virginia (Bristol)
Changing things up from Tennessee and Virginia Tech coming back to Bristol, Mississippi State fans travel well and so does nearby West Virginia. The two would provide for a good match-up and a good atmosphere.
LSU vs. Virginia Tech (Richmond)
LSU and Virginia Tech have played twice in their history, and two fan bases would be a good fit to play each other at a NASCAR venue. Richmond International Raceway seats 71,000, and the way the two schools travel, the tailgating atmosphere would be one of the best.
Vanderbilt vs. Virginia (Martinsville)
The 55,000 seat track is a perfect size venue for Vanderbilt and Virginia to play in. Martinsville Speedway would be a sure sellout with the Virginia faithful.
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Ole Miss vs. Memphis (Nashville)
The Nashville Superspeedway closed in 2011, but remains open for private use. The seating capacity for races was 50,000, but additional seating can provide enough room for up to 150,000. Opening up the Superspeedway for the two nearby schools would be a great setting in a great city.
And as a bonus, the ultimate game in the ultimate venue …
Alabama vs. Ohio State (Indianapolis Motor Speedway)
Indianapolis frequently hosts various Big Ten championships. Where better to play a game between two of the sport’s biggest names than inside the hallowed grounds of IMS.
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The 100th running of the Indy 500 drew an official sellout of approximately 350,000, though many of those would need a telescope to see the goal line. Temporary stands could be built. The 2.5-mile track is so spacious that it can house The White House, Churchill Downs, the Rose Bowl, Wimbledon and more than a few tailgate lots.
