NASCAR, TV executives to discuss 2010 starting times

NASCAR, TV execs to discuss 2010 start times

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NASCAR will move the bulk of its races to earlier start times next season in an effort to create more consistency and stop the slide in television ratings.

NASCAR worked with its three television partners to establish a more consistent start time, and 28 races will be held at an earlier time next season than they were this year.

The Daytona 500 will be the first of 20 races that begin at 1 p.m., while West Coast races will begin at 3 p.m. ET and night races will begin at 7:30 p.m.

The one exception will be the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend. That race will maintain its 5:45 p.m. start.

NASCAR chairman Brian France said that research has showed fans prefer earlier start times.

The races have started later and later over the past few seasons, and have varied depending on which of the three television partners is carrying the event.