Sprint All-Star Race – May 16, 2009 Photo – Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Every month in NASCAR’s schedule has its own unique personality. Whether it’s the race tracks in that month or the type of action the month has in store. 


I believe the best of NASCAR shines in May. This year especially, with the addition of Talladega to the first week, joining some of the best tracks offering some of the best racing for the entire year. 


This month NASCAR fans will see drivers traveling to fan-favorite tracks including Talladega, Darlington and then Charlotte for two weekends. Many drivers love this month because the two Charlotte weekends keep them close to home.


Over the years, the sunshine of May has spotlighted the best racing action on NASCAR’s schedule. And in 2012 fans could be in store for the most exciting racing seen since Tony Stewart’s amazing last lap win at Homestead. 


This upcoming weekend at Talladega, fans will welcome the return of its famed superspeedway pack-racing – absent in 2011 – wondering if the “Big One” will make a return as well. At Darlington, the track known as “The Lady in Black,” will bring some great close-to-the-wall racing, featuring drivers getting their famed “Darlington Stripe.”  NASCAR’s road show then returns home to Charlotte for two weeks with two of the best events in motorsports. 


All-Star festivities kick off the Charlotte home stand with the Pit-Crew Challenge – quickly becoming a fan favorite event. Then with incredible finishes and exciting action, the Sprint Showdown and All-Star race bring out the best of Saturday night racing under the lights.  One of my favorites is the 2005 All-Star weekend, during the “Nextel Open” – now the Sprint Showdown – when Brian Vickers spun out Mike Bliss, allowing Vickers to win and advance to the All-Star race later in the day. In that All-Star race the “Big One’ had tempers flaring when Joe Nemechek and Kevin Harvick got into a scuffle with Mark Martin prevailing to win the race! 


The month finishes with the longest and one of the most popular races of the year in the Coca-Cola 600. Charlotte Motor Speedway puts on an amazing show with activities all weekend keeping fans engaged in their celebration of racing.


In NASCAR, May is a month when everyone seems more relaxed and everything is more exciting. Starting off with events in Talladega and Darlington, will offer hope that fans will see action on the track. The events in Charlotte bring out great competition between drivers and teams as everyone has a chance to shine at home with family and friends. The result is phenomenal racing action and incredible finishes that keep fans coming back for more every year.   


After the lack of excitement on the track in April, the month of May will have NASCAR fans remembering why they love this sport. Without a doubt, fans are anticipating this month to bring some of the the best racing in NASCAR, setting the tone for the rest of the season. 


Track owners can forget about digging up their tracks to get more fans and better racing. The drivers will provide exciting action and great racing as the best of NASCAR shines in May.


Jason Schultz, originally published this blog on his website Turn 4 Racing News.
With Jason’s support and approval, Fan4Racing is re-publishing his blog after revisions by managing editor, Sharon Burton.