It rained on NASCAR’s parade that was the 29th running of the All-Star Race.
Photo – Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Overall reaction after Saturday night’s Sprint All-Star race?

After a rather non-eventful race, many fans say they would like to see the race rotated among other tracks and that the race hasn’t lived  up to all the media’s hype in recent years, in particular the last ten-lap shootout.

It’s no secret, the Sprint All-Star race has been a bit of a let down in recent years. There has only been one pass for the lead in the last five laps of the event in the past eight years. In recent years, the most memorable moments of the All-Star race have been the victory lane celebrations. There has also been little beating and banging, despite the promotion to fans. In 2012, there were only two cautions, both for oil on track.

The media builds the All-Star race up as a all-or-nothing event for drivers. This includes rubbing fenders, wrecks, tempers and close racing. Action on track has been nearly opposite.

So how does NASCAR recapture the days gone by magic the Sprint All-Star race? Here are a few ideas.

Rotate Tracks

The Sprint All-Star race has always been at Charlotte Motor Speedway since 1985. But the idea of rotating tracks has been an argument in recent years.

Rotating tracks will offer a little more unpredictability and some tracks, more than others, would offer closer action. For example, Martinsville would be a good choice being a short track and more opportunities for drivers to trade paint.

Another idea would be to go to tracks that are not on the Sprint Cup schedule like a

Rockingham or Iowa.

No Mandatory Pit Stops

Mandatory pit stops have been a large part of the All-Star race in recent years. But what about no mandatory pit stops?

With no mandatory pit stops, pit strategy would seem to play a bigger role in the race. With a shorter event and no points on the line, teams might take more risk in strategy. That may include a stop for four fresh tires or staying out for track position.

With mandatory pit stops, running order doesn’t typically change that drastically. Having everyone on different pit strategies could shake up the field a little more.

No mandatory pit stops would also come more into play with longer segments if NASCAR chose to do so.

Go Backwards And Forwards

I know it sounds corky but think about it. Have drivers change directions on the race track between each segment. That should throw drivers a curve ball. A car will handle differently going in each direction.

In this format, teams would have to work harder to mange the right strategy, as well as find a happy medium for the car to race in each direction.

If nothing else, seeing cars going in the “wrong” direction would be something new for fans and drivers. It would certainly add unpredictability and something new that is out of the box.

Your Ideas

What ideas do you have? Do you agree or disagree with the suggestions above? Share you thoughts by commenting below or tweet @NASCARInformer on Twitter.