Save the Southern 500

We are concerned race fans who want to keep our favorite sport from failing. One of the biggest problems so far is the loss of the Southern 500. Sports such as football and baseball have found ways to keep their traditions, and still remain successful. We too want NASCAR to succeed, but forgetting all of our traditions is not the answer. We believe there is a way for NASCAR to keep the Labor Day classic while expanding their exposure.
First, move the Southern 500 back to its traditional date in primetime Sunday. With the summer heat and television, it would be a great idea. Then advertise the race like the NFL does the Thanksgiving games. NASCAR's "Labor Day Traditions" could bring the Southern 500 back into the respect it once had, as one of the biggest races of the circuit. Perhaps even "throwback paint schemes." With these improvements, ticket sales could also increase, and one of NASCAR's longest running traditions would continue.
Second, move the California race to the finale. Los Angeles is the country's second largest market; ending the season there would be a bigger success than a Labor Day race. And compared to South Florida in the day, having a Sunday night grand finale (at 4:00 Pacific, of course) would really bring in added exposure.
We hope with this compromise we can help our sport succeed by not only helping it grow, but keeping it in its roots at the same time. We know the schedule is already out, but we believe its not too late to change.