Dustin Long, one of the very best journalists covering NASCAR, has pieced together from assorted press releases what is most likely the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule. It must be noted this isn't official, as NASCAR itself has yet to release its itinerary for 2011. Instead, it is generating maximum publicity via a string of press conferences and PR bulletins by individual tracks, rolling in on pretty much a daily basis. Well played, NASCAR, well played. But I digress.

Here's what we know as of now. Confirmed dates are in bold type.



Feb. 12 -- Bud Shootout (Daytona)

Feb. 20 -- Daytona 500

Feb. 27 -- Phoenix

This date is in lieu of the February race at Auto Club. Hopefully it'll enjoy better weather.

March 6 -- Las Vegas

Much to dismay of many and the delight of their employers, this remains the only visit to Sin City for purposes of auto racing.

March 13 -- Off

March 20 -- Bristol

March 27 -- Auto Club

The whiners get their wish -- only one race at the track formerly known as California. Because, you know, the racing at all the other cookie-cutter tracks is so much better...

April 3 -- Martinsville

April 9 -- Texas

April 17 -- Talladega

April 24 -- Off (Easter)

April 30 -- Richmond

May 7 -- Darlington

May 15 -- Dover

May 21 -- All-Star (Charlotte)

May 29 -- Coca-Cola 600 (Charlotte)

June 5 -- Kansas

See? This will be WAY better than Auto Club! Especially if the track turns into a road course halfway through the event when a tornado cuts it in half.

June 12 -- Pocono

June 19 -- Michigan

June 26 -- Sonoma

July 2 -- Daytona

July 9 -- Kentucky

Okay, Kentucky. You got your Sprint Cup race. Better make it a good one with sold-out grandstands to boot.

July 17 -- New Hampshire

July 24 -- Off

July 31 -- Indianapolis

Aug. 7 -- Pocono

Aug. 14 -- Watkins Glen

Aug. 21 -- Michigan

Aug. 27 -- Bristol

Sept. 4 -- Atlanta

Sept. 10 -- Richmond

Sept. 18 -- Chicagoland

And the Chase now starts... at a cookie-cutter. Running opposite Da Bears. That'll drive up fan interest...

Sept. 25 -- New Hampshire

Oct. 2 -- Dover

Oct. 9 -- Kansas

Oct. 15 -- Charlotte

Oct. 23 -- Talladega

Oct. 30 -- Martinsville

Now the kids can go trick-or-treating for hot dogs!

Nov. 6 -- Texas

Nov. 13 -- Phoenix

Nov. 20 -- Homestead