By alley - Jan 23, 2017, 7:20 PM ET

Tracks back NASCAR race format change

Track owners have thrown their support behind the race format changes

unveiled by NASCAR

earlier today.

Under the new format, each race in 2017 will feature three stages, with the first two awarding points to the top 10, and the third awarding points to the entire field. The overall race distance will be the same as that of the previousl single-race format. All three of NASCAR's national series - the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series - will adopt the change.

"The thing I like best about the decision NASCAR is making is that it is a minor tweak," said Texas Motor Speedway's Eddie Gossage.

"It doesn't really change the race for the purist that just wanted to see a 334-lap, 500-mile race here at Texas. This doesn't change anything in that concept. It just means you're going to have to race harder all day long and what fan won't like that?

"What that is going to mean is that you are going to have racing throughout the day. Not that there has ever been a time to kind of ride around, but now there is going to be a lot of points on the line. You've got to race hard the first 100 laps, race hard through those second 100 laps and then for the finish, of course, you're always running hard. It's going to make it better for the fans."

Sonoma Raceway President and General Manager Steve Page said that he expects the changes to build on the elements of NASCAR racing that appeals to fans.

"At its core, NASCAR racing is about drivers and race teams battling to be the first across the finish line," he said. "Who's got the skill, the guts and the strategy? From this point forward, that narrative is expanded; the events will be more compelling and our fans will enjoy significantly more value. Our kudos to NASCAR for taking the initiative and bringing everyone together to make this happen."

IMS president Doug Boles is also in favor.

"The new race format will make the Brickyard 400 and the entire Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series more exciting by making every stage of the race important," he said.

"With every point critical to a driver's championship chances, the changes will ensure spirited competition during each and every lap. The stages will also offer an opportunity for our fans to hear strategy insights during breaks in action, instead of having to wait until the race has ended. Winning the Brickyard 400 has always been important to the drivers and with more points on the line throughout, it will be an even more thrilling event."