Pocono Sprint Cup races shorter in 2012

Associated Press

LONG POND, PA.

Pocono Raceway will shorten its Sprint Cup races to 400 miles starting in 2012.

The races on the 2 1/2 mile track had been 500 miles, long drawing complaints from drivers and fans that the events were too long. Track CEO Brandon Igdalsky says 400 miles should make the races more exciting.

NASCAR backs the move. Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s senior vice president of racing operations, says the transition should make for more exciting competition at one of the more unique tracks in the sport.

The 2012 races are scheduled for June 10 and Aug. 5.

Kurt Busch to sub

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y.

Kurt Busch will drive the No. 22 Dodge in place of injured Penske teammate Brad Keselowski in NASCAR’s Nationwide race at Watkins Glen International on Saturday.

“We think it’s a smart move to let him focus on just the Sprint Cup action this weekend,” Busch said.

Keselowski pulled out a gutsy victory Sunday at Pocono, holding off Kyle Busch over the final laps despite a fractured left ankle and strained back suffered a week ago in a crash while testing at Road Atlanta.

It was Keselowski’s second win of the season and moved him into strong contention for the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. But Keselowski, last season’s Nationwide champion, is still ailing as he prepares for Sunday’s Cup road race on The Glen’s grueling 11-turn layout.

US Grand Prix date moved

AUSTIN, Texas

Formula One officials say the renewal of the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin in 2012 will likely be run in November instead of June when temperatures will be much cooler.