Nascar is trying g to be great again , tune in and watch. There are some really goods seats open at Charlotte next week cheap!

Almirola's injury is a common back injury, because it occurs in a pivot point in the back between the shoulder blades and is caused by sudden deceleration, when the torso leans forward and the back stays steady. Normally, injuries to the lower back and neck are much more significant and much more unstable.

Denny Hamlin missed four races in 2013 after suffering a compression fracture in his lower back (L1 vertebra), and Tony Stewart needed nearly three months to recover from an L1 burst fracture last year.

"These normally aren't as serious or significant as the L1s, certainly not like Tony Stewart's burst fracture, where the whole thing explodes and you're worried about spinal-cord penetration and injury and compromise," Punch said.

"These, you may have pain. ... Normally, these heal quicker and most of the time don't require surgery."

Punch, who is not treating Almirola, said there can be several extenuating factors that could impact the amount of time he would be out of the car.

"The reason the thoracic is so stable is because you have the rib cage attached to it and you have the sternum in the front, so it's like a big barrel," Punch said.

"You've still got support around the barrel and everything there. It's normally pretty stable. ... Most of these can require a back brace, and they'll just monitor the healing, how long it takes to heal depending upon how much compression there is and deviation there is."

The official 2018 NASCAR national series schedules should be released sometime next week, sources said.

The following changes appear set to take effect next season:

The second Cup date at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which Speedway Motorsports Inc. moved from New Hampshire Motor Speedway, will serve as the kickoff race to the Cup series playoffs, replacing Chicagoland Speedway.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which has traditionally hosted its lone Cup event in late July, will become the 26th race of the Cup season and the last chance for drivers to win their way into the playoffs.

Richmond International Raceway, which has hosted the 26th race since the playoff format debuted in 2004, will become one of the 10 playoff races, adding a second short track to the 10-race run to the championship.

Chicagoland Speedway, which has traditionally kicked off the playoffs, will likely move into the regular season.

Just read that the Xfinity race @ Pocono will be called entirely by active Cup drivers.

Harvick, play by play with Bowyer and Logano in booth.

Blaney, Jones and Steinhouse as Pit reporters

Patrick and Hamlin in the studio.

Just read that the Xfinity race @ Pocono will be called entirely by active Cup drivers.

Harvick, play by play with Bowyer and Logano in booth.

Blaney, Jones and Steinhouse as Pit reporters

Patrick and Hamlin in the studio.