Kyle Busch openly criticized NASCAR’s new approach for the 2025 All-Star Race during an appearance on the Door Bumper Clear podcast following Sunday’s race at Talladega. He expressed disdain for the new ‘Promoter’s Caution,’ describing it as a “gimmick” that disrupts the integrity of the event, transforming it into a spectacle.
The 2025 All-Star Race, scheduled for May 18 at North Wilkesboro Speedway, introduces an innovative element allowing Speedway Motorsports’ president, Marcus Smith, to deploy a random caution flag at any point before Lap 220. This one-time strategic move aims to add excitement to the race. However, Kyle Busch argues that such an intervention might compromise the quality of competition, deviating from traditional racing values.
Echoing Busch’s sentiments, podcast co-host Brett Griffin humorously suggested that NASCAR introduce a more unorthodox element, like placing a drunk fan in the flag stand to decide when to throw the yellow flag, to generate drama. The Richard Childress Racing driver joined in the jest, but reiterated his view of the ‘Promoter’s Caution’ as a mere gimmick.
This change forms part of a broader tweak to the All-Star Race format for 2025. NASCAR has expanded the main event by 50 laps, now totaling 250 laps, while also incorporating a pit crew challenge accessible to ‘open cars’ vying for qualification in the race. The ‘Promoter’s Caution’ can only be executed before Lap 220, and if a natural caution arises after Lap 200 without the promoter’s option being used, it is forfeited.
Aside from his critique of the All-Star Race, Kyle Busch expressed broader dissatisfaction with NASCAR’s superspeedway racing approach at tracks like Talladega and Daytona. Despite adapting to the shifting landscape, he still finds fault with the prevalent fuel-saving strategies employed by teams in these races.
Prior to Sunday’s event at Talladega, the two-time Cup Series champion discussed the challenges of racing on drafting tracks with the current Next Gen car. While the car handles better now that teams are no longer experimenting with rear setups, Busch remains discontent with how races unfold, particularly in terms of fuel conservation tactics.
Kyle Busch’s unease with this racing style is not new; following the 2024 Daytona 500, he expressed anger over drivers spending much of the race at half-throttle to save fuel. His frustration reflects a broader concern among drivers about maintaining the essence and competitiveness of such high-stakes races.
This criticism highlights the tension surrounding NASCAR’s efforts to innovate within the sport while maintaining its traditional roots. As the 2025 All-Star Race approaches, it will be interesting to observe how these changes affect both the spectacle of the event and the reactions from drivers and fans alike.
