Kenny Wallace, a former Fox Sports broadcaster and well-known NASCAR personality, sparked intense discussion during the latest episode of “The Herm & Schrader” podcast when he openly criticized current NASCAR fuel-saving strategies, calling them “stupid.” Wallace explained his opinions on the show, telling listeners that he had conducted thorough research and uncovered exactly why drivers were increasingly using these controversial tactics. He clarified to his co-host, retired NASCAR driver Ken Schrader, that drivers are now saving fuel in order to optimize pit stop times, adding that recent changes in the sport favor changing tires over refueling.
Wallace highlighted that, due to the lug nut design introduced in 2021, the time required to change a car’s tires has significantly dropped, making it a faster process than fueling during a pit stop. Reflecting on this, he said, “It’s stupid—they’re giving up the race by just running slow and saving fuel.” Ken Schrader agreed with Wallace’s assessment, further emphasizing that the evolving pit strategies were having a noticeable effect on competition and outcomes.
Both Wallace and Schrader explored how these changes have affected pit crews and overall race tactics. In NASCAR, pit strategy has always been crucial, especially under tight race conditions where every second counts. Fuel consumption and tire conservation have long played essential roles, but the shift towards prioritizing tire changes—due to the faster new lug nut system—has altered the approach for many teams. NASCAR’s continued use of a vented dump can system for fuel means that refueling still takes more time, requiring a specialized crew member during pit stops, causing teams to rethink how they gain an edge.
In previous episodes, Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader also discussed NASCAR’s return to classic venues like Bowman Gray Stadium and Rockingham Speedway, marking significant moments in the sport’s recent history. With NASCAR holding a non-point-paying event at Bowman Gray Stadium for the first time in 54 years, and major 2025 races at Rockingham, including the Black’s Tire 200 Truck Series and North Carolina Education Lottery 250, interest in race-day strategies has only intensified.
The criticisms from Kenny Wallace reveal growing internal debate over NASCAR’s direction, with long-time insiders questioning whether recent technical changes truly benefit the sport. As teams adapt to the new pit stop realities, further adjustments in strategies and regulations could emerge, leaving fans and experts alike watching for what changes may come next.
