Dale Earnhardt Jr. has addressed swirling rumors about significant changes coming to Texas Motor Speedway, quickly putting speculation to rest after last weekend’s Würth 400. With talk around the motorsports community suggesting that Texas might receive the same “Atlanta Motor Speedway treatment” — a reference to Atlanta’s 2022 repaving that aimed to emulate Daytona and Talladega’s racing styles — fans and industry insiders began questioning the future of the Texas track. Dale Earnhardt Jr., however, spoke out with conviction, emphasizing the speedway does not need such a transformation and sharing his perspective with listeners of his “Dale Jr. Download” podcast.
During the recent podcast episode, Dale Earnhardt Jr. made it clear that, despite social media theories and growing rumors, Texas Motor Speedway is not set to undergo any radical overhaul.
“There was a rumor going around that some track on the NASCAR circuit was considering getting the Atlanta treatment. But I believe that it’s not Texas,”
he explained, highlighting that while he had heard similar speculation, he felt strongly against changing what works. He went on,
“I know a lot of people were going, ‘Oh, it’s got to be Texas because Marcus [Smith] owns Atlanta, and he loves what’s happened there. So why wouldn’t he try to take it to Texas?’ I think Texas right now is starting to get into its peak in terms of the age of the asphalt, how slick it was. Dude, those Xfinity guys were busting their [expletive] all over the place. That’s what we need. Don’t change nothing. Don’t touch it.”
The background fueling this debate centers on Texas Motor Speedway’s tradition and evolving track conditions. The track has hosted Cup Series events annually since 2005, with its unique surface playing a crucial role in the race dynamics. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s opinion carries considerable weight thanks to his experience and ongoing influence within NASCAR’s community.
The significance of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s comments echoes beyond simple rumor control. His support for maintaining Texas Motor Speedway’s current state highlights both the emotional and practical dimensions tied to racing at this iconic venue. While rumors persist that some track may eventually follow Atlanta’s lead and undergo sweeping changes, it appears, for now, that Texas will remain unchanged. The ongoing debate ensures all eyes will stay on future track developments, leaving fans watching closely for any shifts in direction.
