Dale Earnhardt Jr, who has often voiced his concerns about the sport, now expresses hope for the future, stating that NASCAR’s best days may still be ahead in the NextGen era. This perspective places the focus squarely on
“Dale Earnhardt Jr optimistic about NASCAR NextGen future”
as he addresses ongoing issues and emerging opportunities in the series.
Recent Challenges with NASCAR’s NextGen Era
The introduction of the NextGen car brought mixed responses. Dale Earnhardt Jr, usually critical of recent changes, highlighted problems with the new packages: short track cars lack sufficient horsepower while cars for Superspeedway races carry excessive aerodynamic drag. This sentiment reflects widespread concern in the NASCAR community over the quality of competition.
Denny Hamlin, a seasoned NASCAR veteran, previously addressed these issues regarding testing. As he recalled from his first team owner meeting, there were doubts about the readiness of the NextGen car for various racetracks. Hamlin recounted,
“The very first team owner meeting that I was ever in… I said, ‘Mr. Probst, are you sure that we have this car ready to race at all types of different racetracks?… Are we sure we’ve got it right?’ [Probst said yes] I said, ‘OK, I believe you, I have no reason not to’.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
However, the results on track have not always met expectations. Kyle Larson dominated at Bristol, leading to just four lead changes, two of which only occurred due to racing strategy rather than on-track overtakes. At Talladega, drivers struggled to break out of formation and make passes, leaving fans hungry for more dynamic racing.
Dale Earnhardt Jr Sees Positive Signs Ahead
On a recent episode of the “Rubbin is Racing” podcast, Earnhardt Jr discussed the sport’s trajectory with Large, looking back at its history and exploring its current state. When asked if the “good old days” could return, he responded,
“I believe everything cycles, everything comes around, comes back. I really have a strong belief that we’re on our way to getting back to that point. I’m on my show every week bitching about something, complaining about something, but it’s because I love it.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr, NASCAR analyst
Earnhardt Jr contextualized his optimism by referencing the frequently revered 1990s era, when his father, Dale Earnhardt Sr, enjoyed peak popularity in what many call NASCAR’s golden age, with ample sponsorship money and a surging fan base. Yet, he observed that even then, some longed for times gone by, comparing the present to an increasingly idealized past.
He emphasized,
“We always look back and think everything’s just so much better in the past. we don’t remember all of the bad moments and shitty things about it because we forget that stuff. We only remember the best things about it. Where we are today with our sport is a really good place. There’s some things that can improve, and they probably will,”
Dale Jr added. —Dale Earnhardt Jr, NASCAR analyst
Areas for Improvement and Growth
While Earnhardt Jr acknowledges areas that call for change, he is quick to point out the positives of modern NASCAR. Improvements in safety, for instance, have given drivers better protection on the track. Ryan Preece’s dramatic crash at Daytona demonstrated the strength of today’s cars; despite the severity of the incident, Preece left the car unscathed.
The sport is also entering new territory on the global stage, with an upcoming race in Mexico marking the first time a points event is held abroad in the Cup Series. This expansion hints at broader ambitions for NASCAR’s future and reflects the league’s readiness to address shortcomings while embracing potential growth.
Dale Earnhardt Jr’s stance signals a complex but hopeful outlook among key figures such as Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson. NASCAR continues to grapple with criticism and technical hurdles, but optimism remains for stronger competition, enhanced excitement for fans, and fresh opportunities for drivers and teams alike. Observers will be watching how NASCAR’s NextGen era evolves, hoping it leads to the return of the thrilling racing that defined earlier decades.
