Dale Earnhardt Jr defends NASCAR All-Star Race tradition as heated debate erupts among fans and racing insiders over whether the exhibition event still belongs on the schedule. Earnhardt Jr., a past winner, voiced strong concerns this week, arguing that removing the All-Star Race would erase an important piece of NASCAR’s legacy and diminish its history.
Controversial Changes Leave Fans Divided Over This Year’s All-Star Race
The 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race, held at North Wilkesboro, fueled intense discussion after organizers introduced significant new features, including an extended 250-lap distance and the addition of a “promoter’s caution” rule. The event also featured a Manufacturer Showdown involving chevrolet/”>Chevrolet, ford/”>Ford, and toyota/”>Toyota teams, where Christopher Bell claimed victory—but debate continued to swirl about whether the changes marginalized authentic competition.
Many longtime fans voiced disappointment, claiming these updates shifted the All-Star Race away from its roots as a showcase for top drivers and turned it into a spectacle loaded with what some consider artificial twists. Critics questioned the value of an event that doesn’t award points, especially as constant rule changes contribute to uncertainty about its purpose. The “promoter’s caution” rule, in particular—which allows officials to throw a caution flag at will—was seen by many as undercutting the integrity of the racing.
Earnhardt Jr. Stands Firm in Support of All-Star Race Legacy
Dale Earnhardt Jr., reflecting on his own experience as a rookie winner of the All-Star Race in 2000, responded directly to arguments for scrapping the annual event. He warned that such calls threaten long-established tradition and could tarnish the achievements of past competitors, himself included. In a passionate address on his Dirty Mo Media podcast, Earnhardt Jr. explained why the race matters not just for competitors but also for the sport’s collective memory.
“There’s some folks out there that think that the All-Star Race is not necessary, to make the All-Star Race just disappear—it seems like a bit of a mistake. Why? I got a trophy on my shelf, and you’re gonna make that meaningless by making that race obsolete,”
Earnhardt Jr. said on his Dirty Mo Media podcast. —Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Driver and Media Host
He forcefully reminded listeners of legendary All-Star Race moments, such as his father’s iconic “Pass in the Grass” from 1987, and questioned how NASCAR would honor such history if the event were eliminated.
“If you do away with the All-Star Race, all of those amazing finishes, the ’87 race, the one hot night, throw it in the fucking bin… (Those are gone),”
he added. —Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Driver
He pressed critics to consider when, or if, NASCAR would ever recognize these defining events again.
“When will you do that? (It’s not a thing anymore. When are you going to bring it up? )If you didn’t want the race to continue, when are you ever gonna celebrate its history?”
he fired back. —Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Driver
Searching for Solutions Amid Ongoing Tension
Rather than simply resisting calls for cancellation, Earnhardt Jr. proposed engaging fans more directly to revitalize the All-Star Race. He suggested integrating fan voting through the NASCAR app to determine caution periods, emphasizing the non-points nature of the event as a safe environment for experimentation and increased interaction.
“You got a race that could be fun and something that people get excited about. We just experienced that this past weekend,”
Earnhardt Jr. said. —Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Driver
Despite sharp divides within the NASCAR community, the All-Star Race continues to generate passionate reactions and lively debate. Whether the tradition will withstand current discontent remains uncertain, but Dale Earnhardt Jr. and other advocates believe preserving this race is vital for maintaining the sport’s sense of history and identity. The dispute over its future ensures the conversation—and the legacy of the All-Star event—will likely continue for seasons to come.
