Dale Earnhardt Jr. on road courses has become a contentious topic as NASCAR increases the number of road and street events in its Cup Series, sparking debate among fans and drivers. This weekend’s race at Sonoma Raceway brings the issue into sharp focus, with questions about whether the sport is listening to its core audience or pushing change too far.
Controversy Grows Over NASCAR’s Road Course Expansion
In recent seasons, NASCAR has added more road and street course races to its schedule, aiming to provide variety and excitement for viewers. The Cup Series heads to Sonoma Raceway, the third such event in the last five races, highlighting a broader trend. Two additional road or street races are planned later this year, including a Round 2 playoff appearance, bringing the year’s total to six. With just 36 races in the season, that means road and street events now make up one-sixth of the schedule.
This change has divided fans. Some believe there still aren’t enough opportunities to showcase drivers’ skills on non-oval layouts like Circuit of the Americas, Mexico City, Chicago, Watkins Glen International, and the Roval at Charlotte. Others, however, argue the pendulum has swung too far, diluting NASCAR’s traditional style.
Drivers Push Back Against the Shift
Several prominent racers, including Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Brad Keselowski, have publicly opposed the increase in road courses, a stance shaped by both personal performance and their vision for the sport. Earnhardt Jr., now a Hall of Fame inductee, posted a social media comment featuring John Cena to agree with a fan who said the Cup schedule now has too many road races. Over his career, Earnhardt Jr. started 35 road course events without a win, achieving just three top-five finishes—two at Watkins Glen and one at Sonoma.
Brad Keselowski’s record is similar, with 51 starts on road and street courses without a victory, although he has managed seven top-five finishes and three runner-ups at Watkins Glen. His position remains clear and direct:
Yes, too many road courses in NASCAR,
—Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Driver. Keselowski also warned that the number could climb to seven next season, further shifting the balance away from what many drivers prefer.
A Shift From Fan Demand to Fan Division
Just a decade ago, fans were calling on NASCAR to diversify the Cup schedule, which traditionally featured only two road races—one at Sonoma and the other at Watkins Glen. Responding to those calls, NASCAR gradually expanded the presence of road and street courses in the lineup, introducing new venues and challenges for competitors.
Now, as NASCAR heads into races at high-profile tracks like Chicago, Mexico City, Circuit of the Americas, and Charlotte’s Roval, the debate has changed. The current setup has sparked debate about how much is too much, as some argue for even more road courses and others suggest a need to return to tradition. Uncertainty remains about what lies ahead, with some voices expressing concern about continued expansion.
What’s Next for NASCAR’s Schedule?
As NASCAR prepares for the remainder of the season, questions linger over whether the six road and street events will become the new norm or increase further. Prominent drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Brad Keselowski have made their opposition clear, and the league must now consider both competitive history and fan feedback in its planning.
The broader discussion about road versus oval racing continues to shape the sport’s identity. With major venues and historic races on the calendar, NASCAR faces a pivotal choice: stick with tradition or pivot further toward variety. Whatever decision comes next, the input from veterans, current drivers, and fans will likely dictate NASCAR’s direction in the seasons ahead.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dale Earnhardt Jr. a billionaire?
A. In 2025, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s estimated wealth is about $300 million. This amount comes from his successful NASCAR career and current broadcasting role. He stays active with endorsements, owning a team, and collaborations, which continue to grow his reach.
Q. Will Dale Earnhardt Jr. race in 2025?
A. On Thursday, another date was revealed for Earnhardt Jr.’s Late Model schedule in the 2025 season, featuring a Sun Drop-sponsored car. He will drive the No. 8 JR Motorsports car at Tri-County Speedway in October. The zMAX CARS Tour will race there in Granite Falls, North Carolina, on October 4.
Q. Did Dale Earnhardt Jr. retire?
A. After stopping his full-time NASCAR driving career, he joined NBC as a color commentator in 2018. When his NBC contract ended in 2023, he moved to Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports for new NASCAR coverage starting in 2025.
Q. Is Dale Earnhardt Jr. still retired?
A. Earnhardt, now aged 50, stopped being a full-time NASCAR driver in 2017. However, he has raced once a year in the Xfinity Series since then.
