Chase Briscoe, well-known for his background in dirt track racing, is urging NASCAR to reintroduce a dirt event to the Cup Series schedule, with a preference for a classic venue like Eldora Speedway. Briscoe’s call for renewed focus on dirt competition highlights his longstanding connection to the discipline and his belief that it complements the diversity of racing formats already featured in the series.
Drivers’ Roots Shape Their Perspective
Many drivers, including Briscoe, Christopher Bell, and Kyle Larson, spent their formative racing years on dirt tracks. For these competitors, racing on dirt is more than a routine; it is a return to familiar ground, invoking memories of the careers built from local circuits and the loyal fans who cheered them on at the outset.
Briscoe’s Stand: The Case for a Single Dirt Race
Since taking over Martin Truex Jr.’s position at Joe Gibbs Racing and performing strongly in the No. 19 car, Briscoe acknowledges the excitement provided by concrete tracks. However, he is steadfast in his view that dirt deserves a place in the Cup Series lineup. He suggests that at least one dirt race should be included each season, ideally at a celebrated venue.
“I definitely think we need a dirt track just because we run on every discipline. We have superspeedway, short track, intermediate, road course, and you know, growing up, you’re either a road course guy, a short track racer, or a dirt racer.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Briscoe maintains that including a dirt event ensures the series represents the full spectrum of motorsports and stays connected to its fanbase. He observes that many current NASCAR fans follow both traditional stock car and dirt events. Briscoe believes a single annual dirt race is the best approach to honor this heritage.
“The people that are going to sprint car races are typically watching NASCAR on Sunday and now we have a lot of NASCAR guys going back and running sprint cars. So, I definitely would love to have a dirt race. I don’t think we need more than one, but I think one would be nice.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Eldora Speedway: The Ideal Home for NASCAR Dirt
Reflecting on past efforts, Briscoe noted that while the Bristol dirt experiment had its strong moments, a purpose-built facility like Eldora would set a higher standard for Cup competition. He commented on the track’s racing potential and tradition.
“Eldora certainly would put on a great race,”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
NASCAR previously staged the Craftsman Truck Series at Tony Stewart’s Eldora from 2013 through 2019, creating memorable events for fans and drivers alike. With recent upgrades and Tony Stewart’s ownership, the venue appears ready to host major national series races again. Despite these advantages, the NASCAR Cup Series has not indicated any imminent plans to resume racing on dirt at Eldora.
Support and Dissent within the NASCAR Community
Christopher Bell has echoed Briscoe’s enthusiasm for returning Cup Series racing to the dirt at Eldora. Bell, who shares a similar racing background, argues that NASCAR did not embrace dirt competition with the same enthusiasm shown for expanding road course events. Bell suggests the series could benefit from two or three dirt races to provide the format a fair trial and broader representation within the sport.
As debate continues within the NASCAR community and among fans, Eldora Speedway remains a popular choice among drivers for a potential Cup Series return to dirt. Leaders like Briscoe and Bell see the issue as an important one, reflecting not just nostalgia but also an ongoing commitment to the sport’s origins and diversity.
The Road Ahead for Dirt Racing in Cup Series
The conversation about re-incorporating dirt racing—championed by Chase Briscoe—reflects an ongoing tension within NASCAR between tradition and contemporary preferences. As drivers and a significant portion of the fanbase call for at least one dirt event annually, the decision lies with the sanctioning body to determine whether this storied form of racing will see a Cup Series revival at tracks like Eldora, or remain a cherished memory for now.
