Chase Briscoe has sparked renewed debate by advocating for the return of a dirt race to the NASCAR Cup Series, emphasizing the unique appeal it brings to fans and drivers alike. His comments, referencing the recent seasons and notable events at Bristol Motor Speedway, reinvigorate interest in the Chase Briscoe NASCAR dirt race discussion among both competitors and viewers.
The current NASCAR Cup Series features several standout dirt racers, including Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Chase Briscoe himself. From 2021 to 2023, these drivers tackled a temporary dirt track at Bristol Motor Speedway. However, NASCAR chose to discontinue these events, reverting to the traditional pavement races and bringing an end to dirt competition in the Cup Series, a format that had been dormant since 1971 before its brief revival.
Chase Briscoe, a skilled dirt racer and driver of the No. 19 TRD car for Joe Gibbs Racing, has openly voiced his disappointment over the elimination of the dirt race. In a recent interview with Always Race Day, he described how important dirt racing is to him, recalling memories and moments that have resonated with thousands of fans.
Yeah, absolutely. Anytime there’s been a NASCAR dirt race, I always try to make it a point to go run it. You know, I remember coming here and running the truck race a couple of years ago, and obviously, I always ran the Eldora races as well. So, yeah, I feel like even in the Cup Series, we need to have a dirt race.
—Chase Briscoe, told Always Race Day.
Though the Bristol dirt race did not meet NASCAR’s expectations in terms of attention and was viewed by some as a gimmick, there remains considerable support and a potential market for a well-executed dirt event. Briscoe and others believe that transitioning to established dirt venues such as Eldora Speedway, known for its legacy and dedicated tracks, could invigorate the series. With the emergence of Next–Gen cars and a talented group of dirt racers, many in the sport contend that a permanent dirt race could deliver compelling and authentic competition.
Briscoe Shares Concerns on Iowa Speedway Surface
In addition to his dirt racing advocacy, Chase Briscoe has expressed concern regarding track conditions at Iowa Speedway following the Cup Series’ recent return. Last Sunday, Briscoe secured pole position and finished just behind William Byron, clinching second place. Afterward, Briscoe urged NASCAR to repave the Iowa track to promote more dynamic racing and reduce limitations caused by the current surface’s narrow racing lines.
I wish they’d repave this place all the way to the wall, just so we could have more room to move around. This is such a track position race, with the dirty air and stuff and you’re kind of limited with where you can run.
—Chase Briscoe, said.
He described how the existing surface restricts movement, making tracks position-dependent and exacerbating the impact of “dirty air.” Briscoe remains hopeful that changes will be made ahead of the next season so that more racing grooves become available, which in turn would heighten competitiveness and drive more exciting racing action for fans.
So maybe we’ll come back next year and hopefully they’ll repave it all the way to the wall…It’s definitely really difficult to pass. You’re so limited. The racetrack’s only two or three lanes wide and you just take the guy’s air. If we had the old surface, it’d be unbelievable. As soon as we get on the old pavement, you just start spinning the tires.
—Chase Briscoe, added.
Briscoe’s remarks reflect growing sentiment within the NASCAR community. Many, including other high-profile drivers such as Denny Hamlin, have emphasized the need for reshaping both the technical and entertainment aspects of Cup Series racing, particularly regarding tracks and car dynamics. The response of the sport’s governing body will likely determine whether these concerns lead to real changes or remain ongoing points of contention.
The Broader Impact of Briscoe’s Advocacy
With teammates and fellow drivers like Christopher Bell, Kyle Larson, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. held up as major dirt racing talents in the Cup Series, Briscoe’s push for dirt events reflects a broader desire for diversity in NASCAR’s race calendar. The appeal to return to storied venues such as Eldora, rather than constructing temporary tracks, is shared by many within the community who believe tradition and authentic track characteristics can elevate the sport’s appeal.
The intense feedback surrounding both the end of the dirt race at Bristol and the Iowa Speedway track surface shines a light on ongoing debates about NASCAR’s direction. How NASCAR’s leadership addresses both the Chase Briscoe NASCAR dirt race proposal and the calls for surface changes at venues like Iowa will have lasting implications for drivers, teams, and fans. Many eyes are now on the sanctioning body to see if and how these passionate requests are addressed in the coming seasons.
