Kyle Larson’s NASCAR schedule proposal has drawn intense backlash from fans after the newly crowned champion suggested a major shift to a condensed “Speed Weeks” format. The idea, presented in the wake of a season loaded with 36 demanding races across nearly ten months, has ignited fierce debate in the NASCAR community.
NASCAR’s Enduring Marathon: A Schedule Unlike Any Other
The current NASCAR Cup Series is renowned for its lengthy calendar, which kicks off in February at the famed Bowman Gray Stadium in Salem and runs through to November 2. With 36 races, the series leaves little time for rest, putting unique demands on drivers, teams, and fans alike. While the organizing body plans to shorten next year’s schedule by just two races, some—including drivers—argue that this barely scratches the surface when it comes to easing the season’s relentless pace.
Comparisons with other major motorsport series underscore NASCAR’s intensity. While legendary races like the Coca-Cola 600 have stretched over five hours and covered more than 600 miles, Formula One races rarely exceed an hour, and their drivers have more frequent breaks throughout a lighter 24-race season. This persistent grind remains a point of contention for many inside the sport.
Larson’s Speed Weeks Concept Faces Immediate Fan Pushback
During a recent appearance on the “Rubbin is Racing” podcast, Kyle Larson put forward the idea of transforming the traditional schedule into concentrated “Speed Weeks” clusters. Instead of spreading races across nearly every weekend, events would be grouped into intense, action-packed blocks, allowing for extended breaks devoted to travel, promotion, and vital recovery time for drivers and teams. Such a restructuring aims to boost energy, foster momentum, and potentially create a more engaging rhythm for fans and competitors.
However, the backlash was immediate and passionate, as fans, many still unsettled by Larson’s recent title win over Denny Hamlin, aired their grievances online. One particularly vocal critic rejected Larson’s complaints about the long season, saying,
“No. You chose to race NASCAR, shut up and race,”
— User, NASCAR fan.
Another user likened NASCAR drivers’ complaints to those of ordinary workers and criticized the media’s coverage, stating,
“It’s not like you’re out roofing or laying asphalt. Normal fans don’t get 3 months off a year. Most importantly, I don’t EVER want to hear the media complaining the seasons to long! Go cover pickle ball or some s**t.”
— User, NASCAR fan.
Some fans took issue with the perception that Larson was steering NASCAR toward his roots in dirt racing. As one person accused via social media,
“@KyleLarsonRacin trying to turn @NASCAR into dirt racing. What else is new?”
— Fellow NASCAR fan.
Not all responses, however, were purely antagonistic. One commenter offered a suggestion that, while somewhat tongue-in-cheek, acknowledged the core issue, writing,
“Idk I find it funny when drivers complain about the season being too long. If they want, just give them more off weekends like a weekend off every 9-10 races. Let them have off on Easter weekend.”
— User, NASCAR fan.
Still, opposition remains strong. Another fan bluntly dismissed the concept, saying, “Hell no,” in response to Larson’s proposal.
Examining the Potential Shift: Grouping Iconic Races and Creating Breathing Room
Kyle Larson’s idea involves clustering major races at venues such as Darlington Raceway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, and Bristol Motor Speedway into tightly scheduled stretches spanning two to three weeks. This, he argues, could help build excitement and allow teams periods of rest that are currently missing from the NASCAR calendar. Instead of reducing the total number of races or fundamentally changing the essence of the season, Larson’s focus is on smart, strategic scheduling to keep both drivers and fans energized without sacrificing tradition.
Others within the driver ranks, including Martin Truex Jr. and Bubba Wallace, have echoed calls for a more balanced schedule, suggesting NASCAR could benefit from occasional pauses to break up its demanding pace. Proponents believe these changes would not only relieve pressure on teams but might even enhance the competitive quality of the racing, making each event feel more significant.
Outlook: An Intensely Divided NASCAR Community Awaits the Next Move
As debate swirls, the NASCAR community remains divided on whether a major shift like the “Speed Weeks” approach aligns with the sport’s long-standing traditions or risks distancing its passionate base. Larson’s controversial proposal, sparked amid lingering tensions from his title win, underscores broader questions about how the series should evolve to balance driver welfare, fan engagement, and the core values that define NASCAR. The discussion is far from over, with drivers, fans, and officials all keenly watching what move comes next in shaping the future of stock car racing.
Do we really need this? (via u/khs03) https://t.co/2YkNw5SJKC #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/bMkHYiGuGL
— r/NASCAR on Reddit (@NASCARonReddit) November 8, 2025
No. You chose to race NASCAR, shut up and race. It's not like you're out roofing or laying asphalt. Normal fans don't get 3 months off a year. Most importantly, I don't EVER want to hear the media complaining the seasons to long! Go cover pickle ball or some shit.
— Trey (@BadTemper93) November 8, 2025
@KyleLarsonRacin trying to turn @NASCAR into dirt racing. What else is new?
— Jeff (@Jeff58164506) November 8, 2025
Idk I find it funny when drivers complain about the season being too long. If they want, just give them more off weekends like a weekend off every 9-10 races. Let them have off on Easter weekend.
— Real Deal Aneil (@realdealAneil) November 8, 2025
Hell no
— Craig (@Craig64313575) November 8, 2025
