Dale Earnhardt Jr. has called for significant improvement in superspeedway racing, highlighting his concerns about current NASCAR competitiveness at venues like Daytona and Talladega. The debate surrounding how the Next Gen car performs at these iconic tracks has intensified, with growing pressure from drivers and fans for a better racing experience.
Concerns Grow over Superspeedway Performance
Calls for change have grown louder as Cup Series drivers and fans voice their dissatisfaction with racing on shorter tracks, particularly those a mile or less in length. While ongoing efforts have targeted short track improvements, a parallel conversation has evolved about superspeedways. Since the introduction of the Next Gen car, races at Daytona and Talladega have received mixed reviews. Some critics argue that the overall experience feels too similar to past formats, yet with the added challenge of a tightly packed field, resulting in fewer thrilling moments for spectators. The prevailing view is that lower horsepower levels have diminished the excitement traditionally associated with these large, high-speed venues.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Call for a New Superspeedway Approach
On a recent episode of the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was asked about a single NASCAR rule he would change, given the opportunity. Without detailing specific reasons, he expressed his frank desire for a new rules package at the biggest and fastest tracks in the sport. He explained,
“I wish we could figure out a new package for the Daytona and Talladega racetracks. I would probably work on the rules that affect how the cars race at those two places.”
Earnhardt Jr. further reflected,
The details of how the cars race and why they do some of the things they do are kind of it’s not as great as it used to be,
Earnhardt Jr. continued.
Or it could be better than what it is today. I don’t know the specific technical thing that needs to change, but I would love to be in the process of how we can make the cars do differently than they do there. How they race together.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Driver.
Current Drivers Share Their Experiences and Frustrations
The concerns voiced by Dale Earnhardt Jr. echo frustrations from current Cup Series competitors, each offering their perspective on the superspeedway racing environment. Denny Hamlin, one of the most accomplished drivers in the series, pointed out that drivers starting at the back often find themselves with no way to advance if the track becomes congested, making the outcome heavily dependent on strategic pit stops. This change in racing dynamics stands in stark contrast to the traditional skills drivers have spent their careers perfecting—fighting forward through the field and creating passing opportunities.
Kyle Larson, another prominent figure in the sport, discussed his ability to adapt to the new approach, stating,
I think there’s a lot of strategy that goes into these races now in the Next-Gen era that I do enjoy. Fuel saving, the green-flag pit stops, working together with your teammates and others – I enjoy that.
Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver.
However, Larson also noted that the final group of frontrunners in superspeedway events is often determined as much by luck as by skill, suggesting an evolving, sometimes unpredictable, racing dynamic. These varying views reflect a divided group of drivers, with some pushing for change and others adjusting to the new racing climate that the Next Gen car has ushered in.
Implications for NASCAR’s Future at Daytona and Talladega
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s advocacy for NASCAR improvement at its largest venues highlights the urgency of evolving the superspeedway product to meet both driver and fan expectations. With input from seasoned veterans like Earnhardt Jr. and active competitors such as Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson, attention remains fixed on potential changes at Daytona and Talladega. As the series continues to adjust, the outcome of these discussions could shape the next era of high-speed competition for NASCAR’s most iconic tracks.
