Kenny Wallace has delivered sharp criticism of NASCAR, drawing attention to the sport’s recent missteps and assuring fans that significant changes are on the horizon. In light of the recently settled NASCAR lawsuit and with figures like Michael Jordan and his associates helping to drive change, the discussion around reforms is heating up, bringing our focus keyword, “Kenny Wallace NASCAR criticism,” to center stage.
Wallace Shines Spotlight on NASCAR’s Recent Flaws
With the new era set in motion following the legal settlement, NASCAR is poised for transformation, especially as evergreen charters become a reality. Despite these advancements, many long-time fans continue to voice their frustrations, pointing at changes over the last few years that have altered their enjoyment of the sport. Among the loudest voices has been retired driver Kenny Wallace, whose close ties with people across NASCAR lend weight to his assessments and promises of fast-approaching reforms.
Broadcast and Racing Experience Draw Heat from Fans and Wallace
Throughout 2025, negative feedback from the NASCAR community largely centered on disappointing race broadcasts and the evolution of the on-track product. Fans pointed to the next-generation car as a letdown, alleging that it failed to provide the wheel-to-wheel drama they had come to expect. A sharp decrease in overtakes and the elusive thrill of close competition threatened to diminish the excitement that once defined the series.
In a recent installment of his “Coffee with Kenny” segment, Wallace spoke bluntly about the factors contributing to this decline. According to the former driver, the proliferation of longer 1.5-mile racetracks fostered more single-file action and less door-to-door racing. He laid out the root of the issue clearly:
“They built too many big, mile-and-a-half racetracks.”
– Kenny Wallace, Retired NASCAR Driver
Wallace expanded on his critique with a look to the past:
“Back in the late ’80s early ’90s, we had the perfect amount of mile-and-a-half tracks. And all of a sudden, they said, ‘while we’ve got such a big crowd, we need more seats so we’ll build bigger racetracks.’ That was the wrong thing to do.”
– Kenny Wallace, Retired NASCAR Driver
He argued that instead of pursuing ever-larger venues and racetracks, NASCAR should have focused on enhancing existing facilities. By simply expanding seating at current locations, Wallace suggests, the sport could have maintained intimacy and sustained the quality of racing that filled stadiums and delighted crowds.
Track Closures and Ticketing Practices Cited as Major Issues
Wallace didn’t stop at the size and number of tracks. He underscored the adverse effects of removing beloved venues like Rockingham, which, in his view, offered some of the most captivating races in recent memory. The loss of such tracks, he argued, has cost NASCAR dearly when it comes to maintaining its unique style and appeal.
Ticketing practices have also been a source of fan anger and confusion, and Wallace calls out the trend as another sign of NASCAR’s misplaced priorities. Various tracks now lean toward rigid ticket packages that don’t always meet the audience’s needs. Some only offer expensive three-day passes, which leaves fans paying full price for a multi-day event even if they only plan to attend a single day. Conversely, other venues opt for day-specific tickets, pushing up overall costs for the die-hard fans who wish to join for the entire weekend. Wallace voiced fans’ frustrations:
“You gotta buy the Truck ticket on Friday, you gotta buy the Xfinity ticket on Saturday, and you gotta buy the Cup ticket on Sunday. So, it just priced everybody out.”
– Kenny Wallace, Retired NASCAR Driver
Wallace Remains Hopeful as NASCAR Management Adapts
While not holding back on his criticism, Wallace ended his remarks by sharing a message of hope. He revealed that through ongoing conversations with industry insiders, he’s confident that NASCAR leadership has recognized these concerns and been significantly humbled by fan pushback and ongoing criticism. Wallace said he is certain that NASCAR is mapping out a comprehensive tour for 2026, aimed at correcting course and winning back its core supporters.
Part of the upcoming changes includes the engagement of a new media company to revamp the sport’s public image. Notably, Wallace stated his willingness to personally assist in these efforts, lending both his experience and connections to support a broad-based movement for positive change alongside other well-respected figures in NASCAR.
An Evolving Sport Faces Its Crossroads
With mounting pressure from figures like Kenny Wallace and direct input from fans, NASCAR stands at a turning point. The sport now faces the task of reconnecting with its roots—balancing innovation with tradition while making fan-favorite tracks and affordable ticket options a priority. The incoming changes, supported by entities such as Michael Jordan and company, could define the shape of American racing for years to come. As developments unfold and 2026 approaches, followers of NASCAR and the broader racing community will be watching closely to see if the promised transformation delivers on its potential.
“Coffee with Kenny”@NASCAR made some mistakes.
NOW it’s time to fix it.
MY OPINION 🏁 pic.twitter.com/4eVTv25rsE— Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) December 26, 2025
