Hall of Fame driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. has expressed his interest in seeing Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo compete in NASCAR, as recent changes to the series aim to attract an international audience and top-tier talent from other racing disciplines. Earnhardt Jr. believes the updated NASCAR Next-Gen cars now offer a better platform for drivers like Verstappen and Ricciardo to showcase their abilities in stock car racing.
NASCAR’s Push for Global Appeal Through Car Design
Since introducing the Next-Gen vehicles in 2022, NASCAR has prioritized making its premier series accessible not only to fans worldwide but also to renowned racers from various motorsport backgrounds. This effort has already drawn names like Shane van Gisbergen, Kimi Raikkonen, and Jenson Button into the field, highlighting the appeal of the new technology and competitive landscape. According to Earnhardt Jr., the technical upgrades in the cars, including features such as independent rear suspension and transaxle diffusers, have significantly changed the driving experience, differentiating today’s Cup series from stock cars of previous decades.
Max Verstappen: A Prime Candidate for NASCAR
When asked about drivers from other racing series that he would like to see in NASCAR’s Next-Gen cars, Earnhardt Jr. immediately named current Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen. Despite Verstappen having declined opportunities in both NASCAR and IndyCar so far, Earnhardt Jr. considers his skill set and professional ethos a potential game-changer for the sport.
“I mean, I would love to see Max Verstappen give it a try. He’s incredible and I think his curiosity, his work ethic, I think all of that would play a great role in allowing him to be successful.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. said via motorsport.com.
Earnhardt Jr. emphasized that the advancements in car technology have removed previous barriers for open-wheel drivers, assuming it would be easier for figures like Verstappen to transition and compete at a high level in NASCAR today.
Daniel Ricciardo Still on Earnhardt Jr.’s Radar
Earnhardt Jr. also mentioned Daniel Ricciardo, a former Red Bull driver who briefly stepped away from Formula 1. Earnhardt Jr. expressed his hope that Ricciardo would explore opportunities in NASCAR’s Cup series, citing Ricciardo’s relatively young age as an asset for a potential career shift.
“Plus, our cars have changed a lot. Our cars have independent rear suspension, the transaxle diffuser… our cars aren’t the stock cars from 10, 20 years ago, and so I think the opportunity for an F1 guy to have success is much better today than it was 20 years ago… I was hoping that Daniel Ricciardo would come to NASCAR after his decision to leave Formula 1 and that may still happen. Daniel’s still relatively young.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. added.
According to Earnhardt Jr., the new engineering and performance standards in NASCAR are now on par with the expectations of top-level international drivers, making the Cup series more attractive to the likes of Ricciardo than ever before.
Contrasting the Pressures of Driving and Team Ownership
Speaking separately about the contrasting responsibilities within the sport, Earnhardt Jr. highlighted the unique pressures that NASCAR drivers face in comparison to team owners. He described the emotional toll of racing, where every mistake is magnified and success is often fleeting, which can be a humbling experience for even the most seasoned professionals.
“If you’re going to be the driver, you have got to be willing to take getting your teeth kicked in, being embarrassed, humiliated, but also if you’re going to take the celebrations and the accolades and the credit for when you win, you’re absolutely going to get it when you don’t.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. said via Hard Rock Bet.
By contrast, the role of a team owner, according to Earnhardt Jr., places less emphasis on weekly results and more on building lasting success and a strong team culture.
“As an owner, you don’t have to worry so much about the week-to-week performance. I think as an owner, you’re really judged on the culture of your business. You’re judged on the long-term success, you’re judged on a bigger picture, not week to week, lap to lap.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. added.
Drawing from his own experience as co-owner of JR Motorsports, which has secured multiple championships in NASCAR’s second-tier division, Earnhardt Jr. underlines the persistent, career-defining scrutiny that drivers face compared to the broader, more strategic appraisal of management and ownership roles. He notes that owners can often rebound from mistakes more easily, whereas drivers are judged harshly at every turn.
Potential Impact on NASCAR’s Future
Earnhardt Jr.’s endorsements of Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo for NASCAR reflect a broader ambition to position the series as an elite destination for global motorsport talent. As NASCAR continues to modernize and court international competitors, the arrival of drivers like Verstappen or Ricciardo could mark a transformative era, enhancing competition and drawing new fans. These changes may not only drive the sport’s popularity among broader audiences but also redefine what it means to succeed in NASCAR’s rapidly evolving landscape.
