Concern Grows as Dale Earnhardt Jr. Warns of Duplicate Race Scenarios And…See more

NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. has recently voiced concerns over the current state of NASCAR’s scheduling and race formats, highlighting potential issues with the upcoming playoff structure and certain rule changes.

**Concerns Over Playoff Race Selection**

In the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series schedule, the Round of 16 features races at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Watkins Glen International, and Bristol Motor Speedway. Earnhardt Jr. expressed apprehension about this combination, suggesting it could lead to unpredictable outcomes that might undermine the integrity of the competition. He cautioned NASCAR’s decision-makers to maintain a balance, stating, “I would caution them not to get too wild because the end result could be a fluke-ish sort of vibe.” citeturn0search0

**Critique of the ‘Kyle Larson Rule’**

Another point of contention for Earnhardt Jr. is the recent rule change, informally dubbed the ‘Kyle Larson rule.’ This rule affects drivers who attempt to participate in multiple races across different series on the same day, potentially impacting their playoff eligibility. Earnhardt Jr. questioned the necessity of such waivers, emphasizing that drivers should be present to earn points: “If you don’t show up and you don’t race, you don’t get the points.” citeturn0search3

**Call for Changes in Superspeedway Racing**

Beyond scheduling and rules, Earnhardt Jr. has also addressed issues with superspeedway racing, particularly the challenges posed by current car designs that lead to tightly packed racing and frequent accidents. He advocates for adjustments to the drag-to-power ratio of the cars to promote better handling and reduce unnecessary crashes. He noted, “We need to figure out a way to allow the car… to where the delta between what a car can do by itself on the racetrack versus in the pack isn’t such a big range.” citeturn0search5

Earnhardt Jr.’s insights reflect a broader concern within the NASCAR community about maintaining the sport’s competitive integrity while ensuring driver safety and delivering an engaging experience for fans.