Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been vocal about the future of short track racing.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (In Circle) and the Richmond Truck (via IMAGO)
Rumors persist that NASCAR is considering international expansion for its next-generation Cup car. The first step in this expansion could be a return to Mexico or Canada, as these markets are frequently discussed.
However, recent rumors suggest the move could come at the expense of popular short-haul routes.
Following this year’s disappointing race at Richmond Raceway, speculation is mounting that the track will lose one of its two race dates. Recent rumors suggest that NASCAR is exploring the possibility of holding a mixed track race in Mexico, which has a thriving motorsports market.
Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. believes Richmond Raceway could be sacrificed in this scenario.
Earnhardt Jr. expressed frustration at the loss of race dates at the historic track and predicted the likely fate of Richmond Raceway. He understands that entertainment is an important aspect of racing.
Although the problem is primarily with the car, changing course is a viable solution for his NASCAR. Earnhardt Jr., who is also co-owner of JR Motorsports, expressed concern about NASCAR’s decision to replace the traditional track with a new venue before discussing the possibility of racing in Mexico.
He’s not happy or excited about the potential race product at these new courses. Earnhardt, his two-time Xfinity champion in his series, is a junior shortstop who feels the importance of the track is fading. He embodies the sentiment of many fans within the NASCAR community. doing.
NASCAR must consider these concerns before making a final decision about the future of these popular tracks.
NASCAR to Mexico? Dale Earnhardt Jr Sparks Rumors of Imminent International Expansion Amidst Decline at Historical Tracks
Short-distance races are a hot topic for fans and drivers alike. Ideally, NASCAR should add more short tracks to the mix instead of removing them, as it did at North Wilkesboro, Iowa and Los Angeles at Memorial Coliseum.
But NASCAR still has a big puzzle to solve when it comes to setting the right rules for these tracks. Richmond was particularly concerned as the race was somewhat boring.
To add variety, NASCAR is considering a trip to Mexico. The excitement began spreading in early April but picked up steam again recently when Dale Earnhardt Jr. spoke out and expressed his disappointment with the move.
Dale Earnhardt Jr isn’t happy with how NASCAR seems to be drifting away from short tracks
During the offseason, NASCAR President Steve Phelps suggested Richmond could lose one of its two annual race dates. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard such rumors about Richmond. Phelps said the track typically sticks to double dates if it sells out or offers an “exceptional” race. In recent years, NASCAR has rejected second runs at circuits such as New Hampshire, Texas, Dover, Pocono and Michigan, citing disappointing sales and results.
At Richmond, he hasn’t had a sold-out Cup Series race since 2008, and the quality of the races has been hit-or-miss over the past decade. Combine mediocre racing with sparse crowds, and you get the recipe for NASCAR in another place: Mexico. Dale Earnhardt Jr., an avid supporter of short-haul routes, finds this change particularly frustrating.
Junior said, “Everything is good in Richmond. We’re leaving Richmond to race in Mexico. We’re leaving all these traditional oval tracks and racing on road courses. [… ] This seems to have killed off one of my favorite short-haul pastimes […] The overall package is not good at the moment. It’s easy for the industry to say, “Don’t go there.” If our package isn’t good, if our short track package isn’t exciting, our fans aren’t going to enjoy it and you know it’s going to take its toll. ”
He agreed that NASCAR is excited to bring racing to audiences around the world, adding that just like the NFL and his F1, the sport is excited to step into new countries and show what it can do. He said that is a very wonderful thing. NASCAR has big goals and hopes.
To become successful enough to tour his show internationally and host some crazy events. But Dale, his junior who loves the old-fashioned way, admits, “It’s hard for me.” But it remains to be seen whether NASCAR’s move to Mexico will truly be a win for the sport. What if international fans aren’t as excited as the domestic crowd cheering on drivers from their region to make it in NASCAR?
