NASCAR racing has changed by leaps and bounds over the years. Not only the style of racing or the different race cars, but now the drivers also have to deal with different racing conditions. Traditionally, asphalt was the preferred racing surface at most race tracks. However, concrete soon became the preferred choice for several race tracks. The reason was that it was more durable and would not require regular repaving or maintenance.
But Dale Earnhardt Jr has never been a fan of this modern trend of swapping asphalt for concrete. He has previously explained the reasons for his distaste for concrete tracks. But this time, he delved more into the sentimental aspect of how fans today can’t enjoy what he did back in the day.
Junior wanted today’s NASCAR fans to enjoy asphalt racing at Bristol and Dover.
ADVERTISEMENT
The article continues below this ad
Historically, both Bristol and Dover had asphalt racing surfaces. However, due to the constant wear and tear of the race track, they decided to resurface the surface with concrete. During the 1980s and 1990s, Bristol underwent multiple resurfacings. Initially, excessive tyre wear was the concern raised by drivers and then the track was deemed too bumpy to race on despite resurfacing in 1991. To resolve the problems once and for all, the track was resurfaced with concrete.
However, Dale Earnhardt Jr. misses the magic that these racetracks had when they were on asphalt. “When Bristol was asphalt, it was magical. It seemed like something you could never replicate. They went to concrete because they had so many issues with the track tearing up. They did the same thing at Dover… I hated that they took those two racetracks that were amazing and magical and put concrete on them. And they’ve never been the same since,” he said via Dale Jr.’s special segment Download: Ask Jr.
via Imago
Bristol Motor Speedway NASCAR racetrack
While Dale Jr. would love to see racing on these concrete surfaces, he can’t forget the magic of asphalt that these tracks once had. “Concrete isn’t as good anymore, and I can go to Nashville and Dover and Bristol and I can see some amazing racing there today. But I know where the potential is if it were asphalt, and I know how much we’re missing out on… I know how much better racing could be if it were asphalt and I hate that you guys and the fans never know that.”
During the show, Dale Jr. also addressed Andy Petree’s premature departure from Richard Childress Racing. He was shocked, as was the rest of the NASCAR community, and speculated that something was not right at RCR with the way Petree quit mid-season.
Petree’s departure brings opportunity for change, says Dale Earnhardt Jr.
ADVERTISEMENT
The article continues below this ad
RCR has been a long way from achieving its goals for the 2024 season. Neither of its two drivers, Kyle Busch and Austin Dillon, have been able to put together solid results. So much so that they are struggling to make the playoffs. Changes were expected in the RCR camp, but Andy Petree’s surprise decision to retire was not the answer everyone expected.
Dale Jr. reacted to Petree’s departure, saying, “I don’t see Andy as the type of guy to say, ‘Hey, mid-season, I’m going to do something different. ’ You know, something happened, it’s like the Almirola and Bubba Wallace thing. I don’t think we all know the true details of that; it doesn’t feel right.”
However, he also saw this as an opportunity for RCR to bring in fresh minds and fresh ideas to steer the team’s future in the right direction. “Petree has a legacy, the guy has achieved a lot in the sport, I appreciate what he did for RCR. But this is an opportunity to do a great job and bring in someone with fresh ideas… That could be crucial for the future of RCR going forward.”
ADVERTISEMENT
The article continues below this ad
Hopefully, RCR will get things right and retain its star driver, Kyle Busch, who is growing increasingly frustrated with his poor results each weekend.
Keynote USA
For the Latest Sports News, Follow Keynote USA Sports on Twitter.