Over the years, NASCAR racing has undergone tremendous development. In addition to distinct race cars and racing styles, drivers now have to contend with various racing circumstances.
Most racetracks have historically used asphalt as their chosen racing surface. Concrete, however, quickly emerged as the material of choice for a number of racetracks.
The rationale was that it would not need to be regularly maintained or repaved and was more resilient.
However, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has never been a big supporter of the current practice of replacing asphalt with concrete. He has previously given an explanation for his distaste for concrete railroads.
This time, though, he went more deeply into the emotive subject of how audiences now can’t appreciate what he done in the past. Junior desired for asphalt racing at Bristol and Dover to be enjoyed by contemporary NASCAR fans.
In the past, the racing surfaces at Dover and Bristol were made of asphalt. Nevertheless, they decide to repave the racetrack’s surface with concrete due to its ongoing deterioration.
Bristol had several repaves in the 1980s and 1990s. Drivers first voiced concerns about severe tire wear, and later the track was judged too uneven for racing even after the 1991 repaves. The track was repaved with concrete in order to permanently resolve the problems.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., though, longs for the allure that these racetracks held during their asphalt era.”Bristol was magical when it was asphalt. It appeared to be something that was impossible to duplicate.
They had numerous issues with the track breaking apart, so they turned to concrete. They carried out the same action in Dover.
I detested the fact that concrete was placed down those two really amazing, magnificent racetracks. And ever since, they’ve never been the same.Through the special Dale Jr. Download portion, he stated: Question Jr.
Dale Jr. can’t get past the asphalt enchantment these circuits previously possessed, even though he would love watching races on these concrete surfaces.”Concrete is just not as good.
Look, I can travel to Bristol, Dover, and Nashville, and I can watch a terrific race there today. However, I am aware of the potential they have if they were asphalt, as well as the amount we are losing out on.
I regret that you guys and the fans out there will never know how much better the races may be if they were held on asphalt.
Dale Jr. also discussed Andy Petree’s premature departure from Richard Childress Racing throughout the program. Like the rest of the NASCAR community, he was taken aback by Petree’s mid-season resignation and surmised that something was amiss at RCR.
Opportunity to bring in new change with Petree’s departure, says Dale Earnhardt Jr
When it comes to meeting their goals for the 2024 season, RCR has fallen well short. Neither Kyle Busch nor Austin Dillon, their two drivers, have been able to consistently produce strong performances. To the point that they are fighting to qualify for the playoffs.
Although adjustments were anticipated in the RCR camp, nobody anticipated the reaction to Andy Petree’s unexpected retirement announcement.
“I don’t see Andy as the kind of guy that says, ‘Hey mid-season, I’m going to go do something different,'” Dale Jr. said in response to Petree’s exit. Something happened, you know; it’s similar to the Almirola-Bubba Wallace incident. It doesn’t feel good, therefore I doubt that we will all know the whole story.
He Jr., but, also saw this as a chance for RCR to appoint new visionaries and brains to help guide the team’s future.”Thank you for everything you did for RCR. Pete has a legacy and has accomplished a lot in the sport. However, this is your moment to make a big splash and bring in a fresh perspective.
That might be important for RCR’s future development. Hopefully, RCR will sort things out and manage to retain their top driver, Kyle Busch, who is becoming increasingly irritated due to his poor performance each weekend.
