Dale Jr. Calls for Change in Xfinity Series Schedule for 2024 Season
Dale Earnhardt Jr., a NASCAR Hall of Famer, expressed his disappointment with the recent Xfinity Series race at the Circuits of the Americas. He voiced his frustration over the numerous track limit violations that occurred during the race, resulting in penalties for 20 different drivers. Taking to social media, Earnhardt Jr. suggested that NASCAR should consider replacing the COTA race with a race at the iconic North Wilkesboro track in 2025. This track was brought back to NASCAR under Earnhardt Jr.’s leadership last season.
The race at COTA did have some exciting moments, including the Cup Series champion coming from the rear to win the race. However, there were also incidents such as a driver spinning out on the final laps and receiving a significant penalty for track limit violations. Earnhardt Jr.’s proposal to replace the COTA race with a race at Wilkesboro seems to be influenced by these issues.
Earnhardt Jr. suggested that in 2025, the Xfinity Series should run a race at spring Bristol and then proceed directly to Wilkesboro instead of Austin.
JR Motorsports, Earnhardt Jr.’s Xfinity Series team, had a mixed performance at COTA. The No: 1 Chevy driver finished in the top-10 at P9, while the veteran driver secured a P13 finish. However, the newest driver in the team could only manage a P16, and the worst-performing driver of the day finished in P36.
Overall, the season has been challenging for JR Motorsports. Mayor’s top-10 finish at COTA was the team’s first of the season, and none of the other drivers have achieved a top-5 finish in 2024. This is a significant contrast to last season when the team secured eight race wins. Earnhardt Jr. is determined to improve his team’s performance in the near future.