Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been vocal about the future of short track racing.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (In Circle) and Richmond Track (Via IMAGO)
There have been ongoing rumors that NASCAR is considering expanding internationally with the Next-Gen Cup cars. The first step in this expansion could potentially be a return to Mexico or Canada, as these markets have been frequently discussed. However, according to the latest rumors, this shift may come at the expense of a beloved short track.
Following the disappointing race held at Richmond Raceway this year, speculation about the track losing one of its two race dates has intensified. Recent rumors suggest that NASCAR is exploring the possibility of hosting a road course race in Mexico, which is a thriving motorsports market. Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. believes that Richmond Raceway could be the sacrificial track in this scenario.
Earnhardt Jr. expressed his frustration with the trend of historic tracks losing their race dates and predicted the potential fate of Richmond Raceway. He understands that entertainment is a crucial aspect of racing, and while the issue lies primarily with the cars, changing the track is a feasible solution for NASCAR.
Before discussing the possibility of racing in Mexico, Earnhardt Jr., who is also a co-owner of JR Motorsports, voiced his concerns about NASCAR’s decision to replace traditional tracks with new venues. He is neither happy nor excited about the potential race product at these new tracks.
As a two-time Xfinity Series champion, Earnhardt Jr. represents the sentiments of many fans within the NASCAR community who feel that short tracks are becoming less relevant. NASCAR should take these concerns into consideration before making final decisions about the future of these beloved tracks.