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Many NASCAR fans, especially the older ones, are not satisfied with the current state of NASCAR, believing that some things need to change in the future. A well-known name in the NASCAR scene, Martin Truex Jr., as an experienced figure in the sport, isn't happy with the recent races, feeling that individuals are acting too aggressively and disregarding others. Truex describes these situations as frustrating. He clearly recalls earlier days with nostalgia, when his colleagues had a different approach and driving style, which made him much happier than he is now.
“It’s just crazy that all these races always come down to this,” Truex said, as quoted by On3.
“I don’t really understand how guys can call their self the best in the world when they just drive through everyone on restarts at the end of these races. It’s very frustrating but it is what it is these days, so I’m out of here.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr., a well-known name in the NASCAR scene, responded to Truex Jr.'s statements, agreeing that Truex is right about many things. As someone who has been part of the sport and understands the situation in NASCAR, Dale believes it’s clear that some drivers are racing aggressively and show a lack of respect for others. Many have spoken about these issues before, hoping that NASCAR officials will finally recognize where the problems lie and begin to address them.
“I hear what he’s saying. I do agree — in the Cup level, at the end of that race, super aggressive. If you drop down, Xfinity, Truck, it just gets so much worse. We’re seeing quite a bit of that happening now, at the late-model stock and the grassroots level. There’s more aggression, more physical contact, more pushing and shoving. Drivers are getting more brazen, less respectful. That’s all true, and that’s troubling, concerning, to a point,” Earnhardt Jr. said.
He acknowledges that he views things differently now that he’s no longer part of the sport and watches it purely as a NASCAR fan. Dale Jr. understands why team officials and drivers are angry and frustrated given the current circumstances. However, he admits that he enjoys the contact and aggression, believing that it adds excitement to the sport. As a big fan of adrenaline, the recent races in NASCAR clearly stimulate that thrill for him.
“But if I’m a driver, I hate it. I’m like, ‘I don’t like being disrespected. I want somebody to give me a chance to make a corner.’ If I’m the owner, I’m certainly pissed off too, because I can’t control the car, can’t drive it. I feel even (more) helpless. But as a series owner or as a fan — maybe some fans don’t love this, but I think, for me, I love the aggression, I love the contact. I love a guy — I love there being people in the field that will put your ass in the wall."- he continued.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. on boundaries in NASCAR
Dale Earnhardt Jr. explains that while he might not support certain drivers or agree with their actions, he enjoys the drama that unfolds as a result. He appreciates the tension and the potential for rivalries, believing that these elements are essential for fans. As a series owner, he recognizes the value of aggression in racing but is concerned about it escalating to a point where respect is lost. He stresses that there has been an increase in drivers recklessly driving through each other at the end of races, and he worries about how this trend is intensifying.
Some believe that there should be boundaries in NASCAR that individuals do not respect. Each driver has a strong desire to be the one on top and to undermine others’ plans, often disregarding their colleagues. Many think that an "ominous effect" has developed in NASCAR, where individuals, seeing their colleagues engage in unacceptable behavior, feel encouraged to do the same. Someone will need to establish these boundaries, and that responsibility falls on NASCAR officials.
Earnhardt doesn’t want to fully support what’s happening, emphasizing that someone needs to speak up and put a stop to it. The former star NASCAR driver acknowledges that while these moments can be exciting to watch, too much of it creates a negative impact and a misleading image of the sport. He labels excessive aggression as unprofessional and foolish. A well-known figure in the NASCAR scene, he hopes for better days ahead, wishing for someone to bring an end to this behavior.
We are currently in the most interesting part of the season, the playoffs, where Dale expects various things. Some expect that this will be a part of the season where we will witness incredible things.
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