On Sunday, NASCAR held a Cup race on a dirt track at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Ratings for the event were through the roof as Kyle Busch claimed victory in a wild last-lap finish, likely contributing to today’s decision by NASCAR/Bristol officials.
The dirt race will return in 2023.
“Bristol Motor Speedway will prepare for a spring night race on dirt in 2023, giving the fans two great NASCAR shows on different surfaces. The dates for our NASCAR events will not be available until later this year,” Bristol track GM Jerry Caldwell said.
Bristol track GM Jerry Caldwell: “Bristol Motor Speedway will prepare for a spring night race on dirt in 2023, giving the fans two great NASCAR shows on different surfaces. The dates for our NASCAR events will not be available until later this year.”
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 19, 2022
Dirt-track races are a hotly-contested subject around the NASCAR world.
Several big-name drivers strongly oppose the track surface. Before his victory on Sunday, Busch said NASCAR needs to “cut the chord” on dirt races. NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty agreed, calling dirt races “a mess.”
Sunday’s race was yellow flagged for 15 laps due to dirt build up in car grilles.
“We all look like a bunch of bozos coming in because we don’t know how to prep the track,” Kevin Harvick said after the race, “I think it’s ridiculous that we’re doing what we’re doing anyway.”
“Disappointing. Cup cars don’t belong on dirt,” one fan wrote.
“I will do the same as the last two dirt races. Won’t waste my time watching,” another added.
https://t.co/KArPiGYhmT pic.twitter.com/Q0QpswGkMK
— TK (@TKNation47) April 19, 2022
On the other hand, some fans are thrilled by this news.
“There was good racing between cautions and a wild finish. I’m all for it,” one wrote.
Best news! https://t.co/iTbEEuVhy6 pic.twitter.com/PSQtNrqOpB
— Food city dirt race. Larry (@larry25352065) April 19, 2022
What do you think about this decision?
The post NASCAR’s Dirt Race Is Coming Back: Fans React appeared first on The Spun.