Dale Earnhardt Jr. Discusses NASCAR’s Reaction to Superstar Racing Experience

Before the trial concerning the antitrust lawsuit involving 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR concluded, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his sister, Kelley Earnhardt-Miller, took some time on their podcast to share their insights. One of the primary subjects of discussion was NASCAR’s apparent unease regarding the emergence of the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX). They noted that NASCAR seemed to respond by tightening control over tracks through extensive sanctioning agreements, revealing an underlying tension between the two racing organizations.

NASCAR’s Concerns About SRX

During the podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressed his surprise at NASCAR’s strong reaction to SRX. “To be honest, this caught me off guard,” he revealed. He mentioned his friendship with Ray Evernham, one of the creators of SRX, and how Evernham’s vision was to recreate the International Race of Champions (IROC). The idea behind SRX was to take this series into local markets, featuring retired racers and unique personalities, and allowing local talents to compete in provided cars. Despite acknowledging the original concept’s potential, Earnhardt Jr. admitted that he personally wasn’t interested in participating in SRX. “I didn’t have the bandwidth to get involved,” he explained, adding that he hadn’t followed the series closely.

He further emphasized his astonishment at NASCAR’s concerns, pointing out that SRX was a relatively small operation, struggling financially with just a dozen cars. “They were having a hard time keeping things together,” he noted. The financial aspects of running SRX proved to be challenging, leading to its eventual decline as viewership numbers did not justify the associated costs.

Legal Insights During the Trial

During the trial, NASCAR’s president, Steve O’Donnell, provided insights into the organization’s perception of the situation. He indicated that there was a growing resemblance between NASCAR and the SRX, particularly as Cup Series drivers began to participate in mid-week summer short track and dirt track events. O’Donnell mentioned that the legal department had looked into the matter, but ultimately concluded that there were no grounds for action against SRX.

Earnhardt Jr. expressed confusion over why this was even a point of concern for NASCAR. “I’m surprised by some of the remarks I read from O’Donnell and others about needing to put an end to this,” he said. He felt that rather than viewing SRX as a threat, NASCAR should have considered the reasons behind its appeal. He noted the crossover of drivers like Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, and Ryan Blaney participating in SRX for fun, suggesting that collaboration could have been more beneficial than confrontation.

Wilkesboro and Bowman Gray: NASCAR’s Strategic Moves

As the discussion progressed, Earnhardt Jr. revealed that he became involved in internal conversations at NASCAR regarding the scheduling of races at North Wilkesboro and Bowman Gray Stadium. According to text exchanges between NASCAR executives, there was concern that if Earnhardt Jr. announced plans for an event at North Wilkesboro, it would overshadow NASCAR’s own efforts to schedule races there.

O’Donnell’s message reflected this urgency: “Wait until Dale Jr. says he is running an event. It’s only a matter of time.” The strategy seemed focused on ensuring that NASCAR was the first to return to these iconic tracks before SRX could establish its footing there with retired stars.

Eventually, races at Wilkesboro and Bowman Gray were incorporated into the Cup Series schedule for the 2023 and 2025 seasons, respectively. However, Earnhardt Jr. credited the revival of North Wilkesboro to the efforts of Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith and the support from North Carolina’s Build Back Better fund. “There’s a lot I’m not privy to regarding NASCAR’s internal operations,” he admitted. “But I can confidently say that North Wilkesboro’s return is largely due to Marcus Smith and the local community’s initiative.”

The Community’s Role in Reviving North Wilkesboro

Earnhardt Jr. elaborated on the significance of community involvement in the revival efforts for North Wilkesboro. He pointed out that the return of the track was not solely due to NASCAR’s intervention but was a collective effort from government entities, local volunteers, and community members who had tirelessly worked to maintain the facility over the years. “There were people who kept the grass mowed for 20 years,” he remarked, emphasizing the dedication of volunteers.

He expressed that while NASCAR played a role in approving the return of the track to the schedule, they weren’t the driving force behind the revival. “They didn’t come to the table saying, ‘We need to get Wilkesboro back,’” he said. Instead, the initiative stemmed from Marcus Smith and the surrounding community’s passion for the sport and their local track.

Earnhardt-Miller also highlighted her brother’s contributions, indicating that his involvement in the CARS Tour helped raise awareness and excitement around racing events at North Wilkesboro. She noted that his participation in a race attracted around 20,000 fans even before NASCAR scheduled the All-Star Race, indicating the influence of his star power in revitalizing interest in the event.

Reflections on the Future of Racing

Throughout their discussion, both Earnhardt Jr. and Earnhardt-Miller emphasized the importance of collaboration within the racing community. They acknowledged the potential for different racing organizations to coexist and even support one another. With the rise of alternative racing formats like SRX, they encouraged NASCAR to take a more open-minded approach, examining what attracts fans to these events and how they might enhance the overall racing experience.

By fostering an environment of cooperation rather than competition, NASCAR could explore new avenues to engage a broader audience. The insights shared by the Earnhardt siblings reflect a desire for the sport to evolve while respecting its rich history and the contributions of its dedicated fanbase.

In conclusion, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s reflections on NASCAR’s reaction to the Superstar Racing Experience provide a fascinating glimpse into the dynamic landscape of motorsports. His perspectives highlight the need for adaptability and collaboration within the racing community as it navigates the challenges of a changing entertainment landscape. The discussion around Wilkesboro and Bowman Gray further underscores the importance of community involvement and innovation in maintaining the relevance of traditional racing venues.