NASCAR’s current struggles to produce larger-than-life stars reminiscent of legends like Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jeff Gordon have not gone unnoticed. While modern drivers like Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, and Denny Hamlin dominate on track, their cultural impact doesn’t come close to their predecessors. Surprisingly, Dale Earnhardt Jr., who retired years ago, remains a far more prominent figure than any active driver—a glaring indication of NASCAR’s lack of star power.
According to senior NASCAR journalist Jeff Gluck and others, the solution lies in one critical adjustment: let the drivers speak their minds and showcase their personalities. On a recent episode of “The Teardown” podcast, Gluck and co-host Jordan Bianchi tackled the issue head-on, urging NASCAR to break free from its overly sanitized media culture.
What’s Holding NASCAR Drivers Back?
The modern NASCAR driver, as Gluck points out, feels muted and restrained. Drivers are often discouraged from speaking candidly or showing raw emotions, both in front of the cameras and in post-race interviews.
“Let them speak their mind. There’s so much ‘let’s not go down that road’ or ‘let’s not do that.’ There are so many great personalities in this sport, but they just don’t get showcased or are not allowed to come out,” Gluck argued.
This overly cautious environment contrasts sharply with Formula 1, where drivers are far more accessible and encouraged to be vocal. F1’s superstars like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Lando Norris frequently engage with the media, providing fans with unfiltered insights, humor, and drama.
Bianchi emphasized that F1 drivers’ willingness to speak—whether after a poor qualifying session, an early crash, or a dramatic victory—humanizes them and builds deeper connections with fans.
“Every single driver talks after qualifying. Every single driver talks after the race. They could crash out on Lap 2, they talk. They could qualify last, they talk. You’re hearing from these guys all the time.”
Fans Want Authentic Personalities
NASCAR fans often miss out on seeing their favorite drivers’ true personalities. Behind closed doors, these athletes are far more engaging, witty, and opinionated than they appear on camera. Unfortunately, the sport’s cautious media approach stifles these traits, leaving fans with bland, rehearsed answers.
“When the cameras are off, it’s like, ‘Man, these guys are great,’” Gluck said. “I wish fans could see how some of these drivers interact with us or with others away from the spotlight. It’s so much different.”
This disconnect hampers NASCAR’s ability to cultivate superstars—drivers who transcend the sport and attract mainstream attention. Fans don’t just want fast cars; they crave larger-than-life characters who bring fire, humor, and relatability to the table.
Formula 1 as the Gold Standard
Formula 1’s massive growth in recent years, fueled in part by Netflix’s Drive to Survive, has shown the value of drivers expressing themselves openly. F1 drivers aren’t just athletes; they’re celebrities with global followings. They engage with fans on social media, deliver bold statements in interviews, and aren’t afraid to stir the pot.
NASCAR, with its rich history and passionate fanbase, could easily replicate this formula if drivers were given the freedom to be more authentic.
How NASCAR Can Fix the Problem
To address its star power issue, NASCAR needs to encourage and empower its drivers to:
- Speak Freely: Drivers should feel comfortable sharing their honest thoughts and emotions, even if it creates controversy.
- Increase Media Access: Mandate consistent media availability, regardless of performance. Fans should hear from drivers after wins, losses, or crashes.
- Showcase Personalities Off-Track: Invest in behind-the-scenes content that highlights drivers’ lives, rivalries, and humor—akin to F1’s Drive to Survive.
The Bottom Line
If NASCAR wants to create superstars who resonate beyond the racetrack, it must let its drivers be themselves. Drivers like Kyle Busch—known for his fiery personality—have shown glimpses of what authentic engagement can do for fan interest. But to truly capitalize, the sanctioning body must ditch its cautious approach and embrace the drama, humor, and humanity that make motorsports compelling.
The question remains: Will NASCAR listen? Fans are waiting, and the drivers are ready. Let them speak.
