Dale Jr. asks for changes to the Xfinity Series schedule for the 2024 season
Dale Earnhardt Jr., a NASCAR Hall of Famer, expressed his disappointment with the recent Xfinity Series race at the Circuits of the Americas. He voiced his frustration with the numerous track limit violations that occurred during the race, resulting in penalties for 20 different drivers. Using social media, Earnhardt Jr. suggested that NASCAR should consider replacing the COTA race with a race at the iconic North Wilkesboro circuit in 2025. This circuit was reintroduced to NASCAR under Earnhardt Jr.’s leadership last season.
The race at COTA had some thrilling moments, including the Cup Series champion coming from behind to win the race. However, there were also incidents, such as a driver spinning out in the final laps and receiving a significant penalty for track limit violations. Earnhardt Jr.’s proposal to replace the COTA race with a race at Wilkesboro seems to be influenced by these issues.
Earnhardt Jr. suggested that in 2025, the Xfinity Series should hold a race at Bristol in the spring and then go directly to Wilkesboro, instead of Austin.
Earnhardt Jr.’s Xfinity Series team, JR Motorsports, had a mixed performance at COTA. The driver of the No. 1 Chevy finished in the top ten, in P9, while the veteran driver secured a 13th place. However, the youngest driver on the team only managed a 16th place, and the worst-performing driver of the day finished in 36th.
Overall, the season has been challenging for JR Motorsports. Mayor’s top-10 at COTA was the team’s first this season, and none of the other drivers have managed a top-5 in 2024. This contrasts significantly with last season, when the team secured eight wins. Earnhardt Jr. is determined to improve his team’s performance in the near future.
