The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season wrapped up at Phoenix Raceway, but despite Team Penske’s driver clinching an impressive championship victory, the race has been largely criticized for its lackluster action. According to a poll conducted by The Athletic, only 42% of fans found the race enjoyable, reigniting calls to reconsider Phoenix as the venue for NASCAR’s championship finale.
“A Race That Failed to Deliver”
Steve Letarte, former NASCAR crew chief and race analyst, described the Phoenix finale as “sleepy,” citing a lack of tire degradation as a key factor behind the underwhelming on-track product. Speaking on Denny Hamlin’s ‘Actions Detrimental’ podcast, Letarte suggested that increased tire wear could have made the race more dynamic.
“This one was a little sleepy, right? Like a second of fall off wasn’t really enough,” Letarte said. “It can always be better.”
Letarte, known for his fair and measured race critiques, noted that while he often defends races criticized by fans, this time, he agreed with the general sentiment.
“Hamlin: It’s a Car Problem, Not a Track Problem”
Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing and a veteran driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, offered a nuanced take. While acknowledging Phoenix Raceway’s appeal as a venue with strong fan attendance and a unique layout, Hamlin argued that the Next-Gen car is the primary culprit behind the lack of excitement.
“The place gets rewarded because the fans turn out there, every time,” Hamlin explained. “It’s a great venue. I hate it that the racing is not better because it is a great racetrack. The layout’s very unique. It gives us some options on restarts. We’re racing multiple lanes, but it’s — we have a car problem.”
Hamlin emphasized that the Next-Gen car’s design has limited the ability to create thrilling on-track battles, particularly at short ovals like Phoenix.
“Fan Frustration and Calls for Change”
The lack of excitement in the Phoenix finale has reignited calls from fans and racing insiders to move the championship race to a different venue. Critics argue that a high-stakes event like the season finale deserves a track that consistently produces memorable racing.
Suggestions for alternative venues include tracks with higher tire wear, more overtaking opportunities, or layouts better suited to the Next-Gen car’s limitations.
“Is NASCAR Listening?”
While NASCAR has shown a willingness to make bold changes in recent years, including introducing new venues like the Chicago Street Course, the league has yet to address growing concerns about Phoenix as the permanent championship race location. However, Hamlin and Letarte’s critiques underscore a broader issue: balancing fan expectations, venue appeal, and the impact of car design on race quality.
“The Path Forward”
With the 2025 season on the horizon, NASCAR faces a critical decision: Should it modify the Next-Gen car to enhance racing at Phoenix, or should the championship finale move to a track better suited for high-intensity battles?
For now, the criticism from industry veterans and fans alike is clear. NASCAR must act decisively to ensure that the season finale matches the drama and prestige that defines the sport.
