Kevin Harvick, a prominent figure in the NASCAR community, is among the many drivers who have been advocating for significant changes in the format of Superspeedways. Superspeedways are known for hosting incredibly thrilling and chaotic races in NASCAR. They consistently draw a large number of spectators and offer the highest prize money for teams. However, since the introduction of Next-Gen cars in 2022, the level of excitement has decreased, with the intense battles that were a hallmark of these races now limited to the final stages.
One of the main factors contributing to this change is the implementation of fuel-saving strategies by teams. In the first two stages of races, teams deliberately reduce speed to minimize the number of necessary pit stops. A former NASCAR Cup champion highlighted the concerning drop in race quality after the Cup race in Talladega and emphasized the urgent need for drastic solutions to address the situation.
According to Harvick, the entire NASCAR community must come together to find a solution that can fix the race issues as soon as possible. He stressed the need to implement a new package specifically designed for Superspeedway races starting in the 2025 season. Harvick does not support suggestions such as reducing race length or adding an additional stage.
When discussing the issues associated with Superspeedway races, Harvick specifically mentioned problems with “pushing.” He noted that, unlike in the past, pushing is no longer as effective and does not have as significant an impact on race outcomes.
It is imperative that the issues of racing at Superspeedways be addressed promptly, and NASCAR must make bold decisions to correct the situation. If the implementation of a new package is not considered the most effective solution, alternative measures, such as introducing an additional mandatory pit stop, could be considered. This would allow teams to eliminate the need for fuel-saving strategies and inject more excitement into the races.
