A high-octane incident at Phoenix Raceway saw Latino racing superstar Daniel Suarez calling out NASCAR’s driver approval process. This follows a collision with Katherine Legge, who was making her NASCAR Cup Series comeback. The incident has triggered a broader debate about the process which permits drivers into the prestigious Cup Series.
During the race, Suarez, piloting his No. 99 Chevrolet, was in a strong position for a top finish when chaos ensued. A car ahead of him lost control, causing Suarez’s race to come to an abrupt halt. His frustration was evident when he expressed his displeasure over the radio. However, this wasn’t just about a crash. The incident brought to surface Suarez’s long-standing discontent with NASCAR’s driver approval process.
The race also marked Katherine Legge’s memorable Cup Series debut, the first woman to participate in the premier series since Danica Patrick in 2018. Despite her extensive experience, Legge, aged 44, struggled with the high-pressure environment of the Cup Series. She lost control of her car on Lap 4, but the incident on Lap 215 became a major talking point in the Cup Series garage.
While Suarez and Legge ended up in the garage post-crash, the Trackhouse Racing driver’s outrage with NASCAR was apparent. Although they have since reconciled over a phone call, Suarez’s view on the approval process remains unchanged.
Suarez, one of the sport’s top Latino drivers, criticized not only Legge but also NASCAR, suggesting that they had set Legge up for failure. He argued that NASCAR’s open-door policy for outside drivers can damage the competition. Suarez believes the system is unfair, as drivers are plunged into one of the most competitive series in the world, regardless of their skill level.
NASCAR has no strict procedure for drivers to enter the Cup Series. This was exemplified by the Open Exemption Provisional, which allows star drivers from other racing series to compete at the Cup level. Suarez, however, takes issue not with female drivers entering the Cup Series, but with the questionable approval system that can lead to accidents.
Suarez likens the situation to Formula 1 racing. He believes that just as he wouldn’t be allowed to race in Formula 1 or Formula 2 without the necessary qualifications, the same should apply to the Cup Series. He argues that drivers should earn their place in the highest level of stock car racing over several years.
Legge’s difficulties have reignited calls for NASCAR to review its approval procedure. Should prior Truck Series or Xfinity experience be necessary? Should driver readiness be examined more closely? With more crossover drivers entering the Cup Series, these questions remain unanswered.
The inconsistency of NASCAR’s driver approval procedure has been a point of contention. Some drivers, despite having superior qualifications, are denied, while others are welcomed. The criteria for approval seem erratic, causing frustration among drivers, teams, and fans, and raising safety concerns.
NASCAR’s approval process has been criticized, especially in the ARCA Menards Series, known for its relaxed entry requirements and crash-laden races. Veteran drivers have called for stricter regulations and standards. Furthermore, NASCAR’s approval criteria have been inconsistent, causing confusion and frustration among veteran drivers.
Finally, there is the influence of sponsors and financial backing, which often dictate a driver’s chances in the Cup Series. This has led to suggestions for a system similar to Formula 1’s Super License system, which ensures only the best racers advance by requiring drivers to earn points through junior series success.
As NASCAR continues to allow unprepared drivers into the Cup Series, accidents and safety hazards become increasingly common. This has prompted calls for a more structured licensing process, similar to F1’s Super License. At the very least, there is a need for greater transparency.
So, the question remains: How many more questionable approvals will it take for NASCAR to amend its driver approval process?