Live Feed: NASCAR Off-Season Debate—Where Are the Drivers?
As the NASCAR off-season unfolds, fans find themselves grappling with racing withdrawal. After an intense 38-race schedule running from February to November, most drivers understandably step back, spending time with family, reflecting on the season, and preparing for the next. With NASCAR’s relentless pace, this downtime is sacred.
However, some drivers don’t rest, opting to race in other series or disciplines to stay sharp or simply enjoy the thrill of competition. Kyle Larson has made a name for himself as a dirt-track ace, competing in his High Limit Racing league and the Tulsa Shootout, often alongside Kyle Busch. Meanwhile, Chase Elliott’s ventures into Super Late Models and Rallycross have thrilled fans, and even semi-retired Kurt Busch took on the grueling Baja 1000.
But for many fans, these instances are far too rare. Nostalgia for days when NASCAR stars dominated local tracks or marquee events like the Rolex 24 at Daytona has fueled frustration. Some blame team owners for restrictive contracts, while others lament the sport’s demanding schedule.
Fan Frustration: Where Are the Drivers?
Fans are vocal about their longing for NASCAR’s past. Many miss the International Race of Champions (IROC), where drivers from various disciplines competed on equal footing. One fan on Reddit wrote, “This is part of the reason why IROC going away was sad. It’s fun to see all types of drivers racing different cars.”
There’s also a desire for more grassroots participation. “I’d love to see a few of these guys in regular Saturday night short track races,” commented another fan, emphasizing the connection NASCAR once had with local racing communities.
The declining presence of Cup drivers at events like the Rolex 24 at Daytona is another sore spot. This iconic 24-hour race has boasted winners like Ken Miles, Mario Andretti, and A.J. Allmendinger. Fans argue that participation in such events could elevate drivers’ profiles and bring attention to NASCAR. “Anytime Cup drivers race outside NASCAR, it’s a good thing. It grows the driver’s brand and brings more attention to the sport,” said one fan.
However, fans also point fingers at team owners like Roger Penske, who are accused of discouraging extracurricular racing. One fan shared, “I met Penske at the Rolex grid walk and asked him about getting Logano into one of these races. He just said, ‘We’ll see what we can do,’ and walked away.” The fan concluded, “Joey needs to be in a Mustang GT3 or a Penske Porsche GTP at some point!”
Drivers Defend Their Downtime: Burnout Is Real
While fans’ frustrations are valid, the drivers’ perspective sheds light on the challenges of NASCAR’s grueling schedule. With one of the longest seasons in professional sports, burnout is a real issue. “The season is incredibly long and difficult for the drivers and their families,” admitted one fan. “If they want to do more, great. If not, I’m fine with that, too.”
The physical toll is immense, with drivers spending countless hours racing, testing, and traveling. Injury risks from non-NASCAR events add another layer of complexity, leading many teams to restrict outside participation.
However, some teams strike a balance. Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) stands out, encouraging its drivers to explore other disciplines. Kyle Larson competes in dirt races, Chase Elliott has ventured into rallycross, and Alex Bowman raced on dirt before an injury. One fan praised HMS, saying, “This is the one thing they do better than anyone. They went from not allowing extracurricular racing to actively encouraging it.”
The Middle Ground: More Action, Less Exhaustion
The debate highlights fans’ desire to see drivers showcase their versatility. NASCAR’s demanding schedule, restrictive contracts, and injury risks are barriers, but fans argue that extracurricular racing could bring new excitement and visibility to the sport.
As the 2025 season approaches, the hope is for an evolved off-season—one that lets drivers recharge while engaging fans through diverse racing opportunities. For now, though, the passionate debate continues, with fans demanding more from their heroes and NASCAR drivers caught in the middle.
