Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently addressed criticism from Tony Stewart regarding the current state of NASCAR Cup Series racing, particularly Stewart’s claim that the racing has become a “dud.” On his Dale Jr. Download podcast, Earnhardt countered Stewart’s remarks, suggesting that the three-time Cup champion might be out of touch with how the sport has evolved since his retirement.
Stewart had previously voiced frustration over what he saw as a lack of action and excitement in today’s races, implying that the Next Gen car had watered down the competition. However, Earnhardt pushed back, arguing that while the racing may look different, it’s far from boring. He cited increased parity, closer finishes, and a deeper field of competitive drivers as key improvements. Earnhardt emphasized that fans now see more unpredictability and strategy play out, even if it’s less dramatic than past eras.
Earnhardt also acknowledged that nostalgia often clouds judgment, stating, “It’s easy to think it was better in our day, but the sport is constantly changing.” While he respects Stewart’s legacy and passion, Earnhardt urged fans and former drivers alike to appreciate how NASCAR is trying to balance tradition with innovation to appeal to new generations.
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