NASCAR is facing scrutiny from veteran figures regarding its current state, including criticism of reduced horsepower and changes to the playoff structure. Tony Stewart, a three-time Cup Series champion, recently voiced his frustration, stating that the sport has become "neutered" due to lower horsepower engines and a playoff format that he feels diminishes the stakes.
Stewart, who retired from full-time Cup racing in 2016, lamented the decline in engine power, contrasting the current 500-horsepower engines with the 875 horsepower cars he raced at the peak of his career. He noted the irony of a street-legal truck having more horsepower than the race cars. Despite his criticisms, Stewart is scheduled to return to racing himself, driving a truck for Kaulig Racing in an upcoming Truck Series race at Talladega Superspeedway on October 23.
Driver Comebacks and Legal Battles
In other news from the NASCAR world, Kasey Kahne, a 31-time race winner, is reportedly coming out of retirement to compete full-time in the Truck Series next season with Spire Motorsports. Kahne, 46, last raced in 2018 before retiring due to health reasons, primarily dehydration. His previous career includes six Truck Series starts. The shorter races in the Truck Series are considered a factor in his decision to return to that specific division.
Meanwhile, NASCAR Truck Series driver Jennifer Jo Cobb has been ordered to pay $850,000 following a civil lawsuit. The wife of spotter Clayton Hughes accused Cobb of seducing her husband, which she alleged contributed to their divorce in 2021. The judgment was made after Cobb lost the civil court case.
Playoff Format and Race Incidents
The current NASCAR Cup Series playoff format, which deviates from the previous "win-and-advance" system, is also a point of discussion. Some observers feel the change has reduced the intensity of the races, as elimination stakes are not as immediate.
The recent race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway saw Chase Briscoe take the win, with Kyle Larson and Tyler Reddick involved in a wreck on the final lap while battling for position. This incident highlights the continued on-track drama characteristic of the sport, even as broader strategic and performance-related discussions take place.
Additionally, Brad Keselowski is reportedly departing his own RFK Racing team at the end of the current season after his five-year contract expires. Keselowski joined the team five years ago and is credited with significant improvements, leading to two of the three cars reaching the playoffs this year. Reports suggest a potential disagreement over his role, with the team possibly seeking a transition to management while Keselowski preferred to continue racing.