The NASCAR playoffs had become one of the biggest talking points in the sport last season. With fans and sports legends both raising their voices against the system, NASCAR had no other option but to listen. And after a long spell of consideration, the governing body finally decided to announce a new format on Monday.
By bringing in ‘The Chase,’ NASCAR bid adieu to the playoffs after 12 seasons. Now, Dale Earnhardt Jr., one of NASCAR’s most credible and influential voices, has expressed his dislike of the playoffs on several occasions. And with a new system sealed and delivered, Earnhardt got candid about his complicated relationship with the sport’s playoffs.
NASCAR’s Announcement of ‘The Chase’
When NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell announced the new format, Earnhardt was one of the legends, alongside Mark Martin, who was on stage. Though the duo leaned more in favor of a 36-point system, NASCAR’s decision did not precisely go in that direction.
However, both agreed that ‘The Chase’ was a perfect compromise that kept all the parties involved with the sport happy. In the press conference, Earnhardt said, “I was really excited to hear the news that we were getting a little closer to a full 36-race format. This is as close in my opinion that you can get without going all the way.”
He also added that the new format was simpler to follow and would require drivers to perform throughout the season. Earnhardt believed this would encourage fans to tune in every week to root for their favorite driver.
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According to the 51-year-old, the new points system would also give drivers, who would have to work hard from the very first race to earn the title, a greater sense of accomplishment.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. on His Relationship With the Playoffs
In his recent podcast, Earnhardt opened up even further about his feelings on the new format. He recalled how he would be obsessed with the sport every week because every race mattered. Earnhardt said:
“When we had the full season points, you couldn’t take a week off as a fan, ”cause that race might be the one where your guy breaks a motor and gives up 180 points. That race that’s in the middle of the year that seems like it’s not really that important could be the one that loses you the championship.”
He argued that, with the playoffs, the sport lost its grip on fans. Earnhardt, who also happens to be a broadcaster, generally minces his words to not let his opinions affect that side of his career, but this time, the NASCAR Hall of Famer did not hold back.
Earnhardt revealed his true feelings about the playoffs and said, “I’m careful to admit this because, hey, man, I’m a broadcaster. I got all kinds of roles and responsibilities. And so I don’t know if that hurts my position in the sport to say I was falling out of love with it. I really was.”
He further mentioned that, with the playoffs, the sport had become unnecessarily “gimmicky, contrived, complex, and hard to follow.”
Even though NASCAR did not choose to walk the traditional championship path, Earnhardt was happy with ‘The Chase,’ believing it would create a more competitive environment for the drivers and have a tighter grip on the fans.
