Despite mounting criticism from fans following a string of underwhelming superspeedway races, NASCAR’s Elton Sawyer isn’t rushing to make changes. In response to calls for a revised rules package—particularly after Talladega’s lowest-ever approval rating in the popular “Was it a good race?” fan poll—Sawyer pushed back with a numbers-based defense.
“You have 67 lead changes among 23 drivers,” said Sawyer, NASCAR’s Senior Vice President of Competition, during Tuesday’s media availability. “So when we look at all of that, what are we trying to fix? What’s not going the way we would like it?”
His comments reflect the organization’s belief that, on paper, the racing is delivering. Talladega featured dynamic shuffling at the front of the pack and widespread participation in the battle for the lead—traditionally, ingredients of a compelling superspeedway show. But for many fans watching from home, the race felt flat and overly calculated, lacking the intensity and edge-of-your-seat moments long associated with tracks like Talladega and Daytona.
While the Next Gen car has improved parity and manufacturer balance in the field, it’s also created aerodynamic conditions that some argue discourage drivers from taking late-race risks. Tight packs, turbulent air, and reduced slingshot ability often lead to what fans describe as “waiting games” until the closing laps—if action happens at all.
Sawyer’s remarks suggest that NASCAR is currently content with the superspeedway formula, at least from a competition metrics standpoint. But they also highlight a growing disconnect between what the data shows and how the product is perceived. The last four races on the calendar—including superspeedways and short tracks—have received less than 51% approval in fan polls, an unprecedented stretch of discontent.
Still, NASCAR isn’t turning a blind eye. Sawyer acknowledged the importance of ongoing dialogue with teams, manufacturers, and drivers to continue evolving the product—but stopped short of promising immediate changes.
“We’ll continue to evaluate everything,” he said. “But from a competition standpoint, the numbers are pretty strong.”
Whether that data-driven approach will be enough to sway fans who feel the thrill is fading remains to be seen.
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