Fan Sentiment Hits New Low: Talladega Poll Marks Historic Drop in NASCAR Race Ratings

NASCAR fans are voicing their frustrations louder than ever, and the numbers prove it. According to the latest fan poll on whether Talladega Superspeedway delivered a good race, only 39% of respondents said “Yes”—marking a historic low for the iconic track and contributing to an unprecedented streak of fan dissatisfaction.

The 39% approval is the lowest rating Talladega has ever received in the 19 times it’s been included in the poll. It drops below the previous low of 42% recorded during the fall 2018 race. But the news gets worse: among all 45 superspeedway races measured in the poll’s history, this race ranks second-worst, with only the 2019 Clash at Daytona faring worse at 20.9%.

Even more striking is the trend this rating underscores. For the first time in the history of the poll, four consecutive races have scored under 51% approval:

Martinsville: 50.9% Darlington: 45.9% Bristol (Dirt): 21.1% Talladega: 39%

As pointed out by NASCAR observer @_DanielCespedes, this sustained stretch of disapproval is unprecedented, and raises questions about current race formats, car packages, and overall fan engagement.

The Talladega race, usually known for its high-speed drama and unpredictability, failed to capture the energy that typically defines superspeedway action. Many fans cited a lack of true competition, single-file racing, and overly cautious driving as reasons for the underwhelming experience.

While NASCAR has been experimenting with various changes to improve racing quality, especially on short tracks and superspeedways, the current trend in fan response suggests something isn’t working. Whether it’s the Next Gen car’s limitations, conservative strategies from teams, or a more cautious approach to playoff points, the excitement seems to be lagging.

The message from fans is clear: NASCAR needs to re-evaluate how it’s delivering the on-track product. And with more races looming on the calendar, the spotlight will only grow brighter on how the sport responds to this rare and sustained dip in public sentiment.