“They Got No Skin”- NASCAR Veteran Points Fingers at True Culprit as He Dissects Cup Stars’ Lacking ‘Respect’

Former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty has voiced concerns about the current generation of Cup Series drivers, criticizing their perceived lack of respect on the track. Speaking on Kevin Harvick’s “Happy Hour” podcast, Petty highlighted how changes in driver upbringing and the evolution of the sport have contributed to this issue. 

Petty pointed out that many young drivers today have been raised on video games, where crashing carries no real consequences. He noted that these drivers “grow up just crashing something and walking away from it,” without the responsibility of repairing the damage. This contrasts with earlier generations who had to personally fix their cars after incidents, fostering a greater respect for their equipment and fellow competitors.  

He further explained that in the past, drivers had a deep respect for one another and their machinery, often racing the same car across multiple events. The limited resources and higher risks led to more cautious and respectful driving. In contrast, today’s drivers, backed by well-funded teams and advanced technology, may view cars as expendable, leading to more aggressive behavior on the track. 

Petty’s remarks have ignited discussions within the NASCAR community about the evolving culture of the sport and the importance of instilling respect among drivers. Fans and analysts are debating whether the current environment adequately promotes accountability and reverence for the sport’s traditions.