Dale Earnhardt Jr. is not a big fan of the way NASCAR organizes the Busch Clash since the 2022 season.
NASCAR decided to replace the traditional Busch Clash with a new format in the 2022 season. Since its inception in 1979, the race was always held at Daytona International Speedway as part of the Speedweeks.
However, NASCAR moved the race out of Daytona International Speedway for the first time in 2022 to Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The move was a part of the launch of the seventh-generation chassis.
Dale Jr.’s all time top-10 NASCAR drivers spark interesting debate among fans
But, they didn’t only change the venue but also the format of the race. While it was not the first time NASCAR changed the format and eligibility for the Clash, Dale Jr. reminisces of the time when winning the pole in the past season awarded drivers a place in the Clash.
He wrote his opinions on Twitter with a picture of his father.
“I sure miss the connection between the pole awards and clash eligibility. It made winning a pole for any driver mean more. It made getting into the clash an exclusive accomplishment. The origin and identity of the clash itself were pole award winner.”
I sorely miss the connection between the pole awards and clash eligibility.
It made winning a pole for any driver mean more.
It made getting into the clash an exclusive accomplishment.The origin and identity of the clash itself was pole award winners. https://t.co/MkMQtzEj26
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) December 5, 2022
NASCAR legend Mark Martin agreed to Dale Jr.’s opinion by replying to his tweet.
Me too @DaleJr 💯 https://t.co/1xKUWkgU4A
— Mark Martin (@markmartin) December 5, 2022
The current format allows 36 chartered teams to participate in the race. While the previous format was more exclusive, it would also mean that the likes of some best drivers who even won a Cup race in the past season might not be able to participate in it.
The current format at least gives a chance for a number of drivers to compete in the race leading to the season opener at Daytona International Speedway.