Chase Briscoe, currently racing the No. 19 car for Joe Gibbs Racing, is urging NASCAR to bring back dirt racing to the Cup Series schedule, highlighting the importance of preserving the sport’s diverse racing disciplines. Speaking recently, Briscoe emphasized that including a dirt race in the calendar would honor the roots of many drivers, himself included, who grew up competing and honing their skills on dirt tracks. He identifies the nostalgic and competitive value that a dirt race would add to NASCAR’s already varied racing formats.
Driving Backgrounds Rooted in Dirt Track Experience
Briscoe is not alone in his enthusiasm; drivers such as Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson share a deep connection with dirt racing, reflecting a common foundation for many in the series. These drivers see dirt racing as more than a discipline; it’s a return to the early days that shaped their driving style and attracted fans who followed their progress from the start. Dirt racing remains central to their identity, fueling the call to integrate it back into the top level of NASCAR competition.
Dirt Racing Completes NASCAR’s Range of Disciplines
Briscoe argued that NASCAR’s current schedule already includes a variety of race types like superspeedways, short tracks, intermediate circuits, and road courses, but remains incomplete without a dirt track event. As he explained,
“I definitely think we need a dirt track just because we run on every discipline. We have superspeedway, short track, intermediate, road course, and you know, growing up, you’re either a road course guy, a short track racer, or a dirt racer.”
He continued by stressing that incorporating at least one dirt race would unify the sport’s diversity, connecting drivers and fans who share dirt racing backgrounds.
“The people that are going to sprint car races are typically watching NASCAR on Sunday and now we have a lot of NASCAR guys going back and running sprint cars. So, I definitely would love to have a dirt race. I don’t think we need more than one, but I think one would be nice,”
Briscoe said.
Bringing Back Eldora Speedway as a Premier Dirt Venue
Briscoe reflected on previous attempts to introduce dirt surfaces in NASCAR, notably the Bristol dirt race, which had a mixed reception in its inaugural run. He noted, however, that a venue designed specifically for dirt racing—like Eldora Speedway—would elevate the quality of competition.
“Eldora certainly would put on a great race,”
Briscoe stated, pointing to the track’s reputation and suitability as a home for a dirt event in the Cup Series.
Owned by Tony Stewart and recently upgraded, Eldora has a proven history as the site of the Eldora Dirt Derby in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series from 2013 to 2019. Despite its pristine condition and natural fit for dirt competition, the NASCAR Cup Series has yet to show strong interest in returning to dirt at Eldora.
Christopher Bell Supports Expanding Dirt Racing Opportunities
Christopher Bell, another driver with dirt racing roots, agrees with Briscoe’s vision and believes NASCAR missed an opportunity to fully embrace dirt racing the way it has with road courses. Bell suggests that if NASCAR were to reintroduce dirt races, it should commit to multiple events, rather than a single race, to give the format a fair chance to flourish.
For Bell and others who began racing on dirt, adding those events to the Cup Series schedule represents more than a nostalgic nod; it is an opportunity to reconnect with a foundational aspect of their careers. With Eldora Speedway leading the discussion as a favored site, the push to revive dirt racing remains a significant topic among drivers familiar with the discipline.
Potential Impact of Reviving Dirt Racing in NASCAR
Reintroducing dirt racing to the NASCAR Cup Series would not only diversify the calendar but could also strengthen ties between NASCAR and its fanbase rooted in grassroots dirt competitions. Drivers like Briscoe and Bell see this move as a chance to bring traditional forms of racing into the spotlight once again, providing a new challenge for competitors and a fresh spectacle for audiences.
As Eldora Speedway remains at the forefront of consideration, future discussions will likely focus on how NASCAR can best integrate dirt racing without overwhelming the current schedule, potentially starting with a single event that celebrates the sport’s rich history and varied racing culture.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where will Chase Briscoe be in 2025?
A. Chase Briscoe is set to move to Joe Gibbs Racing, the championship-winning team, in 2025. He will replace Martin Truex Jr., who is retiring, as the driver of the No. 19 Toyota Camry XSE.
Q. Where is Chase Briscoe going in 2025?
A. In 2025, Chase Briscoe will become a member of the successful Joe Gibbs Racing team, stepping into the No. [rest of sentence needed].
