Kyle Busch has openly criticized NASCAR’s decision to schedule two races at his hometown venue, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, arguing that the track does not justify hosting more than one event. The seasoned driver and two-time Cup Series champion voiced his concerns in August 2025, highlighting attendance and fan engagement as key factors for determining race dates. Busch’s remarks come amid NASCAR’s efforts to balance packed grandstands with expanding markets across the calendar, making his perspective particularly notable given his history with the Vegas track.
Busch acknowledged his affection for Las Vegas but stressed a practical approach to scheduling. He stated,
“As much as I love Vegas, and Vegas is my hometown, I don’t think Vegas needs two dates,”
revealing his belief that the sport should prioritize arenas that regularly attract full crowds rather than relying solely on tradition or hometown loyalty. His preference is for NASCAR to consider reallocating race dates to venues that deliver stronger and more consistent fan turnouts, helping the sport grow its audience and create more competitive racing environments.
Attendance Trends at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Influence Busch’s Viewpoint
In recent years, Las Vegas Motor Speedway has experienced significant fluctuations in spectator numbers, which bolster Busch’s argument for a reduced schedule there. Once capable of seating around 140,000 fans, the track’s official capacity was scaled back to approximately 80,000 in 2017 and has further declined since. The 2023 South Point 400 saw only about half of the grandstands filled, with estimated attendance hovering around 40,000 to 48,000 spectators. This marked a sharp drop compared to previous years when average crowds often exceeded 100,000.
Such data fuels Busch’s point that hosting two race weekends at Vegas may no longer be sustainable or justifiable amid dwindling fan turnout. He emphasized this by saying,
“If you’re not packing the grandstands and selling out every single time, then you only need one date.”
Busch’s recommendation suggests the sport should be flexible in its scheduling and willing to shift dates away from tracks struggling to maintain peak audience engagement.
Kyle Busch’s Racing Legacy and Experience at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Kyle Busch’s relationship with Las Vegas Motor Speedway blends significant achievements with consistent competitiveness. His career milestone came in 2009 when he secured his only NASCAR Cup Series win at the track, overtaking rivals after starting from the back of the pack and famously celebrating with a kiss at the finish line. Although he has not won at Vegas since that breakthrough victory, Busch has maintained solid performances, securing three top-six finishes in his last seven starts, including a near-podium in the 2022 spring race.
His competitive history at Vegas lends credibility to his criticism of the current racing conditions and schedule. Busch’s insights reflect firsthand knowledge of what the track offers and where it falls short, especially when compared to other venues that produce more dynamic contests.
Busch Highlights Issues with Racing Quality at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Central to Kyle Busch’s critique is the nature of racing at Las Vegas. He argues that the track’s design and aerodynamic characteristics significantly limit overtaking opportunities, leading to processional races with little excitement. Busch described the situation by saying,
“dramatic passes are all but eliminated”
on such tracks due to narrow racing lines and aero dependency. This lack of on-track action impacts fan enjoyment and arguably undermines the spectacle NASCAR aims to provide.
Busch further compared Las Vegas to other venues, casting doubt on their potential as improved alternatives. He stated,
“I would say maybe, I don’t know, maybe another Bristol, but honestly, people would say that Dover’s another Bristol, and that hasn’t lended itself to the best of racing over the years. It’s just so aero-dependent there, and the fastest way is always the bottom.”
By referencing multi-groove, action-packed tracks like Richmond, Bristol, Darlington, or Loudon, Busch promotes the idea that NASCAR’s schedule should favor venues encouraging skillful driving and competitive battles rather than tracks where position and aerodynamics dominate outcomes.
Recent Performance Highlights: Busch and Other Drivers at Richmond
While Busch debates the schedule, he remains a strong on-track competitor, exemplified by his recent showing at Richmond Raceway. During practice, he posted the fastest average speeds across multiple laps but was unable to start near the front, beginning the race in 28th position with a lap time of 22.679 seconds and a top speed of 119.053 mph. This contrast of pace and starting position underscores some of the unpredictability inherent in NASCAR racing.
In the same event, Ryan Preece secured his second career Busch Light Pole Award after a rapid qualifying lap of 22.244 seconds at 121.381 mph, narrowly edging Tyler Reddick. Preece’s performance earned Stewart-Haas Racing a major spotlight as he now sits 34 points from clinching a playoff berth. His candid admission of frustration after losses, saying,
“I hate losing — it eats at me,”
illustrates the emotional intensity drivers bring to every race weekend.
The Implications of Busch’s Criticism for NASCAR’s Future Scheduling
Kyle Busch’s forthright comments add momentum to ongoing discussions about refining NASCAR’s race schedule to benefit fans and the sport’s sustainability. By emphasizing packed grandstands and race quality, he challenges NASCAR to reconsider the value of maintaining multiple race dates at venues where attendance is slipping and racing is less thrilling. His hometown perspective lends weight to calls for a more dynamic, fan-focused approach that may involve shifting dates to tracks with proven excitement and higher spectator demand.
Whether NASCAR adopts Busch’s recommendations remains uncertain, but his input highlights a heightened attention to balancing tradition with innovation. This conversation could shape scheduling decisions in coming seasons, influencing how the sport engages audiences, supports competitive racing, and nurtures its long-term growth.
