The ongoing debate about the role of road courses in NASCAR has stirred significant discussion among fans and drivers alike. Ty Dillon, a racer deeply involved in the championship race, recently shared his perspective on the topic, addressing his experiences, frustrations, and thoughts on the sport’s evolving race schedule.
Ty Dillon’s Perspective on NASCAR’s Increasing Road Course Schedule
Ty Dillon, driving for Kaulig Racing, spoke candidly about the challenges and opportunities presented by road courses during a conversation with Large and Spider on the Rubbin Is Racing podcast. He reflected on his current run in the In-Season Challenge and the importance of this competition for a driver from a smaller team like his.
Dillon then ranked some of the most memorable highlights of his career, giving context to where winning this tournament might fit among those achievements. Moving forward, the discussion turned to the contentious subject of the growing number of road course events in NASCAR.
When Large asked,
“What’s the right number of road courses for you in a year, just from a driver’s perspective?”
Dillon acknowledged both his dislike for one particular venue and his general support for road courses in the sport. He responded,
The number we have minus Chicago. That place has beaten me up the last couple of times, and that’s just a personal thing,
revealing a specific frustration with Chicago’s track.
Despite those difficulties, Dillon expressed clear enthusiasm for racing on road courses overall. He also backed NASCAR’s efforts to diversify the types of tracks on the schedule, which aim to provide fresh challenges and keep fans engaged. He explained,
I just think we have to get competitive with our racetracks. If fans aren’t showing up, if we’re not putting on a good show, or the surface isn’t good enough, the tracks that are in the waiting should get opportunities,
highlighting the need for continual growth and improvement.
In closing on the subject, Dillon emphasized his approval of expanding into new venues, viewing this as a sign of positive development in the sport. He stated,
I love that we’re moving to new places. So we’ll see what the future holds,
expressing optimism about the schedule’s evolution.
Alternatives Ty Dillon Would Prefer to Chicago’s Street Race
After discussing his views on road courses, Spider asked Dillon which race he would substitute for the Chicago Street Race. Dillon offered two possibilities that reflect a blend of tradition and novelty.
He said,
I’d move North Wilkesboro to a points race. There’s a lot of rumblings about that. But if it had to be a road course, a place that we haven’t gone to, then, Laguna Seca. That would be a kind of all-time place for me. Those are the two that I’d love to see on our schedule,
suggesting a return to NASCAR’s historic roots alongside an introduction of a renowned road course new to the Cup Series.
This combination shows a respect for NASCAR’s heritage through North Wilkesboro and a willingness to embrace landmark racing venues like Laguna Seca, which could bring a distinctive challenge to the drivers and excitement for fans.
Currently, Ty Dillon holds the 31st spot in the Cup Series driver standings. However, his focus remains strong as he competes in the In-Season Challenge. At the upcoming race in Dover, Dillon will face John Hunter Nemechek in a key matchup as they both remain among the four drivers still in contention for the tournament title.
As NASCAR continues to experiment with its race formats and venues, Dillon’s insights mirror the mix of frustration and hope many within the sport share, underscoring the ongoing tension and potential growth in the racing calendar.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is Ty Dillon’s wife?
A. Channel 4’s soap opera recently revealed that Dillon is the dad of Leah Barnes’s new baby boy, James. In the first episodes after the one-year time skip, Leah had her baby. Many villagers thought Charlie Dean, who wasn’t around, was the father.
Q. Does Ty Dillon have kids?
A. They had their daughter, Oakley Ray Dillon, on November 20, 2017. Their son, Kapton Reed Dillon, arrived on October 29, 2020.
