The NASCAR Cup Series currently features some of the nation’s top dirt racers, including Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Chase Briscoe. From 2021 through 2023, these drivers had the chance to compete on a temporary dirt track at Bristol Motor Speedway. However, NASCAR recently discontinued the dirt race and returned to its traditional pavement format, reversing the arrangement that had been in place since the sport first stopped racing on dirt in 2021. This decision disappointed Chase Briscoe, a TRD driver with Joe Gibbs Racing and a passionate dirt competitor who believes the dirt racing culture deserves a place in NASCAR’s premier division.

During an interview with Always Race Day, Briscoe expressed his enthusiasm for dirt racing and the importance of keeping it alive within the Cup Series. He noted how much he valued those dirt track experiences, which hold a substantial fan base, and encouraged NASCAR to reintroduce dirt events on a regular basis.

“Yeah, absolutely. Anytime there’s been a NASCAR dirt race, I always try to make it a point to go run it. You know, I remember coming here and running the truck race a couple of years ago, and obviously, I always ran the Eldora races as well. So, yeah, I feel like even in the Cup Series, we need to have a dirt race.” —Chase Briscoe, NASCAR driver

While the temporary dirt race at Bristol did not generate the level of excitement NASCAR hoped for, Briscoe and others believe the sport can tap into a larger market by returning to more established dirt venues. Instead of constructing temporary tracks, NASCAR could focus on legendary places like Eldora Speedway that already have the infrastructure and history to support dirt racing. The newer generation of cars, like the Next–Gen models, along with today’s skilled drivers, are fully capable of delivering strong performances in dirt events.

Briscoe Calls for Iowa Speedway Repave to Improve Racing Quality

Following NASCAR’s recent return to Iowa Speedway, where Briscoe secured the pole position and finished second behind William Byron, the driver used the opportunity to point out the need for updates to the track surface. Briscoe highlighted how the current pavement limits driver movement and forces races to be overly dependent on track position, detracting from competitive passing and dynamic racing.

“I wish they’d repave this place all the way to the wall, just so we could have more room to move around. This is such a track position race, with the dirty air and stuff and you’re kind of limited with where you can run.” —Chase Briscoe, NASCAR driver

Briscoe hopes that by the next NASCAR event at Iowa, the track will be repaved entirely, providing multiple viable racing lanes and reducing the impact of dirty air on trailing cars. He suggested that the track’s current narrow racing lanes—only two to three wide—make overtaking very challenging and reduce the overall excitement for both drivers and fans.

“So maybe we’ll come back next year and hopefully they’ll repave it all the way to the wall…It’s definitely really difficult to pass. You’re so limited. The racetrack’s only two or three lanes wide and you just take the guy’s air. If we had the old surface, it’d be unbelievable. As soon as we get on the old pavement, you just start spinning the tires.” —Chase Briscoe, NASCAR driver

This perspective aligns with broader concerns within the NASCAR community about racing quality on tracks with narrow lanes and the negative effects of aerodynamic turbulence, commonly referred to as dirty air. Many fans and drivers feel these conditions undermine the entertainment value and competitive nature of races. Briscoe’s call for repaving underscores a critical issue NASCAR may need to address to enhance future events at iconic tracks like Iowa Speedway.

Significance of Briscoe’s Advocacy for NASCAR’s Future Direction

Chase Briscoe‘s push for reinstating dirt racing and improving the condition of tracks such as Iowa Speedway reflects deeper debates within the NASCAR community about innovation and tradition. Bringing back dirt races in the Cup Series could reinvigorate excitement for longtime fans and attract new followers by showcasing a different racing discipline featuring some of the sport’s best talents in their element.

Meanwhile, addressing track surfaces to allow more racing lanes and reduce negative aerodynamics will be important for maintaining competitive balance and enhancing fan engagement. How NASCAR responds to these calls may shape the sport’s growth and appeal in coming seasons, especially as it balances the legacy of dirt racing with the demands of modern, fast-paced pavement competition.

Briscoe’s opinions add to ongoing conversations involving other influential drivers like Denny Hamlin, who has voiced concerns about issues with the Next–Gen cars, signaling a broader willingness among top competitors to push NASCAR toward meaningful changes. The coming months will reveal whether the sanctioning body acts on these suggestions to elevate racing quality and embrace aspects like dirt competition that resonate strongly within the driver community and fan base alike.