Debate continues in the aftermath of last weekend’s NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.
While some observers have bemoaned the aero-dependency of the cars and the lack of passing that resulted, others continue to take issue with the race’s ever-changing format.
But for some of NASCAR’s top drivers, the late start time has been the biggest criticism.
The green flag for the first segment of the five-segment race flew at 9:42 p.m. ET. The final segment ended at 11:15 p.m. ET with Denny Hamlin taking the win.
On Monday, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer Steve O’Donnell told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s “The Morning Drive” that the start time for the All-Star Race “is something we want to look at.”
Fan-favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr. took to Twitter Monday evening to offer his thoughts on the subject, calling for the non-points exhibition race to be moved to the middle of the day — which, he believes, would create better racing.
Defending Sprint Cup Series champion and this year’s All-Star Race runner-up, Kevin Harvick, agreed with Earnhardt’s suggestion.
The All-Star Race was held during the day for its first years, producing memorable moments such as Dale Earnhardt’s “Pass in the Grass” against Bill Elliott in 1987, and Rusty Wallace spinning Darrell Waltrip for the victory in 1989.
However, when lights were added to Charlotte Motor Speedway, the All-Star Race moved to the night for the first time in 1992, and has been at night ever since.
While night racing under the lights is a spectacle to see — with the car decals shining bright, the sparks flying and camera bulbs flashing — has the novelty worn off?
Drivers often say the best racing in the series takes place during the day when the track gets hot and slick. Given the dearth of drama in this year’s running of an event billed as a “no-holds-barred, anything goes” type of race, perhaps it is time to listen to Earnhardt and others, and move the race back to the daytime.
