Controversial Insider Trashes “Driver Talent” Amidst “Doesn’t Hold a Candle” Gibe at NASCAR

As the 2024 Cup Series season continues to unfold, NASCAR finds itself in a strange spot. On one hand, short-track racing is creating issues unlike ever before. But on the other hand, intermediate racing is at its best. With the Next-Gen car picking favorites, a few NASCAR insiders can’t help but predict a lackluster finale at the mile-long Phoenix Raceway.

Speaking of which, veteran spotter Brett Griffin, known for his hot takes, stirred up the community on X once again. Only this time around, he openly called out the Finale at Phoenix in favor of a race at one of NASCAR’s most thrilling intermediate tracks, Darlington Raceway.

As the Next-Gen car’s strength reveals itself, Brett Griffin calls for a major change

In the early 200s, NASCAR fans were met with an unfortunate sight, as some of their favorite tracks were vaulted in favor of expansion. From North Wilkesboro to Rockingham Speedway, many racetracks faced an unfortunate end owing to the growing needs of the sport. That being said, fans had learned their lesson when it came to Darlington and have stood by its side ever since.

So now that NASCAR’s oldest ‘superspeedway’ was a cult classic with its Throwback Weekend and the Southern 500, Brett Griffin turned things up a notch with his demands. Griffin realized how the Next-Gen car suited intermediate racing far better, and how fans had evidently not enjoyed the long green-flag sessions at Phoenix Raceway. This led him to share; “Darlington should be the championship race once in this playoff format. Phoenix doesn’t hold a candle to this place—tire wear, driver talent, or history.”

Compared to the lackluster racing we’ve witnessed at Phoenix Raceway lately, where a late caution triggers the only action we get, Darlington was a step ahead. Owing to its narrow lanes, teams and drivers need to truly pull off a weekend with all boxes checked to stand a chance at victory. Essentially, that should be the very definition of a Championship 4 race—something that Griffin believes just doesn’t work with Phoenix Raceway.

Keeping aside the dirt-air issues at Darlington, the intermediate track still suits the Next-Gen car far better than it does a short track like Phoenix. After all, just look back to 2022, when many frontrunners, such as Kyle Busch, lost out on a shot at the win as their cars lost the battle of endurance.

Accounting for all of these factors, the NASCAR community felt that Brett Griffin’s opinion wasn’t so controversial this time around.

The NASCAR community sides with Brett Griffin as fans demand championship race status for Darlington

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Going over all of Griffin’s points, fans slowly highlighted how the veteran’s analysis was accurate on all fronts. Not only was driver talent more vital at Darlington owing to its difficulty, but the Next-Gen car’s tire wear also made for interesting races at mile-and-a-half tracks. A user highlighted the same, “Darlington is a 10 on all things you mentioned, Phoenix I would not rate above a 2, especially after NASCAR ruined the original (which was still a lousy Stock Car track), Phoenix is just NOT good! @TooToughToTame”

Similarly, many fans felt Darlington was a more fitting venue for the championship race. With only four drivers competing for the crown, only such a track could make things interesting. Fans shared their approval of Griffin’s comments: “That ain’t no lie,” as others also stated: “It should be the championship venue. iDGAF how cold it is.” 

The only dilemma that could create problems for a championship race at Darlington would be the weather. After all, South Carolina isn’t exactly known for sunny winters. But to solve this problem, one fan highlighted an aspect that many were pointing toward: “Shorten the season up. Darlington beginning of October seems like it would be nice.” 

With many preferring quality over quantity, it’s safe to say that NASCAR needs to make a move on the championship race. Owing to its ruthless nature, the community felt Darlington was a perfect fit; “Been saying this for years- preach on! THAT would be a helluva championship race for the teams (on a track that doesn’t forgive)!” 

Whether NASCAR improves the short-track package or makes changes to Phoenix altogether, the sport cannot afford a lackluster championship race to finish off an otherwise thrilling season.