“It’s not an Olympic gold medal, but it means the world to our group.” NHL star Connor McDavid reflected on Canada’s win in first ever 4 Nations Face-Off. From edge-of-the-seat action to a dramatic overtime finish, the All-Star game had everything hockey fans could hope for. The numbers spoke for themselves. The showdown drew a staggering 4.4 million viewers in the U.S. alone, with a peak of 5.2 million. It was a massive win for the NHL, proving that a well-structured All-Star event could capture both hardcore and casual fans. While the NHL celebrates a successful event, NASCAR Hall of Fame Dale Earnhardt Jr. also acknowledged the NHL’s success.

However, he also called out NASCAR officials to learn from the NHL and plan a better All-Star race. Notably, NASCAR’s 2024 all-star race was termed as one of the most boring events. The only talking point from the event was a scuffle between Kyle Busch and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Considering the NHL success, Dale Jr asked NASCAR to learn from their ‘genius’ move.

Dale Jr. calls out NASCAR’s All-Star shortcomings

NASCAR’s All-Star Race has struggled to maintain excitement in recent years. While fans hoped for an electrifying event, the 2024 edition at North Wilkesboro Speedway turned into a dull affair. The race lacked competitive action as Joey Logano won the one-sided affair. He led 199 out of 200 laps and won the $1 million prize. Dale Jr., who played a key role in bringing the All-Star Race back to North Wilkesboro, noticed the difference between NASCAR’s event and the NHL’s.

After watching the 4 Nations Face-Off finale, he took to X and praised the NHL’s approach. “The @NHL cracked the All-Star code. What can be learned from it by other industries? How they made that game matter to the players, and how that interest snowballed over the course of a few days for even the most casual fans… genius,” he wrote. His statement hit home for many NASCAR fans, who have grown increasingly frustrated with the state of the All-Star Race.

Notably, the NHL’s decision to move away from its traditional All-Star format paid off in a big way. Instead of meaningless exhibition games, they introduced the 4 Nations Face-Off, where the world’s top players battled for their national pride. The combined North American viewership reached a staggering 10.1 million, a 203% increase from the last major USA-Canada showdown in 2016. For a league often criticized for struggling to grow its audience, this was a massive victory. On the other hand, NASCAR’s All-Star Race has failed to evolve.

The race at North Wilkesboro Speedway was hyped as a nostalgic throwback, but the on-track product didn’t deliver. Drivers like Kyle Larson missed the race to compete in The Double. While NASCAR registered a 17% increase in viewership, it was nothing in comparison to NFL, NBA, or NHL events. Looking at NASCAR’s overall numbers, the picture becomes clearer. In 2022, the sport averaged 3.64 million viewers per race.

The number dropped to 3.29 million in 2023 and 3.22 million in 2024. While these numbers are still strong, they show a steady decline in audience engagement. The biggest problem? NASCAR’s inconsistencies with the All-Star race and lack of enthusiasm from top drivers. The numbers prove it. Just a year ago, the community was celebrating the All-Star race viewership which stood at 2.57 million. Go back 10 years to 2015 and that number was at 3.8 million. The pattern is clear.

The sport needs to find a way to make its All-Star Race matter again. Right now, it feels like an afterthought, a race that exists more out of tradition than necessity. Just look at the way the NBA treats its games. This year was their least-watched All-Star game, and that was at 4.7 million. As the biggest racing competition in the United States, NASCAR can push to this level. Perhaps switching things up, bringing new formats or changes to the All-Star Race is what gets fans.

And while Dale Jr. reflected on NASCAR’s need for change, he also reflected on the biggest regret of his life.

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Earnhardt Jr. confesses to his biggest fear!

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has lived a life that most racing fans can only dream of. A two-time Daytona 500 champion, a 15-time Most Popular Driver, and now a successful broadcaster and team owner. But despite all his accomplishments, there’s one thing he wishes he had done differently. In a recent podcast, Dale Jr. spoke about his personal life and his biggest post-marriage fear.

While speaking with YouTuber Cleetus McFarland, Dale Jr. opened up about his fears regarding fatherhood. “I’ll tell you. My age, right? I worry about my girls. When they graduate, I will be in my late 60s. I know what it’s like to lose a parent when you’re young,” he confessed. He further added that he should have married earlier. “I should have married Amy way sooner. I should have started our family sooner,” he added.

Notably, his words carried a deep emotional weight. Dale Jr. lost his father, Dale Earnhardt Sr., in a tragic accident at the 2001 Daytona 500 when he was just 26 years old. That experience shaped his outlook on life. He now worries about not being there for his daughters as they grow older. It’s worth noting that Dale Jr first met his wife Amy Earnhardt in 2009. After seven years of dating, they tied the knot on December 31, 2016.