The American tradition, begun decades ago at the Daytona 500, has surpassed mere racing-just the whole show, its skill, and a blue-collar approach in building something like NASCAR, brick by brick. It’s that kind of an event that draws people belonging to all different parts of society toward their screens or tailgate or grandstand, where viewers wait to find their favorite men to clash at this Daytona battle for glory.

But something has changed lately. And for many of the longtime fans, it’s not a change for the better. This season, frustration is running high. Some say NASCAR has become too corporate, too political, too divorced from the culture that made it great. Others are choosing to boycott, proclaiming the sport they once cherished has strayed too far from its bedrock. The feeling is palpable in fan reactions.

NASCAR’s recent EV push has put fans in a nostalgic drive to save the motorsport’s original essence

Change is inevitable in any sport. But for many NASCAR fans, the issue isn’t just that things are changing—it’s how fast and in what direction. While receiving much criticism for the direction, NASCAR officials do not intend to give up on their vision for the future of the sport. They feel the need to open the sport up to more people in order to guarantee long-term survival.

Still a gas-guzzling sport to this day, change might be a-brewing in NASCAR country. The sanctioning body has already prototyped an EV and speculates that an electric racing series might soon be ready for prime time. The heart of NASCAR is the sound: the deafening roar of engines, the thunder in the chest from the 40 cars flying by. The notion of silent electric stock cars is unthinkable.

The news of Chevrolet using the great American race as the platform to promote their new 2025 Blazer EV SS as the pace car has increased fans’ scrutiny manifold. “NASCAR is always changing. NASCAR is competition, innovation, and new audiences,” said President Steve Phelps. “It doesn’t mean we forget how we started. It does mean we grow with the times. That message, however, isn’t landing well with everyone. To many longtime fans, it sounds like a corporate double-speak polite way of saying, “We’re leaving the old fanbase behind in favor of a new one.”

For many of these fans, this is just simply an escapist’s destination for NASCAR – the place that gets everyone coming across the miles as they gather from all walks of lives united across common interests with speed. However, with the changing dynamics of the automobile market seems to have made its way to NASCAR. To those who have been watching since the good old days of Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Richard Petty, that feeling of comfort and familiarity NASCAR provided is fast receding into memory.

Fans have become polarised by the direction NASCAR is moving in

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One of the biggest areas of debate is diversity, inclusion, and progressive sponsorships by the series. NASCAR has actively been working to broaden its fanbase, embracing new initiatives that some see as positive steps toward a more inclusive sport. However, others feel these changes come at the expense of NASCAR’s core identity. A user commented “NASCAR=WOKE”.

The most telling sign of fan frustration? Many are boycotting altogether. The phrase “I’m boycotting the race” has become common in online discussions. While some dismiss these as empty threats, the numbers show that discontent is having an impact. NASCAR’s television ratings have been on a slow decline over the past decade, and while it still draws millions of viewers, there’s no denying that the audience isn’t as large—or as loyal—as it once was.

“Good Lord! What has happened to the Daytona 500?” one exasperated fan wrote. The Daytona 500 has always been about pure, unfiltered racing—the sound of roaring engines, the smell of burning rubber, and the thrill of unpredictable competition. So why do so many fans feel like that essence is slipping away? It is not just social issues that have caused such a huge conflict of interest between NASCAR and electric vehicles but also, albeit rather quietly.

One of the sport’s most iconic manufacturers, Chevrolet has been pushing very hard on EVs into its consumer lineup. As Chevy continues to supply powerful V8 engines to NASCAR, fans are beginning to worry that the brand is drifting away from its rich motorsport heritage. “Chevy’s going to go bankrupt pushing that nonsense,” a frustrated fan complained, reflecting the deep skepticism many share with EVs. That is why even a slight whisper that NASCAR is drifting toward electric cars is a cause for alarm to the traditionalist fans. They fear that one day the sport they love will disappear from their imagination.

The frustration surrounding the Daytona 500 isn’t just about one race. It’s about the direction of the sport as a whole. For some, NASCAR is the sport they love. For others, it has become a vague memory. So, can NASCAR find a perfect balance between innovation and tradition? Can it continue to grow an audience without sacrificing its roots?

If it does not, there is a real risk: The very people who made NASCAR may be gone. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about cars going fast; it is about the people who love them.