The 2025 playoffs schedule has allegedly just dropped, and it seems like NASCAR is setting up to shake things up a little, causing quite a stir among fans and analysts alike. Eric Estepp took to his podcast ‘POWER HOUR’ to discuss the potential changes according to what The Athletic had to say.

While the full details are still under wraps, the reports mention some of the familiar tracks that will be exiting the playoff lineup and will be making room for new contenders in its place. This switch-up has sparked an odd mixture of excitement and doubt as everyone’s now curious about how these shifts will impact the racing experience. Let’s see what they have to say.

What’s happening with the 2025 schedule?

According to the reports, the playoffs start with the opening races at Darlington, Gateway, and Bristol. To this, Eric Estepp noted that Gateway’s move into the playoffs is a bold step for NASCAR, but he’s a bit cautious about it. He quipped, “Hopefully that doesn’t break something that isn’t broken,” and voiced his concern that by altering the schedule, NASCAR could disrupt what has been working well. But that’s not all!

The real worry begins with the tracks scheduled for the round of eights as the fan-favorite track, Talladega Superspeedway, is set to be positioned to play a crucial role in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season playoffs. This change is part of a broader reconfiguration that includes adding Las Vegas and Martinsville to the mix. By moving Talladega into a more critical playoff position, he worries that NASCAR might create unnecessary drama for themselves and the fans. On his podcast, Estepp argues that while innovation is essential, it shouldn’t come at the cost of what has historically made the sport thrilling and engaging.

The Talladega Superspeedway may be controversial due to its unpredictable pack racing and wild finishes. Most races that have taken place there have left fans confused and the NASCAR drivers fuming—especially because a single crash can wipe out multiple championship hopes in an instant. To add to that misery, many fans have stated that such a chaotic track doesn’t really capture the genuine spirit of competition during the playoffs. So it’s really worth wondering if NASCAR is sure whether this Superspeedway will be the best choice for deciding who gets to chase the championship.

While mentioning these tracks, Estepp tried to negotiate what NASCAR could have chosen instead. But, the schedules might overlap with other motorsports or have already been taken out by NASCAR themselves. It means they’re left with what they can get in that time frame. To this, he also made a point to speak about how the Charlotte Motor Speedway could also be a cause for concern as fans have already expressed their disapproval of the fresh changes to the track.

Why the ROVAL faces fan backlash

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Lately, the ROVAL at Charlotte Motor Speedway has become a hot topic of debate among NASCAR fans, and it’s not specifically in a good way. For many, NASCAR is all about the excitement and thrill of watching that high-speed oval racing, where drivers can really showcase their skills. But The ROVAL feels like a strange twist in the plot, especially with the twisting changes in its layout.

While NASCAR debates the recent changes to the ROVAL layout are aimed at enhancing the passing opportunities between drivers, many believe it also opens up a portal to chaos with the new braking zones and sharper turns. Not to forget, the next-gen cars run better on the traditional mile-and-a-half tracks compared to Charlotte’s layout, which only adds to the feeling that maybe the ROVAL isn’t the best fit anymore.

In the end, NASCAR has entirely yet to confirm this schedule, but from what is being said, not everyone is delighted with their plans for the next season. But for now, as the playoffs approach, let’s hope that NASCAR and its drivers will deliver the usual show-stopping experience! Who are you cheering for in the upcoming races?