Since the 2020 NASCAR Cup season, practice time for the drivers has been severely truncated. The weekend initially had three 50-minute practice sessions, which were later cut down to two. That was largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which wreaked havoc all around the world. However, it appears that the regulation has carried forward to the subsequent campaigns, and the decision has split the paddock. As a matter of fact, some drivers are supportive of less practice time on the racetrack. Meanwhile, other drivers have insisted that more practice is needed.

One of the dangers is that this could be detrimental to young drivers who are just starting out in the Cup Series. In any form of motorsport, rookie drivers need some time to adjust to the cars. For that, practice sessions are a godsend, as they allow time for drivers to learn the tracks and adjust their setups to their liking.

NASCAR driver expresses why practice sessions are bad for the sport

In conversation with Bob Pockrass, Michael McDowell spoke about practice and if we really need it. He said, “I wish we didn’t have practice at all. Like I said earlier, I always answer these questions truthfully and selfishly. I know there’s guys who like to have practice, and I understand why they would. Selfishly, I think that any time that we give us more time to practice. The bigger teams do a better job of maximizing their car potential and setup. If you allow them those opportunities to go get everything just right. When you’ve got 75 eyes back at the shop, looking through videos, pictures, running simulations. Having somebody back on the simulator running DOEs, you’re going to make it better than a team that doesn’t have those resources.”

To that end, the Front Row Motorsports driver believes that no or less practice has been a huge help. In a sense, it helps bring the field closer together and the smaller teams stand a chance of beating their richer counterparts. Meanwhile, Ricky Stenhouse Jr confessed that there are times when he wished for more practice. However, he is aware that being a single-car team in NASCAR will always be difficult, especially since the bigger team would be able to capitalize on longer sessions.

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Stenhouse Jr did acknowledge that rookie drivers are at a disadvantage with the lack of practice. This is largely because the Xfinity Series cars and the Trucks are different from their Cup counterparts. On the bright side, the cars themselves don’t change much with each track. So they would be able to get used to the cars in the span of 3-4 races.

Brad Keselowski brought up the other side of the argument

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Of course, every story usually has two sides to it, and this is where Brad Keselowski comes into play. Since 2022, he has been offering a perspective not only as a driver but also as a team owner. When asked if he wishes for more practice, he told Bob Pockrass, “Yeah, I do. I think there is a value to having some practice. I don’t think that the cost savings are that significant. There were initially some thoughts that we could save a little money and maybe increase the competitiveness of the field. I think yes and no, some of it has, some of it hasn’t. Having a little bit of practice is a good thing. I still hope we’re in that position.”

In a way, his points do make sense, especially since he is also viewing the situation as an owner. However, it does put newer drivers at a disadvantage, because they are not used to the Cup cars. Fortunately, in the case of drivers like Ty Gibbs and Noah Gragson, they were able to adapt well. Though, that may or may not be the case for the next set of rookie NASCAR Cup Series drivers.

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But what is your stance? Do you stand with Brad Keselowski or Michael McDowell?