Richard Childress Reveals How Dale Earnhardt Was Not a Big Fan of Concrete in Bristol

The NASCAR Cup Series spring race at Bristol this weekend marked the return of racing to concrete after a gap of three years. Everyone thought this change would make the racing experience better. However, the recent race was a clear example of how drivers were definitely not in favor of the revamp. It seems even the iconic racer Dale Earnhardt didn’t prefer concrete, which was recently revealed by RCR team owner Richard Childress, who raised an identical panic, using the late Dale Earnhardt’s struggle story with tire wear at Bristol.

Richard Childress encountered a similar problem in 1992

Back in 1992, when BMS held its first NASCAR Cup Series race on a concrete track, Richard Childress Racing endured a really disappointing season. Recalling that struggle during a recent pre-race press conference, Richard Childress brought up his worries about the next race in Bristol and explained why many top drivers didn’t enjoy racing there.

The RCR team owner noted that Dale Earnhardt didn’t like racing on Bristol’s concrete, which is interesting because the same team’s no. 8 Chevy driver is known as one of the best at the same track. “I can remember that tire wear was one of our same as we have today. Tire wear was one thing we’re all worried about and Dale was driving the car and he wasn’t a big fan of concrete,” Childress revealed.

Then, he reflected on the team’s tough times of 1992, saying, “I can tell you 92 wasn’t a good year for us either. You know, we’d won championships in ’90, ’91, ’93, ’94. But you had those off years, but it was different, you know, just like Martinsville where we have concrete today in Dover. It’s a different animal that takes a little different thinking and set up.”

Concrete can be tough on tires, but NASCAR guaranteed improvements at the revamped BMS to enhance the overall racing experience. Then, why is Richard Childress still worried? It looks like NASCAR teams are having more problems with tire wear even though the track has been modified and Childress has put forth the same.

Richard Childress cautioned about revamped Bristol’s extreme tire wear

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A new racing groove was made by applying resin to the bottom lane of the Bristol track, which was an attempt to balance the control of the top lane. Unfortunately, the resin altered the course in ways that not all drivers were pleased with, resulting in unpredictable situations. According to the tennessean, Richard Childress had also warned NASCAR about correcting excessive tire wear issues.

When his own driver, Kyle Busch, spun out twice during practice on the redesigned course, he discovered that excessive tire wear was the root of the problem. According to NBC’s Dustin Long, Childress informed Kyle Busch over the radio, “Went to the (NASCAR) trailer this morning and told them they were going to have a problem.” 

Despite those challenges, drivers tried to adapt the modified version of Bristol concrete, and we’ll have to wait for their final feedback as the Food City Dirt Event ends.

Read More: Richard Childress Facing Painfully Contrasting Results as Kyle Busch Still Struggling With Pit Issues