NASCAR Faces Backlash Over Road Course Surge as Drivers Demand Return to Oval Roots
NASCAR is grappling with a growing revolt from some of its biggest names as the sport’s rapid shift toward road and street courses sparks heated debate about its core identity. The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series schedule, featuring six road courses—a sharp increase from the traditional two—has drawn sharp criticism from drivers like Brad Keselowski, Denny Hamlin, and legend Richard Petty, who argue that the sport’s essence lies in oval racing. With Shane van Gisbergen’s road course dominance exposing skill gaps and fueling playoff controversies, the push for more road races, including a potential San Diego street event, has ignited a firestorm over what defines stock car racing. As NASCAR navigates this identity crisis, the clash between tradition and modernization threatens to reshape its future.
Brad Keselowski, the 2012 Cup champion and RFK Racing co-owner, fired the opening salvo on social media, decrying the jump from two to six road courses, with a possible seventh looming. “NASCAR was successfully built as a primarily oval racing series,” Keselowski posted, contrasting it with IMSA’s road course focus. “IMSA will always do road racing better than NASCAR, and that’s okay.” His comments, amplified across X, resonated with traditionalists who see oval tracks as NASCAR’s heartbeat. Denny Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner and team owner, echoed Keselowski on his Actions Detrimental podcast, calling most road courses dispensable except for the Chicago Street Course, which he praised for its market appeal. Richard Petty, a seven-time champion, added weight to the criticism, slamming the playoff system that allowed van Gisbergen, ranked 30th in points, to clinch a playoff spot with his Mexico City win. “What happened to the guy that’s 15th, 16th, or 18th that’s been running good everywhere?” Petty questioned, highlighting how road course victories skew the championship.
The controversy stems from NASCAR’s aggressive expansion of road and street courses, which now include Watkins Glen, Sonoma Raceway, Circuit of the Americas, Charlotte Roval, Chicago, and Mexico City—up from just Sonoma and Watkins Glen in 2020. This shift, driven by fan demand for variety a decade ago, aimed to attract new audiences and diversify the racing portfolio. However, the pendulum may have swung too far for traditionalists. Keselowski, despite his team’s strong road course showings with the No. 6 and No. 60 cars, dismissed suggestions that his critique reflects personal struggles, noting his 51 winless road course races but emphasizing his ownership perspective. “It’s good for my ownership stake in RFK to run road courses,” he said, citing competitive performances.
Shane van Gisbergen’s arrival has intensified the debate. The New Zealand road racing specialist, with three Cup Series wins in 2025—all on road courses—has exposed a skill disparity. His Mexico City and Chicago victories, coupled with a Sonoma triumph, tied NASCAR records and underscored how road course expertise can outweigh consistent oval performance in the playoff format. Dale Earnhardt Jr., while not explicitly commenting, reshared Keselowski’s post, signaling agreement. He noted on his podcast that the 2026 schedule will likely retain six road courses, with San Diego’s street race nearly finalized but uncertainty around Chicago or Mexico City’s return.
Critics argue the playoff system, which grants automatic berths for wins, disadvantages consistent performers when road course specialists like van Gisbergen capitalize on their niche. Kyle Larson, the 2021 champion, offered a counterpoint, praising Bristol Motor Speedway’s high-banked, half-mile oval for its intensity, where he led 411 laps in 2025. His success on traditional tracks contrasts with van Gisbergen’s road course dominance, highlighting NASCAR’s diverse skill demands. Hamlin suggested road courses gained popularity due to chaotic, crash-filled finishes, but called this excitement “fake news” that led to overhasty schedule changes.
As NASCAR eyes global expansion, with Montreal also in consideration, the sport faces a pivotal moment. Fans on X are split, with some praising road course action for its drama, while others, like Keselowski, demand a return to ovals as NASCAR’s soul. With only eight races left before the 2025 playoffs, the debate over road courses and playoff fairness will shape the sport’s trajectory, forcing NASCAR to balance innovation with its oval-racing heritage.
