The Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup is a signature spec series for Mazda Motorsports. Traditionally confined to road and street courses, it has now decided to embark on a journey toward newer frontiers. In a move that would revolutionize the series, it took part in two days of testing at the Martinsville Speedway to determine the feasibility of holding races at the track.

With the test done and dusted, some great insights have evolved from none other than NASCAR’s best. Part of the test was NASCAR Hall of Famers Bobby Labonte and Dale Earnhardt Jr. In the aftermath of the test drive, Dale Jr revealed some interesting thoughts that he had about the car’s ability to traverse in a speedway.

Reason why Dale Earnhardt Jr had trouble understanding the Mazda MX-5

In the two-day test that was a collaboration between NASCAR, IMSA (International Motor Sports Association), and Martinsville track executives, several series regulars took turns driving the Mazdas around the tracks. But one standout figure behind the wheel on Tuesday was Dale Jr.

After juicing the car for about a dozen laps or so, he revealed his thoughts in an interview with NASCAR. One of the most pressing concerns that the two-time Daytona 500 winner had was about the impulsive brakes that the car had.

He said, “The braking is really different. The braking is almost like push button. Braking, so you mash, you touch the pedal and it starts to clamp, and starts to slow the car down. So that was a little bit unusual to feel and try to adapt to.” Apart from that, Dale also had some concerns about the handling of the car. However, the reason he was able to work his way around the issues was amusing to hear too.

In his podcast, Dale Junior explained, “It has a lot of power steering and so the steering was real light but I didn’t have a problem with that because I run the steering wheel very similar in iRacing and so it felt comfortable to me right away.”

Regardless of the troubles trying to get in the corners, Dale Jr’s first impressions did seem to be on the positive side.

Watch This Story: Dale Earnhardt Jr Recounts the Expense of Greatness

Junior cast his vote in support of Mazda MX-5 Cup for a fantastic show 

While it is quite obvious that it would be a total high to sit behind one of the wheels and have a go at the throttle, Dale Jr re-affirmed that thought. He said, “My first impressions were that the car is a blast. It’s a lot of fun and felt like I got reasonably up to speed.”

Following a train of verdicts about the steering wheel and the gearshifts, Dale Jr voiced his enthusiasm for seeing the cars racing at Martinsville. How the words of the NASCAR legend resonate among the walls of the Mazda headquarters remains to be seen. But the 2-day test came to a favorable end with followers hoping to see their favorite car tear up the tracks of a speedway sooner than later.

Read More: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Issues Another Wake-Up Call for Former Team and Toyota