Racing in NASCAR isn’t just a profession; like the cars, drivers’ lives also revolve around the ovals. There are families for whom hard racing is codified in their DNA. Titans like Chase Elliott and Dale Earnhardt Jr wear this legacy proudly. And the torch seems set to pass seamlessly to young speedsters like Brexton Busch and Keelan Harvick. These youngsters are already blazing trails that might have been the stuff of dreams for their legendary parents.

Yet, amidst this legacy of speed and thrill, there lurks a concern that unites even the fiercest of track adversaries. What could be so compelling that even perennial rivals like Joey Logano and Kyle Busch find common ground?

Kyle Busch and Joey Logano shine a spotlight on NASCAR’s sticking point

In a world where talent should take the pole position, NASCAR seems to be veering off track. Despite young racers like eight-year-old Brexton Busch clocking up wins in various junior divisions at the national level, the route into NASCAR appears choked with challenges. This was the alarm sounded by Joey Logano in conversation with Kenny Wallace. Keen to keep the stress of expectations at bay for his own child, Logano underscored the steep uphill climb to NASCAR entry, stating, “The chances of making it in NASCAR, you know how it is—it’s not very high. It’s very rare to make it.” 

The sentiment found an echo in the words of his rival, Kyle Busch. In a candid media session, Busch lent weight to the discussion, pointing out the accelerated track to success enjoyed by those with a hefty bank balance or a familiar surname. “Obviously, money and a name are going to take you there a lot faster than being a nobody with no money. That’s just the fact.”

The issue is no flash in the pan, with insiders and drivers alike lamenting the sidelining of raw talent for monetary heft or familial connections. The burgeoning debate sees Kyle Busch and Joey Logano joined by voices like NBC pit reporter Parker Kligerman and driver Hailie Deegan, underscoring a pressing concern that beckons for redress in NASCAR.

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Parker Kligerman and Hailie Deegan unpack the nitty-gritty of climbing the NASCAR ladder

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In the realm of NASCAR, where the rubber meets the road, Brandon Contes took a straight shot during a chat with Parker Kligerman, questioning, “How much of becoming a successful professional race car driver is dependent on talent alone, and then how much of it is dependent on also having enough financial backing?” Kligerman’s reply was a straight arrow, highlighting the mosaic of talent and financial clout. “It’s not just the most talented that make it there, but it’s the combination of all those things combined,” as per thecomeback.com.

Mirroring this sentiment, a buzz stirred when Tony Stewart hired Josh Berry to fill Kevin Harvick‘s shoes post-retirement. Despite potential drivers with plusher sponsorships, Stewart’s choice fell on Berry. Hailie Deegan, with her eyes set on scaling the NASCAR ladder, shed light on this aspect, sarcastically accepting the significant role of family wealth in racing.

“I think at this point with racing, you have to just kind of accept the family money side of it because 90 percent of those kids out there have family money paying for them, even in Xfinity. So it’s one of those things you just got to accept at this point, and everyone’s like, ‘Oh, they don’t deserve that ride’ or ‘They don’t deserve to be there’ and you’re like, ‘Well, they deserve it because they’re paying for it,’” she said.

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The debate rages on: is it merely about dollars and cents, or does talent also play its part in the fast lanes of NASCAR? What’s your take on this revved-up debate?