“If You Wreck, You Finish Last”: Drivers React to NASCAR Banning Practice and Qualifying Races

2020 has been quite unpredictable. The sports and entertainment were halted globally. NASCAR was one of the first sports to come back strongly. However, the lack of fans in the stands was felt by each and every individual involved in the process.

Nonetheless, NASCAR is continuously working to relax these measures as it has allowed the fans to attend certain races.

The series disallowed all the practice and qualifying sessions so as to restrict the measure of time spent by teams on the circuit. This transforms races into a one-day occasion.

In addition, these circumstances will persist till the end of the 2020 season. The grid lineup for the remainder of the races has been dictated by an arbitrary draw or reversal from a past race.

What NASCAR drivers and management have to say

NASCAR reports, Scott Miller, NASCAR Senior Vice President of Competition said, “Following discussions with our race teams and the broader industry, NASCAR will continue to conduct its race weekends without practice and qualifying for the remainder of the 2020 season in all three national series.”

Additionally, he said, “The current format has worked well in addressing several challenges during our return to racing. Most importantly, we have seen competitive racing week-to-week.

“NASCAR will adjust the starting lineup draw procedure for the Playoff races.”

After that, Denny Hamlin opened up to NBC, “I really, personally would have liked to have seen even 30 minutes (of practice) to get us acclimated to some braking points.

“I definitely understand the owner’s side of it and NASCAR’s side of it where you don’t want to have to prepare backup cars just in case.”

He added, “Heck, maybe even I’m just politicking through (the media). Why not have the implication of knowing that this 30-minute practice session, if you wreck, you finish last.

“Just like you would in the race. If someone is going to wreck in that 30-minute practice session. They were more than likely going to wreck in the race anyway.”

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