Cutting down the practice sessions for the Cup race is arguably the most controversial move made by NASCAR in recent times. It was just seen as a temporary plan to get the ball rolling during the COVID-19 era. But somehow, the governing body decided to stick with the practice, and the make-shift adjustment turned into a huge rule change for teams and drivers to deal with.

Time and again, prominent names like Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski, and even Dale Earnhardt Jr have questioned NASCAR’s stance on diminishing practice runs. However, in response to the complaints and feedback from the community, Elton Swayer from NASCAR has defended the move. Stating that the new change has revolutionized the racing product for good. Another NASCAR insider has echoed his claims.

Is a limited practice session a bad idea for NASCAR?

Before the pandemic hit, NASCAR had a provision for 50 minutes of practice runs, which has now been reduced to 20 minutes in 2024. Most of the community and team supporters have been critical of this new change. But Pete Pistone has a contrasting opinion and perspective regarding the whole situation, which he shared via his X account.

Calling out the majority of the fan base, he opined, “I’m beyond tired of the “we need more practice “ cry from fans – A) It won’t make the racing any better and B) Here’s a live look at the grandstands that for whatever reason those Friday practice sessions some fans want back.”

He even went as far as to say that whenever the drivers don’t like something, it often leads to a better racing product. In this regard, he got the backing of Elton Swayer, who stated that the data proves that the racing product has been better than ever before. “I would say if you look at the data as well as the eye test, our product on the racetrack is as good as it’s ever been.”

However, the fans were just not sold on the idea that a reduced practice session equals a better racing experience. Soon, there was back and forth between many fans and Pete Pistone, who held his ground.

NASCAR fans react to an unpopular opinion regarding reduced practice sessions

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After all, NASCAR is a racing product, and with several corporations involved with the sport, they need to make it a profitable prospect. This is what Pistone tried to explain to a fan who believes that NASCAR has sold its soul for profit.

“Fans want to watch it on tv, people who pay to camp and be in the infield, or spend the whole weekend at the track want it. Tracks and nascar don’t want to staff for 10-20% of the fanbase wanting something because they don’t see a profit from it,” a fan wrote.

A decline in TV ratings is not the only concern for NASCAR. They are also seeing a dip in ticket sales at the venues. This was clarified by Pistone, who wrote, “Again I hear you but based on what track operators tell us those numbers were dwindling well before Covid forced the schedule shift.”

Well, another even tried putting Pistone into a corner, suggesting what about Dale Earnhardt Jr’s views on the topic, “What about the “we need more practice” cry from Dale Jr.?” In a witty reply, Pistone stated that, like everyone else, Dale Jr is entitled to his opinion.

Nostalgia is good, but the same thing that worked 30 years ago won’t necessarily bring similar results given how times have changed. Especially given the use of technological advancement in the NASCAR world today.

“People do realize that drivers and crew chiefs are “practicing” in the simulators during the week, right? Getting testing in without the additional team costs for fuel, tires, travel, etc. Seems like a good solution instead of racing with no one in the grandstands,” a race fan added.

Which side are you on? Less practice or a better racing product, do let us know in the comments.