Back in 2022, NASCAR, for most races, decided to make the practice session only 20 minutes, which would directly lead the drivers into Qualifying. Since the teams were well-adjusted to the existing system, such a big change naturally got a lot of remarks. Good and bad. But what is more surprising is that this two-year-old debate is still pretty hot today. 

Just in case you are not caught up with the discussion, for pros, shorter practice windows provide a level playing field, not allowing bigger teams, like Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing, to collect enough data to perfect their setups. But, at the same time, as most drivers point out, shorter practice times also mean the newer drivers get less time to learn the ropes, potentially resulting in a lot of chaos on the track. 

With some good points coming from both sides, it was about time someone from NASCAR’s brass weighed in. And that is what Elton Sawyer, NASCAR’s SVP of Competition, did by stepping up to the plate.

He recently joined Dale Earnhardt Jr‘s podcast to respond to the chatter. Sawyer made it clear that, in his view, the sport is in great shape right now, though he hinted that changes could be on the horizon depending on one key factor.

Elton Sawyer doesn’t buy the idea that more practice would boost race quality

Amid ongoing gripes from teams about skimpy session times, Elton Sawyer stands firm, questioning whether extra practice really amps up the on-track action. To him, the racing scene is already top-notch. On the DJD Reloaded podcast, he said, “It wasn’t all about the cost, which was a huge part of it for all of us, not just the garage area or the TV partners or our track partners. Collectively all the stakeholders weighed in on what we needed. And we arrived at the format that we have today. And 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.”

Sawyer further pointed out, “Yeah, some work is to be done on short tracks and road courses and, but I’m not sure that’s all a byproduct of not practicing. And sometimes I think it’s fair to say that when we have more practice, the teams get their cars dialed in, that’s great. But they just run nose to tail. So there’s a debate whether practice is more beneficial or not.” 

He stressed that, while it’s a worthwhile discussion, the proof is in the pudding. Right now, the racing is exciting, with plenty of overtaking, meaning NASCAR’s approach is on the right track. However, Sawyer hinted there’s one thing that could prompt a reevaluation of practice times.

Keeping the ‘fan’s feedback’ aspect in mind, he acknowledged, “Without the fans, there’s no sport. If they start calling for longer practice sessions, then it’s back to the drawing board for us and all the stakeholders to figure out a potential new approach.“ 

He emphasized how much fan opinions matter in shaping the sport’s decisions, making it clear we play a significant role in these discussions.

Moreover, Sawyer mentioned another reason why the 20-minute practice sessions have stuck around.

Sawyer shed light on why NASCAR stuck to the 20-minute practice sessions

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When probed about whether TV partners influence NASCAR decisions, Sawyer confirmed they do weigh in. If they pushed for changes, it would definitely be considered. He then explained that splitting practice into two 20-minute segments is beneficial for TV coverage.

It allows about 20 drivers who are not in the first session to interact with broadcasters, sharing their expectations and strategies, which enhances the viewing experience for fans. Meanwhile, drivers who’ve completed their session can provide fresh insights on the track conditions and their car’s performance, adding more depth to the broadcast. Sawyer finds this setup fruitful for engaging fans and providing rich content.

He also noted that if tweaking practice sessions could significantly enhance NASCAR as a brand’s presence on track, there’s no doubt they would consider it. But for now, the current practice setup is here to stay.