USA Today via Reuters
Sep 26, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) driver Kyle Larson (5) and driver Kyle Busch (18) race for position during the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 26, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) driver Kyle Larson (5) and driver Kyle Busch (18) race for position during the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Recently, news broke that NASCAR is establishing a Driver’s Advisory Council. Its primary purpose is to represent drivers with regard to issues of safety and to also help improve the sport. The panel consists of Kurt Busch, Austin Dillon, Denny Hamlin, Daniel Suarez, Corey LaJoie, and Kyle Petty. In addition to that, Jeff Burton heads the panel.
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Unsurprisingly, fans had a mixed reaction to the news. Most of them centered around the need for Kyle Petty and Jeff Burton to be on the panel. This is likely because Petty and Burton are currently analysts for television. Admittedly, the tactic is possible because the two of them are former drivers themselves. Additionally, Burton has often been a big proponent for safety in NASCAR.
NASCAR Cup drivers have formed Drivers Advisory Council to represent drivers in issues of safety & enhancing sport. Jeff Burton to direct council w/board of KuBusch ADillon Hamlin Logano Suarez LaJoie & Kyle Petty. Goal is to collaborate/improve communications with NASCAR/owners.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 11, 2022
I’m not trying to be ignorant at all, but how I’d having a TV analyst for the sport lead a council like this even remotely appropriate?
— 🐟🐠 (@nwfisch) February 11, 2022
Why Kyle Petty? Not knocking the guy. Is he and Burton acting as advisors or are they serving as the go between for the drivers and nascar?
— Tyler Dilley (@tdilley1995) February 11, 2022
Meanwhile, some were also confused about the inclusion of Kyle Petty in the panel. However, the justification could be that Petty knows a few more aspects of the sport that not many are privy to knowing. So, he could offer a unique take on the sport.
What else did the NASCAR fans say?
On a more positive note, having former stars like Kyle Petty and Jeff Burton is quite clever. One reply said, “I would think having former drivers advocating for the group is smart. They have experience in car and on the other side of things. Both Burton/Petty have many years of experience. It’s a good group of people in different stages of nascar careers to bring different perspectives.”
Of course Hamlin is in it. Is Kyle Petty correct though??
— JP (@AboveAvgJoe5) February 11, 2022
Wish Newman was somehow involved. He may have been a jerk on track but the dude knows safety.
and traction control
— Adam Perkinson (@AdamPerkinson1) February 11, 2022
Finally, there were some fans who wanted to pitch potential candidates. One suggestion was Ryan Newman, who is currently out of a contract. Fortunately, he is still racing in 2022, as he competed in the Chili Bowl recently, and is open to part-time racing in any series.
Coming back to the Driver’s Advisory Council, it gives drivers the opportunity to have a voice in the sport. According to Burton, the times have changed from when he was racing in the 1990s. Owing to that, the drivers themselves need to adapt and evolve with the sport.
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