On February 23, 1964, Richard Petty dominated the Daytona 500, leading 184 of 200 laps to secure the first of his seven victories in the event. That era, defined by raw horsepower and driver skill, remains a benchmark for many fans and veterans who long for NASCAR’s past intensity. Today, as the sport navigates its future, two figures from different generations—Petty and Austin Dillon, grandson of Richard Childress—are advocating for a return to NASCAR’s grassroots appeal while also embracing progressive scheduling changes inspired by Formula 1.
Their argument isn’t simply about nostalgia; it’s about reigniting the passion that once made NASCAR the fastest-growing sport in America. While Petty believes increasing horsepower would create more exciting racing by forcing drivers to stay on edge, Dillon proposes a condensed schedule that would make each race feel more significant.
Austin Dillon’s Vision for NASCAR’s Future
Dillon sees NASCAR’s recent Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium as the perfect example of what the sport needs. “It felt like a rock show,” he told The Athletic, describing the electric atmosphere of the short track event. Even his crew members, who weren’t actively working during the race, were eager to return. One crewman was so impressed that he vowed to buy six tickets the moment they went on sale for next year.
However, Dillon’s vision goes beyond just choosing the right venues. He believes NASCAR should significantly reduce its schedule from 36 points-paying races to just 20—divided into 10 regular-season races and 10 championship rounds. This, he argues, would increase the anticipation for each event, ensuring fans remain engaged and excited. His plan also aims to avoid competition with the NFL by concluding the season before football takes over the sports landscape. This concept aligns with Formula 1’s approach, where fewer races and strategic scheduling generate heightened anticipation.
Richard Petty’s Push for More Horsepower
Petty, a vocal critic of NASCAR’s modern restrictions, shares Dillon’s concerns but focuses on a different aspect: speed. He argues that increasing horsepower would enhance competition by making it more challenging for drivers to maintain control. “The faster they go, the harder they have to work,” he explained, echoing Dillon’s call for a more engaging product.
Their perspectives align seamlessly—Dillon’s idea of fewer races would raise the stakes, while Petty’s push for more speed would ensure those races are thrilling from start to finish.
Growing Frustration Among NASCAR Insiders
The call for change isn’t limited to Dillon and Petty. Dale Inman, Petty’s legendary crew chief, has criticized the sport’s shift toward fuel-saving strategies, arguing that they undermine the high-intensity competition NASCAR was built on. Similarly, Denny Hamlin has expressed frustration over reduced horsepower, stating, “We took away horsepower because we wanted to look good on TV.”
Since 2015, NASCAR has systematically reduced engine output from 900 HP in 2014 to just 670 HP in today’s Next Gen cars. While these changes were intended to improve safety and control costs, many—including Hamlin—argue that they’ve made the racing less exciting.
Denny Hamlin’s Take on Speed and Safety
Hamlin has been particularly vocal about NASCAR’s superspeedway package, warning that current regulations force drivers into aggressive pack racing, leading to more dangerous wrecks. “I’d rather us go 200 mph with a bit more room. It would actually be safer,” Hamlin stated on his Actions Detrimental podcast.
His concerns were reinforced by Ryan Preece’s terrifying multi-flip crash at Daytona in 2025. However, Hamlin argued that the most dangerous part of the crash wasn’t the flip itself but the violent landing. “When his car slammed back down, that’s what really hurt—it’s a back breaker,” he said, emphasizing the need for improved energy-absorbing materials rather than simply reducing speeds.
While safety remains a top priority, Hamlin believes NASCAR needs a smarter approach. Instead of restricting speed every time a major crash occurs, he suggests refining car aerodynamics and safety innovations, similar to the successful introduction of roof flaps in 1994.
Will NASCAR Listen?
With voices from different generations uniting around similar concerns, NASCAR faces a critical decision: stick to its current path or embrace changes that could rekindle fan excitement. Petty, Dillon, Hamlin, and others make a strong case for evolving the sport while maintaining the intensity and unpredictability that once defined NASCAR. Whether leadership will heed these calls remains to be seen.
