“I want NASCAR to look at it”: Dale Earnhardt Jr. pulls attention towards grassroots racing discipline full of talented drivers

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is pushing for NASCAR to give more attention to grassroots-level drivers. An advocate for grassroots racing, Dale Jr. hasn't just been vocal; he's actively participated, bringing grassroots events into the spotlight.

Since retiring from professional racing in 2017, he has been involved in launching series like the CARS Tour Late Model Stock Car Racing on short tracks. He has even jumped behind the wheel himself to compete in races and attract the audience.

NASCAR introduced its weekly sanctioned racing series in 1982, which gained more traction in 2020 when Advance Auto Parts became the naming sponsor. Since then, grassroots racing has increased in popularity.

The series now spans 53 tracks across 25 states and four Canadian provinces. Drivers compete for points at any of the NASCAR-sanctioned tracks, with asphalt and dirt tracks included, allowing a diverse range of cars to race weekly.

However, Dale Earnhardt Jr. now wants NASCAR to scout and recognize talent from smaller, grassroots races more actively. He believes that these venues are crucial breeding grounds for future drivers of the Cup level. He expressed his views:

"Where do we find the best drivers? Where can we get the best drivers? Where are drivers learning racecraft? Where are some of the most talented drivers that could come up through the ranks into the stock car world? I've always felt like that style of racing that they do at those racetracks and those cars developed. Very talented!

"Race car drivers that could go win at the truck, extending a couple of level. You know, for a while, I did not think that NASCAR was looking at late model stock racing and looking for drivers there. I wanted to succeed. I wanted to survive. I want NASCAR to look at it and go. There's great drivers there. I didn't think they were doing that five or 10."

Several drivers have recognized that the sport's streamlined schedule and limited practice sessions actually play a role in boosting grassroots racing.

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Kyle Larson believes NASCAR has a hand in bringing back the popularity of grassroots racing

Kyle Larson, who competes in everything from Indycar to Cup Series and dirt track racing, is also involved in promoting grassroots racing.

He co-owns the sprint car racing series High Limit Racing with Brad Sweet. Larson credits the organization's streamlined weekend schedules, helping include midweek grassroots-level races. He shared:

"I think grassroots has grown a lot in the last few years. ... I think probably, a factor in that would be the Cup schedule being much simpler on a race weekend."

Additionally, FloRacing has played a significant role by consistently streaming short-track and grassroots-level racing, further boosting the visibility of small investments motorsports series.