“It was dumb of him”: NASCAR influencer delivers blunt assessment of Steve O’Donnell’s AI mistake, suggests ‘training’ for the leadership

NASCAR's Chief Operating Officer, Steve O'Donnell, recently hinted at the possibility of using Generative Artificial Intelligence tools to assist in charting out an updated playoff format, as the current one has been under scrutiny. Recently, NASCAR influencer Eric Estepp gave his verdict on the comments made by the top official.

Sports Business Journal's Adam Stern shared the comments made by O'Donnell on the use of AI for potentially bringing in changes to the playoff format. Here's a look at his statement.

NASCAR influencer Eric Estepp recently uploaded a video on his YouTube channel where he disclosed his thoughts on the use of AI, saying:

I'm not outraged by this quote when you have dozens of possible playoff format ideas, what's the harm in using these models to potentially study what the impact of each format could be? That's why I would never want AI making all of the decisions the human element is what makes Sports great real humans listening to the concerns expressed by other real humans. AI can be a tool perhaps but it should never be the end all be all," Estepp said.

The NASCAR personality then expressed how the leadership of the organization needs their 'own media training.'

"That's what Steve O'Donnell is saying in that quote. It was dumb of him to even bring up AI and the playoffs in the same sentence. Sometimes I think NASCAR leadership needs their own media training, but if you actually read the quote what he's saying is not crazy to me," he added.

The current playoff format faced heavy criticism after Team Penske's Joey Logano claimed his third Cup Series title despite recording one of the worst average finishes for a champion. Several drivers outperformed Logano statistically throughout the season.

However, Logano’s ability to win critical races highlighted the excitement and unpredictability that the format brings, sparking debates over its fairness and the need for reform.

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“Makes me so mad”: Joey Logano comes down heavily on NASCAR Playoff format criticism

Three-time Cup Series champion Joey Logano drives the #22 Ford for Team Penske, competing full-time in NASCAR's premier division. On November 10, Logano claimed his third Cup Series title, marking Penske's third consecutive championship.

Logano's four victories this season, capped by a Phoenix triumph, have sparked debate over the fairness of the current playoff format. In a November episode of the "Rubbin is Racing" podcast, Logano expressed his frustration with the criticism around his triumph.

"This whole thing makes me so mad because it's not new. We're 11 years into this, and the first year it was amazing. And then a couple of guys feel like they should have made it. They don't. They mouth off a little bit. Some fans get behind it. Some media members get behind it. They keep going. They take it. 'Oh my gosh, the system's broken,' just like that. So I guess this is like when I hear that it's frustrating because we used to crown a champion, with three races to go." he said.

Meanwhile, the Cup Series is set to return in 4 weeks time for the pre-season Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.