“That’s a real slap”: Fans react as NASCAR expresses openness to AI’s involvement in the playoff format

NASCAR Chief Operating Officer Steve O'Donnell told Sports Business Journal that the governing body could integrate generative artificial intelligence for the future racing format. However, most of the fans expressed criticism of NASCAR's decision to use A.I to alter the playoff format.

Speculations about NASCAR changing the playoff format in the upcoming years have been floating since the end of 2024. Recently, Sports Business Journal reporter Adam Stern revealed that the Stock Car Association is exploring the use of AI to create a better and fairer playoff format for the sports.

The use of AI has been growing gradually since its introduction years ago. NASCAR teams are already using artificial intelligence in simulation technology, providing real-time information and data helping in planning improved strategies during races. Reflecting on the same, governing body's COO Steve O'Donnell said:

"I think Al can play a really big role in that. When we created even the stages or playoff format, you did that with the best data you had and best minds you had, but now being able to plug in and work with Al in terms of, "OK, if you tweak the playoffs this way, what should we be watching out for' or 'How could that affect the sport?"

However, fans criticized O'Donnell for using AI to improve the playoff format instead of asking the fans for the same, with one fan writing:

"Feel like that's a real slap in the face of NASCAR fans drivers and teams," the fan wrote.

Another fan joined in and voiced their criticism of A.I integration:

"Because talking to the fans and teams instead would be so hard," the fan wrote.

Another X user took a dig as they commented:

"I asked AI about increasing horsepower. It's in favor," the fan wrote.

Here are some more fans expressing their disapproval of the governing body being willing to integrate Artificial Intelligence into curating the playoff format:

"Just when I thought I had heard it all from him," a fan wrote.

"This shit is beyond laughable at this point will you pansy asses please step down & let someone who actually understands racing run NASCAR," another fan said.

"Flat out refusing to listen to fans but will listen to AI is extremely infuriating. Who’s the bot now ?" another stated.

In addition to incorporating AI into stock car racing, the governing body has implemented major changes in the qualifying and practice sessions for the 2025 season.

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NASCAR announced major changes to qualifying rounds ahead of the 2025 season

NASCAR has revised the format for qualifying practice laps of all three series ahead of the 2025 season. The officials have expanded the practice session timing to 50 minutes and reduced the qualifying laps to a single-lap session.

Only superspeedway tracks like Daytona, Talladega, and Atlanta tracks will have a two-round qualifying session. The top ten drivers will advance to the next second round. Also, the governing body has added a 50-minute practice session to the Daytona 500 race before the qualifying laps.

Fox Sports reporter Bob Pockrass offered detailed information about the new rules by sharing an X post on December 12:

"Qualifying in 2025 (all series): Only two rounds at superspeedways, where top-10 go to final round. The rest will be one round. Road courses will be split in two groups, 20 minutes each group. Order by metric: 70% previous race finish of car; 30% owner pts."

NASCAR will inaugurate the 2025 season with a point race at Daytona International Speedway on February 16. The Stock Car Racing Association has also planned a race at historic Bowman Gray Stadium on February 2, 2025.