“That’s troubling, concerning”: Dale Earnhardt Jr. agrees with Martin Truex Jr.’s scathing criticism of modern NASCAR Cup racing

Addressing the prevalent issue of reckless driving during restarts, Dale Earnhardt Jr. echoed Martin Truex Jr.'s sentiments that today's Cup drivers lack the respect once common on the track. Despite a promising start from P2 at the pole at Watkins Glen, a tumultuous final restart with just three laps remaining trapped Martin Truex Jr. in a crash, relegating him to a 20th-place finish.

Martin Truex Jr., known for his clean and skillful driving in the NASCAR Cup Series, expressed his frustration with the aggressive racing that has marred his final season. In a post-race interview with NBC Sports, Truex Jr. lamented the rough treatment he has received on the track, noting how disheartening it is to be wrecked so frequently in his concluding year of racing:

"This racing is just ridiculous. [...] Just crazy that all these races always come down to this. I just don’t really understand how guys can call themselves the best in the world when they just drive through everyone on restarts at the end of these races. It’s very frustrating, but it is what it is these days. I’m out of here."

Amid the controversy over aggressive driving, Dale Earnhardt Jr. supported Martin Truex Jr.'s comments during a recent episode of his podcast. The veteran driver expressed his understanding and concern, saying:

"I hear what he's saying. I do agree that if you drop down and expend any truck, it just gets so much worse. They're seeing quite a bit of that happening now at the late model stock and the grassroots level. That's all true. And that's troubling concerning to a point if I'm a driver. I hate it."

However, Dale Earnhardt Jr. acknowledged that the spectacle of on-track rivalries and drama is precisely what captivates fans and is favored by NASCAR and team owners:

"If I'm an owner, certainly pissed off too. As a series owner or as a fan, I love the aggression, I love the contact," he continued.

Additionally, Dale Earnhardt Jr. reflected on the recent race weekend, suggesting that the level of competition and aggression observed was nearly ideal, striking a balance that appeals to both spectators and participants in the sport.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. discusses the Ryan Blaney vs NASCAR controversy

During the Watkins Glen race, Ryan Blaney's race was abruptly ended on the first lap after an incident involving Corey LaJoie and Kyle Busch, which subsequently caused Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney to crash. Unlike the other cars that were repaired and returned to the track, Blaney's car, having been towed to the garage, was barred from rejoining the race due to a NASCAR rule.

This sparked a debate among stakeholders, including Blaney and veteran pit reporter Bob Pockrass, who advocated for a rule revision. Amid the controversy, Dale Earnhardt Jr. offered a balanced perspective on the existing rule. He noted:

"With the current rule there is also no need for elaborate ‘crash carts’ and overloaded haulers full of parts and pieces. I do think there is a middle ground."

The upcoming race is set for Bristol Motor Speedway and will start at 7:00 PM ET on Saturday, September 21.