NASCAR will be going to Auto Club Speedway this weekend as the sport embarks on the final race using the two-mile configuration. Well, that’s not what many drivers are hoping for as the race track has been a staple for many years.
What did the drivers have to say about this being the final two-mile race at Auto Club Speedway?
NASCAR drivers wish Auto Club Speedway would not turn into a short track
During Daytona 500 Media Day, NASCAR drivers were asked about their thoughts relating to Auto Club Speedway’s final race with the two-mile configuration. The results were pretty unanimous.
Chase Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion, said he enjoys going to the race track and that it has been a really weird deal. Elliott was confused about the plan as normally things run smoothly. “It’s kind of odd,” said the Hendrick Motorsports driver.
As for other drivers, Ross Chastain blatantly stated he wanted the people in charge to change their minds again. Chastain said it would be better to build a short track somewhere else or “put us in another stadium.”
The driver of the No. 1 car for Trackhouse Racing also reflected on Auto Club as the track where the NextGen car saved his life during a wreck in practice. This was the first practice in the NextGen car era following the 2022 Daytona 500.
Ryan Blaney does not have a moment like Chastain’s at Auto Club Speedway but he was very adamant about his desire for the track to stay the same.
“I definitely care. I wish they would leave it. I think you talk to any driver who is going to come through there and they will tell you the same thing. That place is one of the funnest, coolest tracks that we go to…So, I hate to see that place go. There will be a big emphasis on trying to win the last one.”
Ryan Blaney on Auto Club Speedway’s final race with the current configuration
Blaney is right. There are very few drivers who truly want to see Auto Club turn into a short track. It is a fun, multi-grooved race track that is fun for the drivers. In fact, last year’s event produced amazing racing that resulted in Kyle Larson winning the event.
Speaking of last year’s event, Daniel Suarez was in a great spot to win the whole thing at the end. Suarez also spoke about the matter and summed up what the majority thinks.
“I love that racetrack…even though that I wish that the racetrack would stay the same, I know that won’t happen. I’m going to enjoy it one more time and hopefully – hopefully – we come back very soon.”
Daniel Suarez on the upcoming changes to Auto Club Speedway
The drivers have said what they want for the future of Auto Club Speedway. However, will the plans for the race track change once again? NASCAR has already announced it would be the final event but things can change quickly in sports.
It does not seem to be very likely but should everyone reconsider the idea of turning Auto Club Speedway into a short track?
Related: JR Motorsports gives big update on plans for the NASCAR Cup Series
Evaluating what NASCAR should do with Auto Club Speedway
It might be too late, there may not be enough to convince the people in charge to change their minds; however, the idea of changing Auto Club Speedway into a short track was not a good idea from the start.
It was not a good idea before the NextGen car’s debut and it’s an even worse idea now. The drivers and fans love Auto Club, and the idea of ruining a track that did not need this change is baffling.
There are so many race tracks around the country that would be perfect with a repave or more renovation. In fact, this is what Rockingham Speedway has been doing as they pursue NASCAR once again.
Hopefully, the people in charge of this decision change their minds for good. If the drivers speak up more, maybe something miraculous will happen. NASCAR is going to lose one of its two tracks that are exactly two miles. The other one is Michigan International Speedway.
There will be disappointment if NASCAR goes to Auto Club Speedway in a few years and it is a short track. That is the reality of the situation and it simply won’t feel the same anymore.
As for now, everyone should enjoy what could be the final race on the two-mile configuration at Auto Club Speedway. It is bound to be another stunning event.