Dale Earnhardt Jr. Blasts Critics of NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray
NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. has shared his thoughts on criticism towards the Clash hosted at Bowman Gray Stadium.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Via IMAGO)
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The 2026 unofficial NASCAR season opener at Bowman Gray Stadium was wild as the delay over snowstorm and the over aggressive racing from the drivers caused some big moments. While some liked the overall race product, others didn’t and was quick to call NASCAR out on social media.
Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn’t like the criticism targeting the iconic Bowman Gray Stadium and he shared his thoughts on it via X. He branded the Cup event won by Ryan Preece at Bowman Gray badass and appreciated officials for getting the race to a finish amidst the chaos.
Lotta chatter on the race last night. I’m not complaining because I think Cup even racing at Bowman Gray period is badass. I appreciate NASCAR working to get a finish.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. wrote on X.
Furthermore, he highlighted how the weather was a major challenge for NASCAR and how they pushed through the constraints to give a solid race product. The only thing he didn’t like in the day was the fuel controversy.
The weather was an issue and I’m glad they pushed through instead of giving up. I don’t like allowing the field to fuel when others had opted to put themselves at an advantage in that area.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. added.
That doesn’t mean it ruined that race for him, as at the end of the day he saw it only as an exhibition event that is meant for entertainment. He once again appreciated the commitment and hard work from the NASCAR team to make the event happen.
But it doesn’t ruin the night for me. It was an exhibition and I was entertained. Appreciate the entire industry dealing with all the inconveniences to make the event happen.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. asserted.
NASCAR insider doesn’t share Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s sentiments
Even Dale Earnhardt Jr. close associate doesn’t share the same feelings about the race, as The Teardown podcast host Jordan Bianchi who work for Junior’s Dale Jr. Download pointed out that the race seems to have failed to serve it purpose. It is supposed to hype up the Daytona 500 and unfortunately it wasn’t an event that good enough.
This is supposed to be a showcase for what NASCAR is and a preview to the Daytona 500, be that appetizer and get people who really aren’t NASCAR fans to go, ‘Oh, NASCAR’s back. This is kind of cool, I’m gonna check this out.’ I don’t think it accomplished any of those goals tonight, and I think it just left people going, ‘What is going on here? What is this? Where’s my Masked Singer?
Jordan Bianchi said via The Teardown.
The comments from the senior NASCAR journalist are on point, just like the comments from Dale Jr. to some extent. It would be interesting to see if the sport will return to the venue for the 2027 season, or if they will choose another venue. There are many forgotten tracks in the states that can be revived by hosting the Clash.
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