Dale Earnhardt Jr. Blasts NASCAR Fans Over Impatience Attitude Towards Young Racers

Unlike in the past, the young generation of NASCAR drivers are given opportunities in the elite division very early in their life. But with this support, comes the additional pressure to deliver every time on the track, even though they should be given opportunities to make mistake and grow. Hall of Famer Dale Eranhardt Jr. talked about the topic in the most recent episode of his podcast.

Talking about William Sawalich, who won his maiden O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Rockingham at the age of 19 after having a tough start to the season and getting criticised for it. Junior highlighted how the drivers in their teen are expected to win races against veteran in their first year. He defended the struggling young racers highlighting how he didn’t do anything significant on the track in the 19 and never broke out in the second division till he was 23.

It’s a lot like these athletes in college that are getting that sixth, seventh year of eligibility, they’re like 23, 24 years old playing quarterback. They’re just better mentally for the tough moments…I didn’t have that at 19. I was gonna get in the car and wreck the hell out of the thing at 19 years old, and I would have done that a lot, and I would have probably have been sh*tcanned before I was 23 years old. Luckily, my path happened the way it happened because I don’t know if I would have netted out.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. said in the latest episode of his podcast.

The JR Motorsports’ co-owner has always kept in mind the fact that young drivers need to time to learn and should learn to perfect their race craft by making mistakes. One major challenge not all the young drivers can’t afford it is how the sponsorship deals have changed in the sport. According to Dale Earnhardt Jr. the lower division have become unaffordable to many and hence they don’t have the leeway to make mistakes on the tracks.

The tough part for these guys is their opportunity and the funding that they need and has to be there for them to get chances is there now. It might not be there if they wanted to wait for themselves to get better at the lower ranks or grass root ranks, well this money that can afford them this opportunity in the O’Reilly Series, it may not be there in three to four years when they’re more mentally prepared for the moment.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. added via Dale Jr. Download.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. demands patience for young racers

Further talking on the same topic, Junior pointed out that the fans as well as the leaders of the sport needs to understand how tough it is to make a difference on the track in the teenage years. So, they have to be patient with their young talents, as if they are ready to give the racer the opportunity to make mistakes, he or she might become the cup champion the sport wants.

If they can come in at 19 and win races, awesome. If they can’t, I think we have to be patient. I have to remind myself don’t write this dude off. ‘He’s 19, don’t write him off. He still might have it.’ We give up on them as an industry, maybe if we waited another year or two, he’s a future Cup champion. Who knows?

Dale Earnhardt Jr. said.

It’s a solid point made by Junior, as there are multiple talented drivers in the lower divisions that can’t afford to get deals where they can afford to learn from mistakes. Many sponsors demand immediate success, which isn’t possible in NASCAR and often the only pay drivers get opportunity to grow. This dynamic is having a massive negative effect on the sport.

Also Read: “It’s Almost Been a Year!” Kyle Larson is Unbothered Over 31-Race Cup Winless Streak

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