Dale Earnhardt Jr. “can’t wait” for Iowa Cup race despite negative criticism

Dale Earnhardt Jr. gives his verdict on what to expect at Iowa.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. “can’t wait” for Iowa Cup race despite negative criticism

Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Via IMAGO)

NASCAR will mark its first Cup Series race ever at Iowa Speedway since the track was opened in 2006. The track has been hosting impressive Xfinity Series and ARCA races for a long-time, making many fans to demand the sport to host premier division races there. Amidst this excitement there are some series concerns as well.

NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. vis his podcast highlighted some of the negative aspects the race might have this Sunday. He reckons the slickness of the track, the difference in speed between the old groove and the new asphalt, which is part of the partial repave that was done recently, would make this a treacherous race.

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Despite these negative thoughts he has, Junior is looking forward for the race. He pointed out that though he hates being negative, his concerns has merits, but asserted that this though does make the race intriguing for him. Dale Jr. added that he cant wait to see how the race would playout on Sunday.  

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I hate to be negative about it. It’s interesting because it sounds negative and I think it’s negative, but I’m intrigued at the same time. While I feel like what I’m gonna see might not be what I prefer to see, I can’t wait to see it.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. said via Dale Jr. Download podcast.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. explains how the new asphalt will change racing

Junior highlighted that with the repave, the race won’t be a multi-groove race at any chance. He reckons driver won’t use the old groove, if not for getting underneath someone or while trying complete a pass.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., a HMS driver back in 2017
Dale Earnhardt Jr., a HMS driver back in 2017 (Credits: Guardian)
You’re never going to go there with the expectation of getting underneath somebody or pulling alongside another car to complete a pass. No chance. I don’t know how much we will learn how much faster the new asphalt will be versus the old asphalt, but you’re kidding yourself if you think that there’s going to be multiple grooves…
Dale Earnhardt Jr. said.

If the Iowa race gets constrained to a single groove, it would be a huge disappointment for the fans as it would affect the overall excitement. It would be interesting to see how the race would playout and would it earn a 2025 Cup race date.

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