Tony Stewart claims NASCAR drivers started ‘losing racing etiquette’ after Dale Earnhardt’s death
Tony Stewart learned the basis of racing etiquette from Dale Sr.
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Dale Earnhardt and Tony Stewart (Via IMAGO)
Racing etiquette has been one of the most discussed topics in the NASCAR garage since the start of the 2023 season. With young racers coming into the sport, racing is more aggressive than ever, and NASCAR racing is losing the racing etiquette culture that was once pioneered by legends such as Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jeff Gordon.
In a recent podcast appearance, three times NASCAR Cup champion and SHR co-owner Tony Stewart pointed out that modern-day racers lack the etiquette because they don’t care about the factors around racing as they should have. He identified the passing of Dale Earnhardt Sr. as the start of the loss of etiquette from racing.
Dale Sr., who died following a crash in the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500, played a major part in teaching young racers how to race clean. But since his passing, the sport hasn’t been the same. Stewart highlighted Jeff Burton‘s impressive work filling the void for some time, but it wasn’t enough as the veteran now races like the youngster.
Well, as soon as we lost Dale Senior, we started losing all of that. As soon as he went away, all the etiquette started going away. Jeff Burton was kind. That's why he got the nickname the mayor. Jeff was the one that kind of kept control of everybody. So, the hard part is there is nobody in that role now. All the veteran guys that race that way. And part of that is not just these young drivers.Tony Stewart said via Hot Rod Pod.
Tony Stewart details the reason for a cultural shift
The evolution of the sport has played a major role in the change in the driver’s approach. Unlike in the err of Dale Sr., the cars are safer than ever for the drivers and the field is getting closer following new regulation changes. This creates a situation where the drivers can take more risks.
The change in cars concerning reduced tire falling off makes track position more important than ever, and drivers don’t have any incentives for racing clean. The combination of close field and no tire advantage means drivers have to overlook etiquette.
Part of that is a product of the evolution of the sport. The cars are better, the cars are closer. Tires don't fall off like they used to. That was a big part of the game…But that's not even in play now with cup cars. Its track position is so important. Arrow is so important; the tires don't fall off enough. So it's created this. Screw your etiquette. I got to take care of my position here and get everything I can get.
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Justin P Joy
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