Dale Earnhardt Jr. Challenges Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin’s Stance on Practice, Makes Bold Prediction on Its Return

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Challenges Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin’s Stance on Practice, Makes Bold Prediction on Its Return

For years, NASCAR has gradually reduced practice sessions, leaving drivers to rely on simulators and quick warmups before race day. While some, like Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin, have adapted to this new reality, Dale Earnhardt Jr. isn’t convinced that cutting back on practice is the way forward.

Now, the NASCAR Hall of Famer is pushing back against the sport’s shift, challenging Elliott and Hamlin’s stance—and making a bold prediction about the future of practice in the Cup Series.

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🏁 The Debate: Does NASCAR Still Need Practice?

In recent years, NASCAR has limited practice time, arguing that it helps teams save money and keeps the racing unpredictable. Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin have both defended the move, stating that modern simulators and data analysis make practice less necessary than before.

However, Dale Jr. sees it differently.

🗣️ “You can’t just show up and expect the car to be perfect,” he said in a recent discussion. “That’s why we see some teams struggle early in races—they’re still figuring things out.”

He believes that eliminating full practice sessions hurts younger drivers, making it harder for them to develop their skills in real conditions.