NASCAR continues to get more creative and bold with the schedule year after year, and 2024 is no different with many controversial race dates next season. NASCAR has added Iowa Speedway to the schedule as well as giving Atlanta the second race of the season following the Daytona 500. Also, two superspeedways and two road courses in the playoffs have drivers voicing their opinions going into 2024. Let us take a look at what some of NASCAR’s biggest stars have to say about the new schedule.
Joey Logano
Two-time NASCAR Cup champion Joey Logano was asked his thoughts on Atlanta being moved to the playoff opener in 2024. He responded by saying “I don’t know about two superspeedways in the playoffs”.
Joey Logano shares 2024 schedule thoughts:
— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) October 7, 2023
“I don’t know if I agree with putting two superspeedways in the Playoffs”
📹@stephen_stumpf pic.twitter.com/HLjoKIW6RG
Atlanta will be the first race in Round 1 and Talladega will be the second race in Round 2.
Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin has been one of the most outspoken drivers in the garage over the last few years. Hamlin was asked about the 2024 schedule and had many things to say about it. Hamlin says that superspeedway races are more about testing luck than skill. The 50-time Cup race winner also explains why he is not excited that Iowa Speedway has been added to the Cup schedule.
"You're testing their luck, not their skill."
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) October 5, 2023
Denny Hamlin disagrees with adding another drafting race to the playoffs.
He's also not optimistic about Iowa or even Martinsville in a few weeks with the NextGen as configured. pic.twitter.com/DffOzo4koy
Christopher Bell
The 28-year-old NASCAR cup driver Christopher Bell was questioned about the Charlotte Roval returning to the playoffs next year. This is what the 2022 Roval winner had to say.
Christopher Bell on the Roval returning for 2024:
— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) October 7, 2023
“I’m disappointed”
📹@stephen_stumpf pic.twitter.com/YnkuLRzFCv
The Charlotte Roval has been the cut-off race in Round 2 every year since 2018.
Michael McDowell
Not every driver was disappointed with the 2024 Playoff Schedule. 2021 Daytona 500 Champion Michael McDowell claims that next year’s schedule lines up well for him.
The 2024 Playoff schedule seems to line up very nicely for @mc_driver and @team_frm, but he says the challenge will be getting there first. #NASCARPlayoffs #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/NrBxDVaHd6
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) October 7, 2023
It is important to remember that McDowell’s two career race wins came at Daytona in 2021 and at the Indy Road Course in 2023.
Do you agree with these NASCAR driver’s opinions on the 2024 schedule and do you think that the playoffs are too dependent on luck? Let us know your thoughts!