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Dale Earnhardt Jr. Comes Up With 'Genius' Idea For All-Star Race

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated May 21, 2025 8:45 PM ET

This year's NASCAR All-Star Race drew mixed reviews from the stock car loving crowd. With some enjoying the event in North Wilkesboro, and others believing there's still room for the sport to improve it.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. leans more towards the latter (although he did enjoy 2025's festivities). And on the latest episode of his "Dale Jr. Download" podcast, the Hall of Famer pitched his "genius" idea to make the celebration even more special.

"I would be OK with some way that we combine the Clash and the All-Star Race," Dale Earnhardt said. "The Clash should be pole winners only. I don't want anybody else in it. But that's never going to happen. We're never going back to that. … The All-Star Race should be winners only."

"Every time the Clash comes around, there's this tiny group of folks that are going, 'What are we doing this for?' There's even people that own these race cars and drive them that don't want to go to the Clash and compete. They're wasting their time," the two-time Daytona winner continued.

"Then you have this All-Star Race, and there's a small bit a group of people that the race should just go away. It's not fun anymore. … Take both of those and combine them," Dale Jr. concluded. "Let's celebrate the drivers that have won races."

North Wilkesboro Speedway has been home to NASCAR's All-Star Race for three seasons now. However, many believe it's time to shift it back to nearby Charlotte.

Earnhardt does believe there's a place in the sport for North Wilkesboro to be a points race though. Which he outlined should have the same rules and protocols as all of the other races.

What are your thoughts on the NASCAR 75 driver's takes? Is there room for the short-track oval in the Cup?

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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