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Talladega Today
By the People, for the People
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Blames NASCAR Teams for Fuel-Saving Tactics
Earnhardt says teams, not NASCAR, are responsible for the rise of fuel-saving strategies that have frustrated fans.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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Former NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. has criticized the sport's teams for prioritizing fuel-saving tactics over full-throttle racing, saying the blame lies with the teams rather than NASCAR itself. Earnhardt argues that the new-generation cars take longer to refuel, causing teams to focus on minimizing pit stop times and maintaining track position by conserving fuel, leading to a more boring racing product for fans.
Why it matters
Fuel-saving tactics have become a major source of frustration for NASCAR fans, who want to see more exciting, full-throttle racing. Earnhardt's comments shift the blame away from NASCAR and onto the teams, highlighting how the teams' strategic decisions are shaping the on-track product.
The details
Earnhardt explained that the new-generation cars take longer to refuel, causing teams to prioritize fuel-saving strategies that allow them to spend less time on pit road and maintain track position. This has resulted in drivers "riding around" and conserving fuel rather than racing at full speed, which Earnhardt acknowledges is "frustrating to watch." He believes that if NASCAR doesn't make changes, teams will continue to rely on these fuel-saving tactics to gain an advantage.
- The 2026 Daytona 500 is just around the corner.
- Earnhardt made his comments on the latest episode of the 'Dale Jr. Download' podcast.
The players
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
A former NASCAR driver and current co-owner of JR Motorsports, Earnhardt is a prominent voice in the sport who has been critical of the current state of NASCAR racing.
NASCAR
The governing body of stock car racing in the United States, responsible for regulating the sport and introducing new rules and regulations.
What they’re saying
“So they go out there, and they save as much as they can. And they have to put less in the car, spend less time on pit road, and they're trying to put themselves in position late in the race with track position to go out there and maybe have a shot at winning. And it's frustrating to watch them ride around.”
— Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Driver and Team Owner (Dale Jr. Download)
What’s next
With the Daytona 500 approaching, the debate over fuel-saving tactics is expected to continue, particularly when NASCAR visits other Superspeedway races like Atlanta and Talladega.
The takeaway
Earnhardt's comments highlight how the strategic decisions of NASCAR teams, rather than the sport's governing body, are primarily responsible for the rise of fuel-saving tactics that have frustrated fans. This shifts the blame away from NASCAR and puts the onus on the teams to find ways to improve the racing product.
