In the chaotic world of NASCAR, few events spark as much debate, or eye-rolls, as the All-Star Race. Known for its unorthodox formats and constant experimentation, this year’s edition is already turning heads for all the wrong reasons. In a sport where tradition and theatrics often collide, Kyle Larson has stepped up with a neutral voice amid the fan frenzy.
While fans were still grappling with last year’s drama-filled exhibition involving Goodyear’s option tire, another curveball has been pitched by NASCAR. The new twist? A controversial yellow flag rule where a caution will be guaranteed mid-race, no matter the on-track action. It has been dubbed the ‘promoter’s caution’ and can be thrown anytime between lap 100-200, but not in the final 50 laps. Yes. It is exactly as wild as it sounds, yet Kyle Larson seemed unsurprised by it.
Kyle Larson did not hold back
NASCAR’s ‘promoter’s caution’ at North Wilkesboro Speedway is one of the latest entertainment-first decisions made. This yellow flag would effectively freeze the race, bunch up the field, and create artificial drama (“spice it up“, as the governing body says) according to The Express. Many longtime fans, however, deem it to be a betrayal of the race and the sport.
Speaking on the latest change, Kyle Larson did not mince his words. While reading through the new rule, the 2021 Cup champion admitted, “I don’t know, I did read it just quickly once, and I don’t know, it sounded about normal, you know, gimmicky, all-star race.” While his tone seemed nonchalant, his comment digs a little deeper. Larson isn’t surprised anymore because these changes are now expected.
The Cup Champion is no stranger to the All-Star Race showbiz flavor, and he hasn’t cried foul yet. “It is what it is,” he shrugged. “Like, you kind of come to expect that with the all-star format, so I don’t mind it. It’s such an oddball rule. I hope that the core fans aren’t… which I’m sure they’re probably mad, but aren’t, like, thinking this is something we’re going to adopt, you know, every week, because I’m sure we won’t.” A very pragmatic approach from a driver who has seen it all. A rule like this would certainly not fly in points-paying races, and Larson is aware of that. But he understands why fans would be outraged, especially considering the people chosen to throw this caution!
Will post more comments from Indy 500 testing tomorrow but here are Kyle Larson’s thoughts on the all-star format: @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/xMzQsGDf8z
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 23, 2025
Jeff Gluck cleared it up on X, writing, “NASCAR says it will be “Marcus Smith and Speedway Motorsports” who determine when the promoter’s caution happens in the All-Star Race.” Marcus Smith is the chief executive of Speedway Motorsports, the organization that owns several NASCAR tracks across the country, including North Wilkesboro Speedway, of course. Putting a race-defining moment in the hands of the track owner and promoter is not something that fans were happy about. And one driver, Denny Hamlin, may not be a fan of this either!
In 2024, Marcus Smith and Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin got into a verbal spat on X. Things started with Hamlin taking a dig at SMI repaving a track in Sonoma, California, and accusing them of not managing their budget adequately, referencing the mishap to repave Texas Motor Speedway. What started as banter turned ugly and personal by the end. Smith went on to write on X, “We’ve seen your attempt of the championship as well. When you have a chance, maybe you could give me some golf tips.” This was a sharp dig at Hamlin, the driver with the most wins in the Cup Series without a championship. But Denny didn’t back down.
Hamlin replied, “Here’s your tip. Let someone else run your business before you blow everything your dad gave you.” This was a jibe at Smith being a product of nepotism, as his father, Bruton Smith, was the owner of SMI and promoted Marcus to the CEO role in 2015. Their beef has been simmering ever since, and if a ‘promoter’s caution’ is called with Hamlin in the lead, it would certainly spark some interesting conversations.
However, what is the reason behind NASCAR tinkering with the sport’s format this much?
Fan fatigue or format innovation?
NASCAR has opted for style over substance again, shining the spotlight on gimmicks rather than foundational racing, making Larson’s words all the more poignant. Most fans wonder how far into the sport heavy stunting has come. Along with stage racing and the ‘win and you’re in’ playoff rule, it almost seems as though the sport’s heart is being sold to prime-time frivolities.
The continued tinkering of the All-Star Race is not new. For the past few years, NASCAR has used it for field experiments in various ways, and this time, fine-tuning formats and testing new rules under the name of excitement. From Jeff Gordon’s “T-Rex” in 1997, which was later banned for being ‘too different’, to the troublesome “Survival of the Fastest” format of the early 2000s, NASCAR always pushes its limit to keep the event fresh. But those changes haven’t always been universally popular. The goal usually has been to manufacture some more active competition and raise viewer interest. But at what point does progress become a hindrance?
Jessica Fickenscher, executive director of the NASCAR All-Star Race, said, “The biggest All-Star winners will be the fans with all they get to see at what’s become America’s throwback racetrack, North Wilkesboro Speedway.” Will they, though? With the format being soured by a caution that is not related to racing whatsoever, fans feel like it is more of a deviation to prioritize entertainment at a race where they just want to see their favorite drivers go at it at one of NASCAR’s most iconic tracks.
Looking ahead, Larson is not letting the drama deter him from preparing. With an All-Star trophy in his sights, while keeping a firm hold on the critical integrity that made him a champion, he knows that fan trust matters. No rule revision, yellow flag, or fancy theatrical scheme will ‘save’ NASCAR if it loses its root audience.
Kyle Larson, for now, serves as a voice of reason. He is not buying into the drama, but neither would he brush off the discontent. Such balance may be just what the sport needs right now. Innovation, but not at the cost of sacrificing tradition.
The post Kyle Larson Unsure of NASCAR’s Antics, Assures Angry Fans Over All-Star Drama appeared first on EssentiallySports.