The Push for Extended Practice Sessions
During a recent 90‑minute session at Dover Motor Speedway, Brad Keselowski argued that the current limited practice schedule is holding back driver development, particularly for younger racers and smaller teams.
NASCAR trimmed practice periods in 2020 as part of a cost‑cutting initiative triggered by the pandemic, a move that many owners have embraced to protect their bottom lines.
Keselowski, a former champion, contends that the reduced on‑track time hurts the sport’s long‑term health, noting that more laps give drivers the chance to fine‑tune setups and teams to work together effectively.
Ty Gibbs exemplified the potential benefits, completing 86 laps in the same session — the most of any driver in his Cup Series career — showcasing how extended practice can boost preparation.
Chase Elliott, while finding the longer session unusual, acknowledged the extra time but remained skeptical that it would dramatically alter race outcomes.
The veteran also pointed to the growing role of simulators, which complement real‑world laps but cannot fully replace the nuance of actual track time.
Owner Opposition and the Road Ahead
Team owners, who control the schedule, have voiced strong support for shorter practice sessions, citing financial concerns. Keselowski believes NASCAR must intervene to ensure a baseline of practice time, even if it runs counter to the owners’ preferences.
The debate underscores a broader tension between tradition, competition, and economics in modern NASCAR, a conversation that will likely shape the series’ approach to practice sessions for years to come.