Brad Keselowski, a veteran in the NASCAR Cup Series, has expressed his strong opposition to the reduction in practice time for races. He believes that the lack of track time is detrimental to the sport's future and the development of young drivers. Keselowski argues that practice sessions are crucial for guiding the stars of tomorrow and shaping the sport's budget. He advocates for a return to longer practice sessions, stating that the current format is not beneficial for the sport or its fans.
The reduction in practice time has sparked debate among drivers and team owners. Chase Elliott, a seasoned driver, acknowledges the change but remains indifferent to its impact. He mentions that having multiple sets of tires was unusual but doesn't foresee any significant changes in race outcomes. On the other hand, Ty Gibbs, a newcomer to the sport, found the extended practice session refreshing, turning 86 laps, which he compared to the first stage of a race.
Keselowski's stance is unique among NASCAR Cup Series team owners, as most of them oppose the idea of extended practice sessions. He believes that NASCAR should enforce practice time, even if it means compelling owners to pay for it. Keselowski's concern extends to the drivers' development and the sport's overall health, emphasizing the importance of practice for the future stars of NASCAR.