• NASCAR struggles to attract younger fans, leading to an aging fanbase.
• Lack of driver personality development and limited media exposure hinder the creation of new stars.
• Internal issues, restrictive practices and NASCAR's disconnect with drivers and fans contribute to the sport's challenges.

NASCAR is facing criticism from prominent figures like Mike Joy and Tony Stewart regarding its current state and future prospects. The core concern revolves around the sport's inability to attract a younger fanbase, which is seen as crucial for its long-term viability. This is compounded by issues related to driver personality development, sponsor engagement, and what Stewart describes as internal problems and a disconnect between NASCAR leadership and the needs/desires of fans and drivers. These factors are seen as contributing to declining attendance and viewership.

• What: NASCAR is facing challenges related to attracting younger fans, developing driver personalities, and addressing internal issues.
• Who: Key individuals involved include Mike Joy (Fox Sports announcer), Tony Stewart (NASCAR Hall of Famer), Kevin Harvick and current NASCAR drivers and fans. Organizations involved are NASCAR, Fox Sports, and Stewart-Haas Racing.
• When: The issues are discussed in April and May of 2025, reflecting on past decisions and their current impact.
• Where: The discussion takes place on podcasts and sports news websites, with the issues affecting NASCAR events across the United States.

The concerns raised by Joy and Stewart highlight a multi-faceted problem within NASCAR. The shift to B2B sponsors seems to have reduced engagement with the general public, contributing to the aging fanbase. The limitation of practice, testing and development as indicated by Harvick exacerbates the challenge. Stewart's criticism points to a deeper issue of NASCAR leadership prioritizing profits over fan experience and ignoring valuable feedback from drivers and teams. This disconnect could be driving fans away and hindering the sport's long-term growth. The impact of social media and technology on driver personality development adds another layer of complexity, making it harder for drivers to connect with fans in a meaningful way.

We have 18 and 20-year-olds coming into the Cup Series and making a mark. The fan base is getting older. We’re not attracting the younger fanbase that we need to move this sport forward into the next decade, [and] into the next couple of decades.

They care more about how much money they’re going to put in their pockets than they are making sure that the teams are healthy and can bring competitive race cars to the track and what’s best for the fans is the only thing that’s going to stop and change NASCAR’s mind, if people stop watching and stop going to races.

I think that maturing process is hindered by what is permanently attached to our pocket, and that’s the cellphone.

NASCAR is at a critical juncture, needing to address its aging fanbase, foster driver personalities, and rectify internal issues to ensure its future success. The criticisms from figures like Mike Joy and Tony Stewart serve as a wake-up call, highlighting the need for NASCAR to listen to drivers and fans, prioritize their experience, and adapt to the changing media landscape. The sport's ability to attract younger fans and create new stars will determine its long-term viability. The current trajectory suggests a need for significant changes in leadership, strategy, and fan engagement.