Dale Jr. Explains Why The Clash Doesn't Feel The Same As it Used To | Dale Jr. Download 

The Clash was once a prestigious exhibition race for pole award winners. Now, it means nothing.

100% agree. I miss everything that goes on at Daytona before the 500

Speedweeks really were the Spring Training of NASCAR. Like Harry Caray once said, “It's the fans that need spring training. You gotta get 'em interested. Wake 'em up and let 'em know that their season is coming, the good times are gonna roll.”

Couldn’t agree more, Dale. Not only the Clash. But the Duals need to be the Twin 125’s. Those were the best races of Speedweeks back in the day. Some no names low budgets could make the 500. There were no Charters locked in. Speedweeks have become a joke. The short tracks remain true, at least we still have that. I’m really glad you brought this up.

Glad he said it. Speedweeks was Nascar's Month of May. No longer the case

I Miss Speed Channel.Practice.. Practice.. and Happy Hour then Qualifying...then RPM2nite...

Jr is a FAN. He has the passion of a fan, but the insight of a driver and owner. Boy I feel like he could bring the interest back.

Daytona is the mecca of racing. Any win there is considered a great win to celebrate. Whether its Qualifying, the 125's, rolex 24, busch clash, The 500, trucks, busch series, motocross, iroc. You are engraved into history by one track/ one location. We need speedweeks back in Daytona

Exactly. Nascar was building traditions that people actually looked forward to. There is a reason N. Wilkesboro had the cult following it did and does still. Nascar has absolutely gone insane trying to reinvent everything.

Back in late 1987 when I moved to Orlando I would go anytime they opened that gate, all the practices, ARCA, the Busch Clash, Twin 125's and the party all week leading to the 500, back in the GOOD OLD DAY'S! RIP Davey!

Jr. needs to run NASCAR. This guy gets it.

Absolutely spot on Junior…100% agree.

Speedweeks used to be exhilarating! With events spanning Cup, Xfinity, Trucks, and ARCA, alongside Volusia and New Smyrna, there was something for every racing enthusiast through two solid weeks. From super late models to World of Outlaws, each day or night held promise. Now, there's not even practice; Cup drivers unload, go through tech, and dive straight into qualifying laps. The charm of watching the clash, twin 125’s, practices, and/or qualifying at Daytona during the day before attending a night race at Volusia or New Smyrna was truly special.

Speed weeks used to be awesome heck you had the Clash, Arca, Truck series, Iroc, Xfinity and the Twin 125’s and the freakin’ Daytona 500. Those were incredible times 🏁

Imsa is a perfect example of this, the build up to 24 rolex is great. With all the practice sessions and miata races it's entertaining

The Clash on the Daytona oval use to be a test race for the 500 and all the best guys got to do is and it made the 500 a better race. the fans got pumped for a 500 and starting the season off with hype.

When it was just pole winners and past winners, it wasn't a crash fest. Once they started increasing the field is when the wrecks started. Like JR said, if it's only 12 cars for 20 laps that's just perfect

Thanks Dale for being the spokesperson for the fans. February Speedweeks were very special and we need them.

Miss the old Saturday night bud shootout with race winners, pole winners, and previous bud shootout winners.

I feel the same as Dale does. I looked forward to all the daytona practice and Clash

100% agree with Jr. Nascar is ruining itself.

I just wrote this on a prior upload from the channel but it fits here best. The fact that Speedweek is supposed to be the biggest week of NASCAR's year culminating in the Daytona 500 and we have no Daytona 500 practice, no Clash/Shootout practice, no Clash/shootout, an Arca race with 15 cars and the Dash Series that died in the early 2000's as the first thing that went away, Speedweek has been diluted. This biggest week in NASCAR should NOT be about only having the Duels as the extra event that makes it special. If we're running dirt races with heats, All star races at Wilkesboro with a jam packed week of on track activity etc. Then what feels special? Nothing. I shouldn't be able to go to the Rolex 24/Roar before the 24 put on by IMSA (ALSO OWNED BY NASCAR) and get more on track time and more interactivity with drivers and crews during that 7 day event than Speedweek when I'm spending TWICE the amount of money as a NASCAR fan. The build up to the 500 is what made the 500 feel so important. If you make it feel like just another race weekend, then it will become just another race weekend. IndyCar might not have a full Month of May on the oval at Indy anymore, but they STAYED AT INDY. They added the race on the road course, which still gives fans the experience of IndyCar at that venue. And it's worked.

The point is that the Bud Shootout called something about 80.000 fans the weeken before the 500. In the last years in Daytona, grandstands were empty. All the build up before the 500 was the Shootout, the IROC race, Goody's Dash Series, ARCA, Duels, Trucks and Busch Series. Until 2000 there were three qualifying sessions for the 500, a lot practices.

I think Dale hits the nail on the head about the Clash belonging at Daytona. I would make this point: You can't race in Canada in January or February. Brands Hatch in England would also be iffy for weather.

I been feeling the same. I miss leaving work early racing to Daytona just to go and See practice at the track. Look man, bring it back. I don’t mind paying for practice. I miss speed weeks. Miss seeing drivers and team just relaxed and chill and being around the track or the beach.

I’m a former NASCAR fan. I also miss the bud shootout. I miss speed weeks. I don’t like what nascar is now

I think Dale hit the nail on the head about what the clash should be. I have seen a trend across the board from local short tracks all the way up to NASCAR and Indycar where the focus has been condensed to "The Race". This is obviously important but one of the things that used to make going to races and being a fan was all of the ancillary things that went on at a given event, when we went to local races we would go for the whole day and there was always stuff to do. The build up of Speedweeks kicking off the racing season starting with the Rolex 24 and flowing into all of the oval track events that used to happen right after was always a fun time. I think the thing that the number crunchers in the head offices don't understand or don't care about is that there is value added beyond direct ticket sales and TV numbers for any one of the events that would take place before the Daytona 500,, The Clash may not have been as financially advantageous by itself as they may have liked, but It was an integral part of the story that culminated with the Daytona 500. For me that's why the Daytona 500 feels like just another race now, nothing more or less than any other race, there's nothing special about it beyond the name that was built on something that was special.

Exactly!! I used to live for the clash! Lets me know the 500 was on its way. Plus all the new sponsors and paint schemes.

The Clash used to be the closest thing NASCAR had to a "Pro Bowl". If Nascar brings it back to Daytona and returns to the "pole winners only" qualification process, it would bring back the prestige of the event, and I bet it would outscore the NFL's actual Pro Bowl (which happens on the same day now that the NFL added an extra game to the regular season). This alone could help boost viewership for the Daytona 500 and maybe even for the entire year.

I agree completely with Jr. about the Clash.

Hi Dale! I went to speed week for 18 years and now I don't even go down to see the 500. You are right, bring it all back so FANS can feel the experience that We all did in the days gone by. Thats what made many fans in the beginning. Speed week was the best time for fans here in Tennessee after winter. To go down and enjoy the sun and fun for more than just 1 day. Thanks!

100% Correct - They killed the Dash series which added to the number of races for Speedweeks - They condensed the Cup field so there's no drama of the little guy trying to make the 500 - They took away preseason testing - They took away practice sessions - They condensed Speedweeks into Speedweek - They took away the significance and drama of the Duels with the charters and moved the races to night time, which is not the track conditions of when they run the 500 - They took away the Clash - They have killed almost everything that Speedweeks is all about. it's supposed to be the greatest two weeks of the year for NASCAR. A celebration of American motorsports. Please bring it back.

Preach dale jr

Agree on everything, except on one thing.... The name. The Clash to us 90s-2000s fans was known as The Shootout, and that's the name we stuck with for years. I don't know why, it just has that prestigious feeling that the Shootout represents the best of the best racing it out, opposed to the Clash which sounds more beating and banging that the short tracks have. If it does move back to Daytona alongside Speedweeks getting restored, it should be renamed to The Shootout, gives it a more hype feel

i dont even follow nascar that closely, but i always paid attention to speedweeks. the sunshine and blue skies was always refreshing to see.

Man I agree with him 100 percent!

I agree 100% Dale. I would have the clash the night before the Daytona 500 50 laps a little lights, put the doors back to Thursday during the day cut it back for 150 to 125 miles like they used to.

I miss Daytona qualifying being on Sunday and just practicing all week plus the duals and happy hour practice. Just the whole Speedweek feel.

The whole week used to mean something, atleast to me. 2003 Speedweeks was my favorite when Dale Jr won the Shootout, won the outside pole, won the Twin 125, won the Busch race. All that had MEGA hype for him being the man to beat for the Daytona 500. I'll even go as far as to say how much the Preseason Thunder Testings in January meant to the hype. It was like spring training and it got us so excited for the 500 and seeing new drivers in new cars/sponsors ect.

Want people to watch the biggest race? TEASE the biggest race! Exactly what Jr's saying here by having the "sprint" at Daytona gives a sample of what's to come, making you want to tune in

I think the pole winners from previous year should hop in these IROC cars for a Daytona “clash”. Saves teams money and we still get a prestigious race. Win win

Agree 100 percent

I agree 100% Dale, Nothing about Nascar is the same or interesting, I don't feel as involved emotionally with the sport, drivers, sponsors and even race day commentary, I miss you and Dale Sr, and all the other guys I grew up watching, Love your show brother

Speedweeks was just that, about Racing and the sport of NASCAR. Fans are gone because of dumbass changes that they have made. Our Family used to go to Daytona for Speedweeks for 12 years. Loved all the Media, Thursdays, practice ARCA, Trucks. Thanks for speaking up JR.

I'm all for condensing weekends, but Dale makes a great* argument here for Daytona being an exception

This subject can pretty much sum up the state of NASCAR at the moment, it ain't like it used to be and will probably never again be as good as it once was.

Take it to Atlanta. It's close to the teams, has a long history with the sport and puts on a great show. Make winning a pole and/or a race the only way to qualify. For a twist, make the clash for all 3 top series in NASCAR. That would mean three different races in one day and would give the fans a full event.

Dale, you’re such a tremendous influence on the sport, as are many of your past teammates. You all need to lead NASCAR in a revival of getting back to real racing. Those 90s days were just incredible and we need to get back to letting crew chiefs be crew chiefs and change the cars back to being more drivable/safe. Keep up the great work man! #8 #3 always

F yeah Daytona! and bring back the Twin 125's.

The 71 fans in the stands at the coliseum disagree with this haha

I agree 100 % with you, Dale Jr. Bring it back home where it belongs. I used to count down for SPEEDWEEKS at Daytona, now I don't even know when the Daytona 500 is. It is a shame. 😞

I agree whole heartedly. Nothing is the same since the teams are not at the track for the weekend. They used to be there with their families, teams, team families...it is the NASCAR atmosphere that I miss the most at every track....not just speed week.

If owners don’t want to risk wrecking a couple cars they just need to stay home till the 500. I agree it needs to go back to Daytona and be a true speed weeks!

The cars unload today ready to race. Back in the day speedweeks was for getting the cars competitive. That being said I agree with Jr. I too miss speedweeks.

I miss speed weeks so much, it was a nice easy and enjoyable build up to the Daytona 500. Watching the teams and drivers figuring out how to set the cars up and the interviews with drivers, it was just a cool experience to watch. Now it’s just bam, get in the car and qualify and then the duels. Dale Jr. is absolutely correct, it should go back more to the way it once was 🏁

Dale is spot on with this, 💯. The Clash/Shootout needs to be at Daytona. Also, there does need to be more practice. The simulators get things close, but the actual on track practice is what gets the competition closer.

Amen Brother!

Totally agree with everything Junior said about Daytona and how it should be a build race for the Daytona 500. Loved how that week went for so long, don’t know how NASCAR eventually screwed that up in the end. I hope he is right that was the last time they will run in Los Angeles hated it from the get go. Come up with something good NASCAR please if you’re not gonna bring it back to Daytona. Also please NASCAR find away to put lights at Talladega I just want one time to see a night race there.

All the practice too, I loved the “ Real Speedweeks” give the owners more room to work with the cars

Spot on Jr! The 24 hours kicked off Feb then all the support events and practice: ARCA, Daytona Dash, The Clash, qualifying, the consolation race, IROC, Xfinity and then the buildup to the 500.

Amen!

Twin 125's, lol. Used to be any driver could practice all they wanted. Sr. loved to practice.

I miss speed weeks, I miss watching the night drafting test sessions and building the stories of the season and seeing the primer cars getting after it, speed weeks was my favorite part of the season

100% on!!! Bring it back! We are missing that story! I think taking away preseason daytona testing hurts the storyline too!

Bring the clash back to Daytona and restore that tradition. Then during the off season, create a couple or three exhibition money races in New markets that are not required to be ran by the teams, but make them enticing enough for them to want to. Would that work?

💯 agree.

Being from the north east I loved preseason thunder. Cold Nasty weather and no racing for awhile it was wonderful to see and hear those cars and got you excited for speedweeks. I really miss the fire cracker 400 on 4th of July weekend. Of all the changes I wish they left Daytona alone. Change is not always good just different.

Heck that's what made his father so legendary at Daytona was the Speedweeks. And how dominant he was in everything, but the 500. Now that narrative is gone.

Nascar's dumbest idea is No Practice at Daytona

I watch all the shows that Dale Jr. Puts out and will continue to watch, but they need to add someone on the show like an old crew chief or driver. Not putting the young men down that we see now. Maybe someone that knows a thing or two about the past. I do agree about moving the clash back to Daytona, maybe the road course the Wednesday after the 24 hour race, if not the big race. May sound a little crazy run 50 on the big track and then 50 laps on the course.

Welcome back Junior we love you The word you were looking for is the fanfare that goes with everything The fanfare but I agree Daytona speed week I'd rather have that enjoyment

I agree 100% with Jr. I loved seeing commercials in January talking about speedweeks!

A race in early February in Canada sounds like a great idea.

I agree 💯 Dale

I agree. When you consider the amount of televised track time and commentary broadcasts and technical programming we’ve lost its crazy. We’re lucky if we see qualifying on TV these days. Why would I feel invested now?

You hit the nail on the head Dale I totally agree 🏎🏁🏆🍺

The Super Bowl being in-between the Clash and 500 is unfortunate. I think it breaks up the momentum you'd otherwise build with the traditional Speedweeks schedule.

PLEASE go back to just pole winners! It'd give me a reason to tune into qualifying every week!

I'd also love to see the Clash return to Daytona, along with a revival of speedweeks. Been watching NASCAR since back when we only saw clips of the Daytona 500 on Wide World of Sports, and have watched nearly every race that's been on TV from beginning to end since the '79 Daytona 500. I always anticipated speedweeks & really looked forward to watching. So did a bunch of my friends. We used to get together every year & watch the whole Daytona deal on TV - even when we lived a couple hundred miles or so away from each other. NASCAR really needs to bring speedweeks (or something like it) back.

Big fan of you Dale e Jr. Your right bout the Daytona speed,weeks! We need the clash back in Daytona!

There's a really good road course in Topeka Ks. Heartland Motorsports Park. They have multiple layouts and the trucks used to run there in the early 2000's. It'd be perfect.

I miss SPEED TV...

That's what I love about Jr. He's a historian of sport and preserving that.

Agree with Dale 100%. I like the idea that he's open to a short road course. Now that they've got cars that can actually handle, I've always thought it would be neat to the road course at Daytona. Kind of like a mini Rolex. 2-3 hours. It brings it home to Daytona and gives the fans a little something different. Also makes for a good transition to roll from the events of the Rolex and tee off the events around the Daytona 500

Take it back to Daytona.

Not going to lie i miss mike

I miss the dash series cars at daytona ! So much fun to watch!

Speedweeks was the perfect week to take vacation up here in snowy north to head to Daytona

I understand the SB makes it impossible to get any air time on Sunday, but i would love to see them move the clash to the weekend before the 500. I think that helps build up the excitement leading into the week. Rather than trying to get the audience to tune in 14 days after you kick off the season.

Needs to be back in Daytona!!!

I miss Speed weeks. It was something we looked for all winter and the build up was exciting. The clash, qualifying, the twins and then the 500. It was great

It took a while but I figured it out. As a snowbound Northener I miss speedweeks. Now in the '60's, '70's and early '80's there wasn't much TV coverage but jus' fun knowing the boys were havein' fun in Fla. made the insufferable winter days more bearable. Then with wall to wall TV coverage it was must see TV making the long winter days easier to take. Going back to testing in early Jan. to the duals where you had to race your your way in. It was an extended and much anticipated part of the NASCAR schedule.

Pole winners and past shootout/clash winners only. No exceptions.

I miss Mike playing devil’s advocate at the table. Just sayin’

I miss a month's worth of coverage on Speed Channel. We had it so good.

I've been saying this for years. I miss Speedweeks. I miss Pre-Season Thunder, I miss cars showing up at Daytona the week before the Clash and there were cars on the track all week practicing for the Clash and for the 500. There were cars on the track almost everyday for nearly two weeks straight and it was televised and it all of it got me more excited for the season than anything else.

The clash at the coliseum sucks.

Put it back in daytona where it belongs JR is right!!!!!!!!!!

NASCAR at Brands Hatch would be wild! I’m all for it :)

100% agree with you, Jr!