Monday Morning Pit‑Stop, the weekly NASCAR column on OutKick.com and Fox News Digital, opened this week with a frank assessment of the sport’s new playoff structure. After five races in the Cup Series postseason, the author noted that the format feels “neutered” compared with the high‑stakes eliminations of past years.
Veteran voices on the current state of NASCAR
Former champion Tony Stewart, who retired from full‑time Cup racing in 2016, recently appeared on the Oil and Whiskey podcast and said he no longer watches the series. Stewart criticized the reduction in horsepower, describing the current cars as “pieces of s‑t” and urging NASCAR to “wake the f‑k up.” He contrasted today’s 500‑horsepower packages with the 875‑horsepower machines he drove at his peak, and lamented the removal of restrictor plates.
Stewart’s comments resonated with many long‑time fans who miss the raw speed and drama of earlier eras. While the author does not agree with every opinion Stewart has expressed, the criticism of the current format aligns with a broader sentiment that the sport has lost some of its “juice.”
Kasey Kahne’s surprising return
In a development that surprised many, 46‑year‑old Kasey Kahne announced he will return to competition next season, driving a Spire truck full‑time in the NASCAR Truck Series. Kahne, a 31‑time race winner who retired after the 2018 season due to health concerns, has only made six Truck Series starts in his career. According to Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic, the Truck Series’ shorter races may have influenced Kahne’s decision.
The author expressed hope that Kahne’s comeback will bring renewed excitement and more authentic NASCAR advertising, noting that recent commercials have been dominated by pharmaceutical products rather than the sport’s own branding.
Brad Keselowski’s departure from Roush‑Fenway Racing
Brad Keselowski, a former Cup Series champion, confirmed he will leave Roush‑Fenway Racing after his five‑year contract expires this year. Keselowski joined the team in 2019 and helped lift it from relative obscurity to a competitive presence, with two of the three cars making the Chase this season.
While rumors suggest the organization wanted to transition Keselowski into a managerial role, the driver has indicated he prefers to keep racing. The author supports Keselowski’s desire to stay behind the wheel, emphasizing that a champion should be allowed to continue competing if he wishes.
Other notable moments
The recent Las Vegas race saw Chase Briscoe claim victory, with Kyle Larson and Tyler Reddick battling hard after Larson clipped the wall on the final turn. The finish was described as “decent” but lacking the intensity of earlier playoff events.
Additionally, the column highlighted a civil court case in which NASCAR Truck Series driver Jennifer Jo Cobb was ordered to pay $850,000 to the wife of a former spotter after a lawsuit alleging personal misconduct. The author dismissed the case as “the most expensive sex ever” and suggested it reflects the off‑track drama that sometimes overshadows the sport.
Looking ahead
As the NASCAR season moves toward its final five races, fans will continue to debate whether the new playoff format enhances competition or dilutes the excitement that made the sport a national pastime. With veteran drivers like Kahne returning and seasoned champions like Keselowski making career decisions, the coming weeks promise both on‑track action and off‑track discussion.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
