Ricky Stenhouse Jr discusses the changes to NASCAR short track racing

Has short track racing changed in the NASCAR Cup Series?

Bristol Motor Speedway grew by putting on an exciting race. But, in recent years it would appear that some of that has disappeared.

We don’t see a whole lot of bump and runs in NASCAR as we did in the early 2000’s. The times have changed. The track has changed. The cars have changed. And the drivers have changed.

How has short track racing changed?

“I think all of us don’t like tearing race cars up. We all have a lot of respect for each other out there,” Ricky Stenhouse Jr says from the Bristol Motor Speedway media center.

“We have a lot of respect for the teams and the crew guys that are building these race cars. You don’t just wanna go tearing up people’s cars.”

“But, if the opportunity gives itself… You know, if you have the opportunity to move somebody out of the way for a win — I think, you’ll definitely see that.”

“I wouldn’t say it’s less physical. I think it’s just a little bit smarter racin’.”

“It’s tough to really get to somebody and move ’em. It seams like our cars are kinda — even at short tracks — You got dominant cars and track position means a lot.”

“You have a handful of guys that can go to the back at a short track and run up through the field pretty quick. But, you don’t have many of those.”

“You kinda ride in line, where your speed is.”

The race at Bristol Motor Speedway will resume with 296 laps to go. Ricky Stenhouse Jr was running 5th at the time the race was postponed on Sunday.

More

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Ricky Stenhouse Jr | Bristol | NASCAR

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