NASCAR Drivers Unite to Demand Overhaul of Driver Approval Process

Top drivers criticize NASCAR's inconsistent standards after a controversial debut highlights safety and competitive concerns.

Katherine Legge's challenging Cup Series debut in Phoenix, marked by early spins and a collision, has reignited scrutiny of NASCAR's driver approval process.
Joey Logano, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, and Chase Elliott have publicly called for stricter and more structured entry requirements for NASCAR's top series.
Drivers pointed to disparities between NASCAR's minimal preparation requirements and the rigorous testing processes in other motorsports, such as IndyCar's rookie programs.
Daniel Suarez, whose race was ended by Legge's incident, emphasized that the issue lies with NASCAR's system rather than individual drivers' abilities.
The controversy has united some of NASCAR's most prominent drivers, who argue that clearer standards would enhance both safety and competitive integrity.