Overview

• Brad Keselowski and Denny Hamlin said the Cup Series’ six road and street races challenge NASCAR’s traditional oval-racing identity.
• Dale Earnhardt Jr. endorsed their call after a chain-reaction crash on Chicago’s street course highlighted safety and suitability concerns.
• Shane van Gisbergen tops road-course standings with a 3.34 average running position, placing him well ahead of other competitors.
• Fans remain split over the expansion, with some insisting oval events still dominate and others welcoming the fresh variety.
• Negotiations are nearing completion for a 2026 San Diego street race to succeed Chicago once its three-year contract expires.