The debate surrounding the length of the NASCAR races has continued to divide opinions across the sport. While many believe that shortening the race length is better, some think that cutting down the laps is not the solution. FOX broadcaster Kevin Harvick and Mamba Smith have joined in on the debate. 

The debate began after IndyCar driver Scott Dixon pointed out how long the NASCAR races were. But it escalated further after Kyle Larson commented that he agreed "that a lot of our Cup races are too long". 

During the recent podcast episode of "Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour", co-host Kaitlyn Vincie questioned the NASCAR Hall of Famer if the race length needs to be shortened. 

"I say no," Harvick said during the podcast. "I think that we've shortened enough races. I say that we need to get our butt in gear and figure out how to get the cautions to be faster. Stage breaks that take forever. We had 30 minutes this week and two flag laps. 

Kevin Harvick further added that he believes that NASCAR should focus on cleaning up the races. He pointed out how during the Brickyard 400 it took 12 minutes for a debris caution. 

Harvick's co-host and FOX analyst chimed in and agreed with Harvick's take that the sport needs to be more efficient. 

"We've got to clean that up like Kevin says, like it shouldn't take so long, but you shorten it. There's a reason why the races are as long as they are. That's what people pay for by people being the broadcasters and the TV, like the sponsors."

Smith acknowledged that the races can be shortened but everyone involved, including the drivers, would have to take a pay cut. He said:

"Now, we sure can shorten it, but are you going to take a pay cut? Because that's what comes next is the pay, like, that's how that works."

As opinions continue to vary across the NASCAR garage, the debate about race length doesn't seem like it will be settled anytime soon. 

NASCAR addresses fans' anger over caution laps

NASCAR fans expressed their frustration towards the Brickyard 400. The race was not just uninteresting, but 27 out of the 160 laps were under caution. 

During the recent episode of the "Hauler Talk" podcast, NASCAR vice president of racing communications Mike Forde revealed that the sanctioning body is looking into the same. 

"If NASCAR fans are angry at the length of caution periods, I can promise you that NASCAR matches that displeasure," Forde said on the podcast. "We want green-flag racing, and we want to get it as fast as possible. Stage breaks are a big topic of conversation."

For now, only time will tell if NASCAR will put into place any rules and regulations to curb the issues. 

Follow the RFK Racing Digest for more such stories!   

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco