Dale Earnhardt Jr. is renewing his long-running criticism of Phoenix Raceway’s layout, arguing that the track’s redesigned dogleg invites drivers to bypass the traditional racing line. On October 21, NASCAR Cup Ser.
The 2011 Repaving and Configuration Changes That Created the Dogleg Shortcut
The layout debate stems from a 2011 repaving and reconfiguration project at Phoenix Raceway. The project pushed the dogleg outward, added banking, and replaced the grass bordering the infield apron with asphalt.
That paving decision gave drivers the physical option to cut across the inside curve rather than follow the entire bend. Earnhardt criticized the shift at the time, warning that competitors would abandon the traditional racing surface in favor of the newly smoothed apron.
Grandstand Expansions and Modernization Projects in 2017 and 2018
A second major renovation, announced in 2017 and completed in 2018, further cemented the role of the dogleg. The track moved its start-finish line and added grandstands around the new frontstretch.
While the project improved spectator views and enhanced the venue for fans, it left the paved apron intact. The changes ensured that cutting across the dogleg remained an integral part of race restarts and green-flag laps.
Recent Incidents and Driver Discomfort During Restarts
The consequences of the layout surfaced again during this year’s Cup race in March. Restarts frequently send the field sweeping across the apron in multiple lanes before drivers funnel back toward Turn 1, creating high-speed congestion.
During the March event, Joey Logano made contact with Ross Chastain as the field charged through the dogleg, triggering a multi-car crash that collected Anthony Alfredo and Austin Cindric. Beyond multi-car wrecks, Earnhardt points out that the physical transition itself creates strain inside the cockpit.
“The transition across onto the apron and back up on the racetrack is difficult for the drivers inside the car,” Earnhardt explained, as cited by essentiallysports.com. “It’s uncomfortable. It rattles you. Your head’s banging around in that headrest. I know the drivers probably don’t love having to do it.”
NASCAR Plans Ahead of the 2027 Season
NASCAR officials have signaled that adjustments are coming to address the physical transition between the apron and the racing surface. On October 21, NASCAR Cup Series Senior Managing Director Brad Moran discussed upcoming modifications slated for the 2027 season.
It remains unclear whether these planned changes will satisfy Earnhardt’s fundamental objection. While smoothing the transition may reduce driver discomfort and vehicle strain, it does not necessarily force competitors to abandon the shortcut and adhere to the original length of the dogleg.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Phoenix Raceway Dogleg
Why did Phoenix Raceway pave the dogleg apron in 2011?
The 2011 repaving project replaced the grass bordering the infield apron with asphalt, pushed the dogleg outward, and introduced banking as part of a track reconfiguration.
What did Brad Moran announce regarding future track changes?
On October 21, NASCAR Cup Series Senior Managing Director Brad Moran discussed plans to improve the physical transition onto Phoenix’s dogleg apron ahead of the 2027 season.
How did Dale Earnhardt Jr. react to the track’s modern design?
Earnhardt has consistently criticized the layout, stating that changing a historic track layout “just infuriates me” and arguing that officials should have left the original racing surface alone.