“I Don’t Get the Point of It”: Joey Logano Applauds NASCAR’s Track Change for a More Thrilling Fan Experience

Since 2021, NASCAR has made the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) a staple on its Cup Series calendar. As the longest track in the series, its challenging layout has sparked mixed reactions from drivers. Among them, Joey Logano has been particularly vocal about the track’s length, questioning whether a road course of such magnitude truly benefits stock car racing.

Last year, Logano openly criticized COTA, arguing that it was too long for the high-adrenaline nature of NASCAR. His concern? Fan experience. He believed a shorter track would create a more engaging atmosphere, allowing spectators to witness more on-track action instead of long gaps between passing cars.

NASCAR Responds with Major Changes

Taking into account the drivers’ concerns, NASCAR decided to revamp COTA for the 2025 season. Instead of using the full circuit, officials opted for a more compact 2.3-mile, 17-turn National Course. The change was met with enthusiasm, particularly from Logano, who had advocated for such modifications.

Speaking ahead of the 2025 Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Logano expressed his approval of the revised track layout:

“I like that we shortened the track up for the fans’ perspective. If you’re sitting in the grandstands, they’re gonna come by you a lot more now. I don’t know exactly how much more, but it’s a lot better.”

Why Logano Supports a Shorter Track

For Logano, the primary issue with longer road courses is the lack of continuous engagement for spectators. He explained that reducing the track’s length by about 30 seconds per lap makes a significant impact on the race’s viewability:

“That’s quite a bit more times you get to see the race cars go down into Turn One. To me, it never really made sense to have really long road courses—I don’t get the point of it. So yeah, I’m a fan of shortening the course up.”

His logic is simple: the more times fans see cars racing past them, the more exciting the experience becomes. NASCAR thrives on high-speed action, and minimizing extended stretches where cars disappear from view keeps the audience engaged and entertained.

Ross Chastain Joins the Conversation

Logano isn’t the only one who welcomes the track modifications. Ross Chastain, another top contender in the Cup Series, also expressed his satisfaction with the changes.

The Trackhouse Racing driver, who has thrived at COTA with an average finish of 4.0 over four starts, one win, and three top-five finishes, praised the new layout and emphasized its competitive advantages.

“I’m looking forward to it. It’s a good change. I’ll be putting in a lot of time on the simulator to get the new track dialed in.”

His success at COTA makes him a strong contender, and he sees the changes as a positive move for both drivers and fans alike.

Other Key Changes to the Circuit

Aside from shortening the track, NASCAR implemented several other modifications to enhance racing quality:

Lap count increased from 68 to 100, ensuring more action per race.
Asphalt edges narrowed by 1.5 meters, forcing tighter racing lines.
Astroturf replaced asphalt in key areas, improving track limits enforcement.
Full resurfacing of the track—creating a smoother driving experience.

These changes were made to intensify competition and provide a better spectacle for both fans in attendance and those watching at home.

How Fans Are Reacting to the Change

While some NASCAR purists initially resisted the idea of modifying the road course, the adjustments have sparked curiosity. Many fans who previously criticized the long straightaways are now eager to see how the new layout plays out during a high-stakes race.

With more cars on-screen, closer racing, and shorter lap times, the 2025 COTA event is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated road course races of the season.

Final Thoughts: A Win-Win for NASCAR?

Joey Logano’s persistent push for a shorter circuit seems to have paid off. His belief that NASCAR fans deserve more action-packed racing is now a reality, and fellow drivers like Ross Chastain are also backing the move.

With closer battles, increased visibility, and improved track conditions, NASCAR’s decision to adapt may very well be a game-changer for the future of road course racing.

The Debate Over Road Courses: Is NASCAR Moving in the Right Direction?

While Joey Logano and Ross Chastain have expressed their enthusiasm for NASCAR’s track modifications, not everyone in the sport shares their excitement. Some traditionalists argue that long road courses are an integral part of the racing challenge, and shortening them could diminish the sport’s technical demands.

For decades, road courses have been a unique element in NASCAR, testing drivers’ braking precision, cornering skills, and endurance. Longer circuits like COTA were designed to mirror the complexity of Formula 1 tracks, introducing a different strategic layer to stock car racing. Critics fear that by making road courses shorter and more compact, NASCAR may be moving away from what made these tracks special in the first place.

More excitement or less strategy?

One of the biggest concerns with the shortened layout is that it reduces pit strategy variations. On a longer track, drivers must carefully manage fuel consumption, tire wear, and braking points. With a quicker lap time, the impact of strategy calls is minimized, potentially making races more predictable.

At the same time, supporters of the change argue that shorter road courses make races more intense. Instead of long stretches of single-file racing, drivers are forced into more battles for position, creating a better spectacle for fans. NASCAR has always been about high-speed, wheel-to-wheel action, and a shorter circuit amplifies those core elements.

What’s Next for NASCAR’s Road Courses?

With COTA now altered, many are wondering if NASCAR will make similar adjustments to other road courses. Watkins Glen, Sonoma, and the Charlotte Roval could be next in line for revisions if this new format proves to be a success.

The decision will likely depend on fan response. If the 2025 COTA race delivers higher ratings, better on-track battles, and more excitement, NASCAR could be tempted to standardize shorter road courses across the Cup Series.