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Veteran NASCAR analyst and former driver Jeff Burton recently offered a candid perspective on the demanding nature of the Cup Series, particularly concerning the Next Gen car. His insights highlight the formidable learning curve new and even experienced drivers encounter, emphasizing that success at this elite level of stock car racing is far from guaranteed and often requires immense adaptation and perseverance.

Jeff Burton, a 21-time Cup race winner and current analyst for USA Network and NBC, delved into various aspects of NASCAR during an interview with Motorsport.com. He provided a strong defense of the legitimacy of contemporary champions while also expressing openness to potential format adjustments. A significant portion of his discussion centered on the considerable leap from the Xfinity and Truck Series to the Cup Series, a transition that has become increasingly challenging due to the distinct characteristics of the Next Gen car. This new vehicle design has introduced a steeper learning curve, making it more difficult for aspiring talents to consistently perform at their peak.

Burton illustrated this challenge through the experience of his 24-year-old son, Harrison Burton. Despite achieving four Xfinity victories in a single season, Harrison's transition to the Cup Series with Wood Brothers in 2022 proved arduous. Over three seasons and more than 100 races, he managed only two top-five and six top-ten finishes. A surprising victory at Daytona in 2024 propelled him into the playoffs, but the team had already decided to part ways. Harrison has since returned to the Xfinity Series with the smaller AM Racing team, making the playoffs in an underdog narrative. His father believes this return could be an opportunity for Harrison to regain his form and potentially return to the Cup Series.

The path to a Cup career is rarely linear, as evidenced by drivers like John Hunter Nemechek and Ryan Preece, who have navigated fluctuating career trajectories. Jeff Burton views Harrison's move to AM Racing as a strategic one, where his son saw an opportunity to contribute to a team that had previously struggled. He felt he could make a difference and help turn their performance around, a belief that has been validated by their playoff appearance. Burton notes that Harrison's success in the Xfinity Series this year has served as a powerful reminder of his capabilities, both to the racing community and to himself, reinforcing the possibility of a future return to Cup racing, especially given his young age and prior victories.

Looking ahead, the discussion also touched upon rising stars like Connor Zilisch and Corey Heim, who are dominating the lower divisions. Zilisch, a 19-year-old, has already secured a deal to join Trackhouse in the Cup Series in 2026. Jeff Burton shared his thoughts on Zilisch's upcoming transition, acknowledging his talent and humble demeanor, which he believes will aid his adjustment. However, Burton emphasized that the path will not be easy, echoing his son Harrison's sentiment about the intense difficulty of competing even for lower positions in the Cup Series.

Burton further highlighted the unique and challenging nature of the Next Gen car. He pointed out that many drivers struggle to understand the car's grip limits, often exceeding them unexpectedly, leading to spins from even seasoned veterans like Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson. He dismissed any dismissive commentary about the car, asserting that it is inherently difficult to drive at its limit. The current NASCAR field is also incredibly competitive, with mere tenths of a second separating many cars. This tight competition means that any error can be costly, making the racing exceptionally intense and demanding for all participants, as reflected in the contrasting career paths of recent Xfinity champions in the Cup Series.

Formula 1 is contemplating a significant increase in its sprint race schedule, with discussions underway to potentially host around ten sprint events annually starting from 2027. This prospective expansion is largely fueled by the rising endorsement from race promoters and a notable shift towards positive reception among both fans and drivers. The move aims to further enrich the race weekend experience and amplify spectator value, building on the success and evolving perception of the sprint format since its introduction.

F1 Eyes Expanded Sprint Schedule: Promoters and Drivers Embrace Enhanced Race Weekends

The concept of sprint races was initially integrated into the Formula 1 calendar in 2021, serving as a dynamic initiative to intensify the excitement of Grand Prix weekends for television audiences and on-site spectators. Beginning with a trial of three sprint events per year, the series subsequently broadened this to six sprints from 2023 onwards, making continuous adjustments to the format in response to initial feedback from both the fan base and participating teams. With the F1 calendar now featuring a maximum of 24 Grand Prix events, only a quarter of these currently include a sprint race. However, as general opinion on this format, alongside that of the competitors, steadily improves, there is a burgeoning demand from various promoters who recognize the added value these shorter races bring to their events.

Bobby Epstein, co-founder and managing partner of the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, an upcoming host of a sprint event for the United States Grand Prix, acknowledged that while the sprint format hasn't necessarily led to a significant surge in ticket sales, it has considerably enhanced the overall value proposition for attendees. He noted that the sprints were not initially perceived as a major draw but have progressively become a cherished component of the race weekend, offering more entertainment and content for those who purchase weekend passes. Similarly, Tyler Epp, Epstein's counterpart for the Miami Grand Prix, shared his initial skepticism regarding the sprint races but later recognized their positive impact, citing a clear increase in Saturday attendance at the 2024 Miami event, which proudly hosted a sprint earlier this year.

With Formula 1 currently maintaining six sprint races per season, the competition among venues to secure these slots is intense. Organizers of the Belgian Grand Prix expressed their honor at being the sole European host for a sprint this year, underscoring the prestige associated with these events. Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula One Group, has previously hinted at an impending increase in sprint races. Although the number will remain at six for the 2026 season, insider information suggests ongoing discussions to elevate this figure to approximately ten events by 2027. Such a significant change would necessitate approval and support from Formula One Management (FOM), the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), and all participating teams. Domenicali articulated his view that, apart from some traditionalist fans, there is widespread enthusiasm for sprint weekends, with promoters and even drivers showing increased interest. He humorously suggested that while free practice sessions cater to specialists, sprint weekends offer broader appeal due to their immediate action and heightened competitive elements, indicating that this format is gradually becoming an integral part of F1 culture. While Domenicali also mentioned ideas like reverse grid races and shorter Grand Prix distances, these are not confirmed plans but rather part of a broader dialogue about format evolution to attract a younger demographic, balancing tradition with innovation. Epstein of COTA expressed full confidence in Domenicali's leadership, emphasizing his ability to steer F1's evolution while preserving its rich heritage and catering to the diverse interests of fans, teams, and competitors alike.

The potential expansion of Formula 1 sprint races represents a dynamic shift in motorsport, aiming to balance tradition with innovation. This move could significantly enhance the fan experience by offering more competitive action and potentially attracting new audiences to the sport. As F1 continues to evolve, adapting its format to modern demands while preserving its core identity will be crucial for its sustained global appeal and growth.