Under Jim France’s rule, NASCAR has gone through a bold evolution. New tracks, powerhouse sponsors, and daring experiments aimed at recapturing that gritty, blue-collar spirit of old. But as with anything in racing, every move comes with a price. It seems the man steering the sport might have a little racer still left in him, a leader or a fan dreaming of owning a team, and a driver who can go head-to-head with the Cup Series elite.

It was a big plan to fund a one-off Spire Motorsports entry at Sonoma with IMSA standout Jack Aitken behind the wheel, as a nod to cross-series talent and France’s lifelong love for racing. But as soon as it was out, Jim started getting criticised. And, never one to sugarcoat, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has now unloaded his mixed feelings on the situation.

Junior is

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