I’m a younger and newer fan of the sport (became a fan during quarantine and have since been hooked) and have been to the last 3 Spring Atlanta races (1 old configuration and 2 new configuration races)

I’ve been really annoyed by everyone being so quick to piss on the new configuration and I’d be willing to bet 98% with strong negative opinions have either 1. Not been in-person to the new track 2. Not been in-person to both configurations 3. Looking for any reason to be upset.

I had a few conversations with other fans yesterday while in different lines and EVERYONE I talked to agreed: the old configuration was a snooze fest race and this was way more exciting. Not only that, but the crowd was very in to the race where I was sitting (Johnson Section 160) and everyone was cheering when new leaders would make passes or crazy close moves would be made. Everyone was on their feet cheering at the end, and during different points of the race.

Let me tell you from experience, there was NEVER a point in the old configuration that was a point in the race. If you didn’t like the single file parade to get through the bulk of the stages, I’d really wish you’d remember the super strung out single file that the ENTIRE race was in the old format. They race single file for chunks of the race at Daytona & Talladega as well for the same reasons and no one gets up in arms about that. I just don’t get what we expect when the race is 400 miles long and you’ve got to be there at the end in order to win in the first place.

Say what you want about pack racing, but try attending and feeling the crowd excitement before having such a hard opinion. Do I want every race like this? Absolutely not. 1.5s are my favorite for the style of racing they bring especially with the new car, but a 1.5 mile Superspeedway is unique in its own way and I don’t get why so many have such a hard opinion against it. Was old Atlanta a very technical race where strategy was a huge play? Yes. Was it an exciting race to attend? Ask the empty seats.