The newest controversy in NASCAR is here and it has to do with the Talladega infield. Rather, it has to do with what is missing from the infield: the scoring pylon.
In all forms of motorsports, scoring pylons are often used. At permanent track venues, the pylon can be the best source for running order, how many laps are left, and other information. However, NASCAR has gotten rid of the pylon at Talladega and Texas, and there could be more.
Fans on social media, Denny Hamlin, William Byron, and others have all expressed displeasure at the trend. Thanks to Toby Christie we now have an idea of what NASCAR is thinking and the reasoning behind the move.
Christie spoke with a NASCAR representative at Talladega. Here is what they said:
“The old scoring pylon was on the frontstretch on the turn 1 side of things, which made it hard for many spots around the track to see,” Christie wrote on X/Twitter. “The decision was made to invest in more video boards around the track to make sure a larger portion of the crowd, and folks in the infield camping areas could see replays, and have access to some scoring.
“NASCAR will have a survey at the end of the weekend with fans that attended and will take feedback from that survey. At this time, the rep I spoke with wasn’t aware of any changes in the presentation for the boards, which would show more positions, or faster scrolling of positions for fans to better keep up with the running order.”
NASCAR removes pylon at Talladega, but why?
So, the pylon wasn’t visible to many at the track. Okay, I guess I can understand that. More video boards are good, but does it have to be an either-or type thing? Elton Sawyer just got done talking about “fan experience” recently on a Dale Jr. podcast.
When they survey fans, what will they find? Also, will it lead to an actual change? Sawyer believes fans have a strong voice in the sport. Yet, there are cries for changes in the sport, to the car, etc., and fans are largely ignored.
Since last week at Texas, the pylon discourse has been ramping up. Every time NASCAR heads to a track like Talladega and the pylon is gone, fans are going to be upset. I think it’s really the drivers who seem to be most upset about the change.
While NASCAR says fans matter and their opinions matter, I will not hold my breath when it comes to this. It feels like fans, at least online, are clear about the pylons in that they want them to stay. Will that be enough to get SMI or NASCAR to cough up money for new pylons? I’m not convinced.
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