rewrite this content and keep HTML tags
The NASCAR world is buzzing after Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared his thoughts on the Xfinity Series and Truck Series races at Atlanta Motor Speedway and praised both Kyle Busch and Austin Hill’s performances.
While some agreed with his take, many fans were quick to voice their frustration. From complaints about the Xfinity race being pretty boring to anger over Hill being compared to legends like the elder Dale Earnhardt and Tony Stewart, the debate has taken over social media.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Take Sparks Debate
Earnhardt Jr. defended the race and praised Hill’s performance, but his comments weren’t well received by everyone. While he highlighted the exciting finish, fans weren’t convinced.
“Two thrillers today @ATLMotorSpdwy. Hell of a job by @_AustinHill and @KyleBusch,” the 50-year-old driver said.
Two thrillers today @ATLMotorSpdwy. Hell of a job by @_AustinHill and @KyleBusch.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) February 23, 2025
For many NASCAR fans, the Xfinity Series race at Atlanta was a letdown. Several voiced their frustration, claiming the first two stages lacked excitement.
One fan tweeted, “I wouldn’t say Xfinity was a thriller. It was good at stage 3 but stage 1 and 2 was pretty damn boring.”
Another frustrated fan commented, “Define thriller in that Xfinity race. 95% single file just for a crapshoot OT isnt a ‘thriller.’”
Please ask Justin what he was thinking, not jumping up in front of Austin when he got the lead. Austin in his interview he didn’t understand it. Let us know on Tuesday 😉
— Alex Heimberger (@TAStormChasing) February 23, 2025
Atlanta’s superspeedway-style racing can sometimes lead to thrilling finishes, but critics argue that much of the race feels meaningless, leading to long stretches of little action. Fans want close battles throughout the event, not single-file racing and action just in the final few laps.
The Austin Hill Controversy
After his third straight Xfinity win at Atlanta, Hill became the center of another heated debate. The biggest issue: NASCAR on NBC compared Hill to NASCAR icons Earnhardt and Stewart for the most wins on drafting tracks, a comparison that did not sit well with fans.
Dale Earnhardt, Tony Stewart and now Austin Hill.
His eighth Xfinity Series win on a drafting track ties him with two legendary NASCAR Hall of Famers. pic.twitter.com/tvIhF7Fnva
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) February 23, 2025
One person tweeted, “The thing is they all went to cup and became cup champions. He’s not lmfao.”
Another posted, “They would’ve both ended Hill’s bloodline.”
One is not like the others..
— Jacob (@Consdad111) February 23, 2025
Hill has earned respect for his ability to win on superspeedways in the Xfinity Series, but many believe he still has a long way to go before being mentioned in the same sentence as NASCAR’s legends.
On the other hand, whether or not fans agree with the younger Earnhardt Jr., one thing is certain — this debate won’t be dying down anytime soon. With strong opinions on both sides, NASCAR’s passionate fan base continues to make their voices heard.
