With the 2026 NASCAR season underway following the Daytona 500 opener, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is out in front again with his concerns about the fuel-saving strategies Cup Series teams used at the Daytona 500 that bogged down races until the very end.
While calling the issue an “epidemic” on his recent “Dale Jr. Download” podcast, Earnhardt, a NASCAR analyst and JR Motorsports owner, offered some solutions he admits will be received with mixed reviews.
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It starts, he said, by bringing back the bonus point for drivers who lead the most laps in a race.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 15: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 Chumba Casino Toyota, and son, Beau Reddick celebrate in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2026 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 15: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 Chumba Casino Toyota, and son, Beau Reddick celebrate in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2026 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Team captain Michael Jordan, left, celebrates with 2026 Daytona 500 winner Tyler Reddick on Victory Lane at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 15: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 Chumba Casino Toyota, and son, Beau Reddick pose for photos with the Harley J. Earl Trophy in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2026 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick reaches the finish line with a multiple car accident right behind him. The 2026 Daytona 500 held Feb.15 at Daytona International Speedway.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 15: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 Chumba Casino Toyota, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2026 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick is introduced before the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 1, 2025.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick speaks during a Pinnacle Financial Partners and 23XI Racing announcement at The Pinnacle at Nashville Yards Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. The financial institution and racing team will be involved in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Nashville Super Speedway on June 1.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 02: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 The Beast Toyota, and son, Beau Reddick walk onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on March 02, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
DARLINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA – APRIL 06: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 McDonald’s Toyota, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on April 06, 2025 in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 12: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 Nasty Beast Toyota looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 12, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Nov 22, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) and his wife Alexa during the NASCAR Awards Banquet at Charlotte Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Oct. 27: Tyler Reddick celebrates after winning the Straight Talk Wireless 400 NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Oct 27, 2024; Homestead, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) celebrates after winning the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 20: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 Jordan Brand Toyota, flips after an on-track incident during the NASCAR Cup Series South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 20, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Aug 19, 2024; Brooklyn, Michigan, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) reacts after winning the Fire Keepers 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Aug 19, 2024; Brooklyn, Michigan, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) reacts after winning the Fire Keepers 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick carries his son Beau on the track after winning the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) is introduced wearing a Hamburglar costume on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at the Iowa Speedway in Newton.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Apr 21, 2024; Talladega, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) celebrates winning the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Apr 21, 2024; Talladega, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) celebrates after winning the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Apr 21, 2024; Talladega, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) celebrates winning the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Apr 13, 2024; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) crew push the car onto the pit lane before practice for the NASCAR Cup Series AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 at Texas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick (1) races down the straightaway at the Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Pit crewmen hurry as they service the Tyler Reddick’s no. 45 Toyota, Monday February 19, 2024 during the Daytona 500.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Feb 15, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) reacts in victory lane after winning the Bluegreen Vacations Duel 1 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Feb 15, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) reacts after winning the Bluegreen Vacations Duel 1 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Feb 14, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) during Daytona 500 Media Day at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick and his wife Alexa De Leon poses on the red carpet for the 2023 NASCAR Awards Banquet at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Sep 24, 2023; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) during driver introductions before the AutoTrader EcoPark Automotive 400 at Texas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick salutes the crowd and celebrates with his team after winning the NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at Texas Motor Speedway on Sept. 25, 2022.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick does a burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at Kansas Speedway.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Sept. 10: Tyler Reddick celebrates winning the NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 19, 2023.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) suits up before the Ally 400 race at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 25, 2023.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) gets in his car before the Ally 400 race at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 25, 2023.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) is introduced before the Ally 400 race at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 25, 2023.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Mar 12, 2023; Avondale, AZ, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) signs memorabilia for race fans while walking the red carpet for the United Rentals Work United 500 at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale on March 12, 2023. Mandatory Credit: Alex Gould/The Republic
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Jimmie Johnson and Tyler Reddick talk while waiting for the start of Daytona 500 qualifying, Wednesday February 15, 2023.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick current driver of the no. 45 Toyota and Kurtt Busch the former driver of the no. 45 watch the action on the giant TV screne towering over pit road, Wednesday February 15, 2023 during Daytona 500 qualifying.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Sept. 25: Tyler Reddick celebrates winning the AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 500 at Texas Motor Speedway.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (8) and his team climb the fence Sunday, July 31, 2022, after winning the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (8) holds up his son, Beau, on Sunday, July 31, 2022, after winning the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (8) gets a kiss from his wife Alexa De Leon, after winning the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sunday, July 31, 2022.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (8) swings his son Beau Reddick. after winning the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sunday, July 31, 2022.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (8) after winning the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sunday, July 31, 2022.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick (8) waves from a truck before the NASCAR Kwik Trip 250, Sunday, July 3, 2022, at Elkhart Lake’s Road America near Elkhart Lake, Wis.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Tyler Reddick (48) prepares for the Tennessee Lottery 250 at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Saturday, June 25, 2022.
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Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick does a burnout in the Burnouts on Broadway competition Wednesday, December 1, 2021, during NASCAR Champion’s Week in Nashville, Tenn.
“I promise, if you put anything out in front of these drivers and teams, they will go for it,” Earnhardt said. “That is one small slice in a large pie that would push teams back toward pushing harder throughout the event. If you knew that if you could get to the front and lead at some point, you were going to get a point, you would do it.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. wants NASCAR points for most laps led
The problem goes beyond that, of course, because once a team has led a lap they it would be prone to revert to saving fuel again after that.
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“That’s fine,” Earnhardt said. “We found a way to get them to charge for a little bit. That’s progress.”
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 11: Dale Earnhardt Jr., owner of JR Motorsports, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 11, 2026 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
TYLER REDDICK WINS DAYTONA 500?: Who won the NASCAR Daytona 500? Winner is Tyler Reddick, plus full results
NASCAR took the bonus point away in the new Chase format, which rewards fewer points for winning a race. That bonus point was replaced by a point for the fastest lap, which Earnhardt called “silly” and said no one pays attention to after a race.
To take lap-leading a step further, Earnhardt suggested going back to a bonus point for the driver who leads the most laps.
“Instead of having a point for the person who has the fastest lap, I think they should take that point and give it to the person who leads the most laps,” Earnhardt said. “You could still have the icon on the fun little rundown on the TV screen, and it could move as someone retakes that (most laps led) crown as the race plays out.”
The other issue Earnhardt said should be addressed is the drag effect on Next-Gen cars, which slows the cars and leads to pack racing.
He said he discussed with NASCAR Cup driver Denny Hamlin, who is also co-owner of 23XI Racing with Michael Jordan, about the possibility of removing some of the drag from the cars by making the car more streamlined and reducing air resistance.
“What I propose to NASCAR is find out how much drag to pull off the car so that if I’m in a pack of cars that are running 60 to 70% throttle and I mash the gas 100%, I drive away from them,” Eanrhardt said. “I break the draft and pull away. And if I’m running wide open and I’m driving away from that pack, then I’m negating their advantage, and they’re going to have to chase me down.”
Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on X @MikeOrganWriter.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: How Dale Earnhardt Jr. would fix Daytona 500
