NASCAR fans long for consistency in the sport, and the lack of it frustrates them. Voices from within the fraternity have also joined in the uproar. Former Cup Series driver Greg Biffle, for instance, has always been a strong critic of the governing body. However, the 55-year-old feels NASCAR should keep its driver approval process different for each driver, departing from his usual demand for consistency.
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With Katherine Legge’s debut in the top tier of stock car racing at Phoenix last month, the approval process that allowed her to race came under question. The underlying question the fraternity, as well as the drivers, asked was why someone with essentially no background or experience in the Cup Series was allowed to participate in a race.
The criticism was fueled by Legge’s performance on the track, where she spun out twice and didn’t finish the race. Her actions also affected and changed the outcome of the race for Cup Series regulars such as Daniel Suarez. Biffle recently gave his take on the matter.
“It’s a difficult situation to be in for NASCAR because you want to be consistent. I think that the approval process should be different, slightly, for each individual,” said Biffle.
Citing popular YouTuber Cleetus McFarland’s recent Xfinity Series debut as an example, Biffle urged the governing body to conduct background checks on the driver’s experience. That would involve taking stock of the types of cars and racing series they have been a part of.
This would allow the governing body to tailor the approval process and the need for testing according to each driver’s existing skill set, said Biffle.
“Every situation is slightly different from the amount of skill level they bring and how much background they have in cars, and I think that there’s kind of a testing process,” said the 19-time Cup race winner.
“Let’s get them on a short track, let’s get them on a one-mile track or a mile and a half or something to that effect. I think each person can be different,” he added.
The 2025 season opener at Daytona had an IndyCar veteran, Helio Castroneves, participating in his first-ever NASCAR race. Despite Castroneves’ vast experience in racing in the open-wheel series, he had a disappointing outing and crashed out.
This adds credence to Biffle’s point that by allowing drivers to test before they make their appearance in a race setting, NASCAR can essentially limit any untoward instances while they make their debut.
This would also help future drivers perform better on the track, ultimately generating more fan engagement.
