Jeff Gluck, a prominent NASCAR journalist with The Athletic, has long been a vocal supporter of NASCAR’s initiatives, often amplifying the sport’s narrative through his platform. His coverage of NASCAR’s inaugural Cup Series race in Mexico City in June 2025 exemplifies this, as he enthusiastically championed the event on X, framing it as a historic leap for the sport’s global reach. Gluck’s posts celebrated the cultural experience and potential to attract new fans, while dismissing critics as toxic detractors. When fans questioned the race’s legitimacy, alleging it was “rigged” after Daniel Suárez’s win, Jeff Gluck fired back, lamenting the negativity and defending NASCAR’s vision. His emotional responses, while human, often sidestepped valid fan concerns, painting dissent as unwarranted.
Fans in Richmond, Virginia, felt particularly abandoned by NASCAR’s decision to prioritize Mexico City, which replaced one of Richmond’s two Cup races. Jeff Gluck countered on X, arguing Mexico City could draw one of the season’s largest crowds, while Richmond’s races had seen lackluster turnout. This dismissive tone alienated fans who valued Richmond’s short-track heritage, deepening their sense of betrayal. Posts on X echoed this sentiment, with users like @JimSincraugh criticizing NASCAR for swapping a traditional oval for a road course in Mexico, calling the cars “slow” and the decision misguided.
NASCAR’s justification for its challenges often hinges on rising costs, particularly with the NextGen car introduced in 2022. The sanctioning body claims financial constraints limit fixes to the car’s low horsepower-to-grip ratio, which fans and drivers like Kyle Larson have criticized for producing lackluster racing at tracks like Pocono and Michigan. Yet, NASCAR’s ambitious Mexico City venture—sandwiched between Michigan and Pocono in a grueling 40-hour cross-border haul—undermines this excuse. As Jeff Gordon noted, the logistics were unsustainable, with teams stretched thin by the back-to-back-to-back schedule. Fans on X, called out the hypocrisy: NASCAR claims penny-pinching prevents car improvements, yet funds extravagant international trips.
Gluck’s advocacy for Mexico City, while ignoring the logistical strain and Richmond fans’ grievances, aligns with NASCAR’s broader pattern of deflecting criticism. His polls and tweets often amplify NASCAR’s narrative, framing initiatives as bold rather than flawed. While Gluck’s passion for the sport is undeniable, his reluctance to challenge NASCAR’s contradictions—like cost complaints amid global expansion—risks alienating fans who see the sport drifting from its roots, while being labeled a “shill” and “state media” by many.
The constant doubling down on Mexico City being “cool” was a bit much for fans, who mainly wanted to come to that conclusion on their own, not be told to like something by a credentialed writer with connections in the higher up NASCAR brass.
Will this trend continue with other controversial NASCAR topics in the future between fans and Gluck? Only time will tell.
In 2025, fans seem to have had enough of the NASCAR media brass, calling for them to “show receipts” of who is paying them.
Take a look at Kenny Wallace’s criticism, for example.
NASCAR Fans Are Not Happy with Jeff Gluck