CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NASCAR fans took to X Tuesday, to criticize SiriusXM NASCAR Radio hosts Larry Mac, “Larry McReynolds” and Danielle Trotta for comments perceived as dismissive and aimed at NASCAR legend Mark Martin and driver Denny Hamlin.
The remarks, made during the “On Track” show, sparked a firestorm over the current playoff format, with fans accusing the hosts of bias and suggesting they act as mouthpieces for NASCAR’s leadership.
The controversy began when Trotta referenced a driver on NASCAR’s playoff committee “screaming loudly” to revert to the pre-2004 full-season points system, known as the Winston Cup format. McReynolds interjected, “I bet it’s a driver that’s not won a championship,” a jab fans interpreted as targeting Martin, who retired in 2013 without a Cup title despite 40 wins, or Hamlin, a vocal critic of the playoff system. Trotta later posted on X, defending the playoff format: “Mark you know I love you but what we got is a whole lot better than what we used to do. We need a playoff we need eliminations we need to reward winning and consistency.”
Fans erupted, accusing McReynolds and Trotta of condescension. User @MoneyTalks1992_ wrote, “The condescension and disrespect from @DanielleTrotta and @LarryMac28 here is absolutely appalling. What credentials do they have that gives them the right to say what system we ‘need?'”
Another user, @Rene_gadeCowboy, vented, “@LarryMac28 and @DanielleTrotta first off F Larry Mac. He puts me to sleep every time he talks. Plus Danielle Trotta is a big part of what’s wrong with many of these younger ppl taking over nascar broadcasting.”
@TylerRoss79 added, “@DanielleTrotta Better start backtracking honey. Playoff’s of any kind do not belong in racing. I believe you said ‘let’s keep moving forward’ well the sport has been moving backwards for around 20 years.”
The backlash highlighted a growing divide between NASCAR’s leadership and its fanbase. Martin, a Hall of Famer, has campaigned for a return to the full-season points system, arguing it better reflects consistency. He responded on X, “They want a system that is different than what the MAJORITY of @NASCAR cup fans want.”
Hamlin, who proposed a revised playoff format, also faced scrutiny from McReynolds earlier this year for his role in a lawsuit against NASCAR, further fueling perceptions of bias.
Critics on X suggested McReynolds and Trotta’s defense of the playoff system aligns too closely with NASCAR’s official stance, raising questions about their independence.
Oh, Larry Mac. Larry Mac, Larry Mac…
Danielle Trotta…
The hosts’ roles at SiriusXM, a platform closely tied to NASCAR, amplified speculation they serve as de facto state media, echoing the sanctioning body’s narrative. As NASCAR considers playoff tweaks for 2026, the fan outrage underscores a demand for a system that resonates with its core audience.
The full NASCAR schedule for 2025 can be found here.
