NASCAR returns to Bristol for its annual dirt track race this weekend.
The racing is different from any other in NASCAR as cars slide around the track.
Joey Logano wishes cars could race without windshields, which present challenges when driving on dirt.

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NASCAR is back in Bristol this weekend for their annual dirt-track race, which will create many unique challenges for the teams and the drivers.According to Joey Logano, one of the biggest challenges is just seeing, and he says it would be better if they just took off the windshields.He’s serious. “I think the biggest thing we can do [to make the dirt race better] — and it’s too late now — is just trying to eliminate the front windshield at a dirt race,” Logano told the media (via Bob Pockrass). “Figure out a way to safely remove the windshield and add some type of structure to keep big pieces of debris from hitting the driver is going to be the No. 1 goal moving forward.”

While it might seem crazy to drive 90 mph without a windshield in a car constantly sliding on dirt — not to mention all the dust and dirt flying up — there is a simple explanation: It is easier to clean a helmet than a windshield.”If we had tear-offs [plastic layers on the helmet visors], we would just pull the tear-off off and keep racing,” Logano said.This problem was most evident during the 2021 Truck series event at the same track, where they attempted to run on mud. As Logano noted, “We saw the trucks hit the gas in their heat race, and the whole windshield was full of mud before they got in the corner.” 

NASCAR truck on the Bristol dirt track.

Wade Payne/AP

Many NASCAR drivers grew up racing on dirt, and Logano also pointed out that none of those cars have windshields. So until NASCAR adds windshield wipers to the cars, maybe taking out the windshield is the best option. It just won’t happen this year. 

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