Hendrick Motorsports star Kyle Larson has sparked an angry backlash among some sections of the NASCAR fanbase after suggesting that Cup Series races are too long.

This whole debate started when IndyCar veteran Scott Dixon answered a question on IndyCar race distances last weekend, explaining that he finds it 'really hard to watch a Cup race these days' and that their length 'allows for a nap' when the idea of making IndyCar races longer was put to him.

Larson was asked about Dixon's comments during media availability at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday, and he made it clear that he agrees, to an extent.

"Well, I'll start off by saying yes, I agree that a lot of our Cup races are too long," explained Larson. "I just think the way that the world has kind of gone and how people consume sports, I definitely think our races are too long. I think three hours is too long.

"But as far as a nap, I don't know, it doesn't really bother me. But I agree with what he was saying.”

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NASCAR fans slam Larson comments

After Larson's comments were reported on social media by The Athletic's Jeff Gluck, a lot of NASCAR fans made it well known that they did not agree with the reigning Cup Series champion.

One X user, for example, wrote: "Yea... This is BS. How about no stages and mandatory cautions that eat up 15 laps at 70mph. Let the damn race unfold. No fuel saving. Whatever it takes. Don't shorten the damn races."

Another X user posted: "We have 4, count em 500 mile races & the 600. Wasn’t that long ago 500 miles were the norm. IMHO we’ve contracted enough. If you want to cut back something let’s start with length of the season. Don’t cut races but compact the schedule, could be done with creative thinking."

NASCAR broadcaster and driver Parker Kligerman even got involved in the debate, adding: "Man.. Love Kyle but I don't agree. That's part of the lore of Cup racing. The physical and mental toll it inflicts on those who choose to chase its rewards. There's something different about that last 25% of a Cup race that separates it from O'Reilly and Trucks.

While Larson was simply answering a question that was put to him, his response and the backlash from it have made one thing clear - NASCAR fans want more on-track action, not less.

Understandably, given how much practice and track time have been cut back in recent years, the idea of reducing track time further is a tough pill to swallow for fans who are forking out hundreds if not thousands of dollars to attend the races.

If NASCAR wants to keep its fans on side, it would be wise to keep race lengths exactly as they are for now, and bring back further on-track action over the course of a NASCAR weekend.

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