William Byron, fresh off back-to-back Daytona 500 wins in 2025, is calling out Netflix’s approach to covering NASCAR. The champion says the streaming giant’s “Full-Speed” series misses the sport’s heart by spotlighting only the playoffs.
Byron contends that while Netflix’s F1 series “Drive to Survive” tells the complete story of a season, NASCAR is reduced to a snapshot of high-pressure moments. He argues that the true essence of racing, its relentless grind and behind-the-scenes strategy, remains untold.
William Byron’s Call for Comprehensive NASCAR Coverage
Netflix’s selective focus on playoff action has not gone unnoticed by Byron. In a recent conversation on a podcast titled “Rubbin’ is Racing,” he stated, “It’s just very intrusive into your daily life,” he bluntly said. “The only thing I’d like to see in the new series—which is coming out in April, and I’m excited for—is for them to follow the entire season.”
Byron believes that by concentrating only on the playoff period, Netflix is missing the full arc of NASCAR’s 36-race marathon. He points out that the relentless grind, strategic planning, and quiet moments leading to a championship truly define a champion. In his view, a complete narrative would offer fans a richer understanding of the sport and its drivers.
Netflix’s Narrow Focus vs. Full-Season Storytelling
Byron is equally candid about how the current coverage reduces NASCAR to a series of high-octane, high-stakes moments. “Outside of the playoffs? Yeah, I’d show quite a bit. On a July week, I’d probably bring them along if I went out of town on vacation or something,” he said. His comments highlight a desire for more balanced storytelling that goes beyond the intensity of playoff racing.
He elaborated further on the pressure of the championship rounds: “But in the middle of the Round of Eight when you’re trying to get to the championship, it’s definitely stressful.” Byron’s critique underscores his belief that the current format captures only the snapshot of seriousness and not the full spectrum of a NASCAR season.
“They just get a snapshot of the playoffs, and that’s when you’re so serious,” he added. For Byron, a naturally introverted competitor who thrives on focused preparation, the pared-down coverage fails to reflect the year-long struggle that builds a champion. His call is simple: NASCAR deserves a comprehensive portrayal that covers every moment, from the early-season hustle to the culmination in the playoffs.
As Netflix’s “Full-Speed” prepares for its next season, Byron’s challenge puts the streaming giant at a crossroads. Will it expand its lens to show the complete journey of NASCAR or stick with a playoff highlight reel? For Byron, the full ride is the only way to do justice to the sport he loves.
