Denny Hamlin Explores NASCAR Engagement and Sports Betting Landscape

Denny Hamlin Explores NASCAR: Amidst the NASCAR offseason, a prominent question looms large: Is NASCAR, alongside its teams, doing enough to keep fans engaged and satisfied? This query has captured the attention of many, as discussions continue about the sport’s efforts to meet fan expectations. Notably, voices from the Cup Series fraternity—Joey Logano, Carson Hocevar, and journalist Jeff Gluck—have recently weighed in on this burning offseason topic. Joining this conversation is Joe Gibbs Racing luminary Denny Hamlin, offering his perspective.

In recent years, NASCAR has led the charge in the nationwide legalization of sports betting. The watershed moment arrived in 2018 when the Supreme Court overturned PASPA, empowering states to regulate sports betting at their discretion. However, not every state immediately embraced this change. States like North Carolina had previously allowed only in-person betting. But come June, Governor Roy Cooper signed the North Carolina sports betting law, signaling a significant shift.

The anticipated rollout of these changes in the first half of 2024 will pave the way for online sportsbook operators to legally enter the market. Denny Hamlin and Dale Earnhardt Jr discussed this on a recent ‘Dale Jr Download’ episode, pondering its impact on NASCAR. Hamlin expressed optimism, foreseeing a positive influence on the sport. “I think it will have a good impact on the sport. A heavy impact is a stretch for now,” he remarked. However, he highlighted a crucial concern: the lack of support from the sport’s authorities for the “casual” fan regarding the current state of betting in NASCAR.

Expanding on the discussion, Dale Earnhardt Jr drew parallels between fan perspectives on fantasy NASCAR and betting. Recalling his involvement in fantasy NASCAR over the years, Earnhardt acknowledged its potential despite its failure to gain significant traction. “I played a lot of fantasy NASCAR over the last several years through NBC. It’s fun, but it hasn’t really taken off,” he reflected. This sentiment, he noted, echoes the tepid response to gambling on racing among fans.

In response, Hamlin vented his frustration about the limited platforms available to NASCAR fans seeking essential knowledge for making informed bets or selecting fantasy picks. He argued that, apart from DirtyMo Media, there aren’t many avenues for this in NASCAR. “Until we have more fantasy or betting shows in NASCAR, TV needs to be one of them. You gotta have a half hour designated somewhere in there,” he emphasized. Hamlin stressed the importance of providing resources similar to what other sports offer. He expressed hope that the new production studio being launched by NASCAR could contribute to this effort. Earnhardt Jr concurred, stating, “100 percent. I agree with that.” The question remains: Will NASCAR heed the advice of the sport’s veterans and focus on catering to the interests of casual NASCAR fans?

Also read: Denny Hamlin NASCAR Drama: Reality Show on and off the Track