Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, recently shed light on the rejection of a proposed “Run What You Brung” rules package for the upcoming NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. According to Hamlin, the primary reason for the proposal’s dismissal is financial, with estimates suggesting it could cost teams as much as $2 million to implement the outlaw rules package for the race. This cost is significantly higher than the $1 million prize awarded to the winner, making the investment not feasible.
During a Monday podcast titled “Actions Detrimental,” Hamlin detailed the financial implications and challenges faced by NASCAR teams. He addressed the financial strain by stating,
“Everyone wants to have fun and do all these things, but who is going to pay for it? … We are gonna destroy three cars to build this car.”
NASCAR’s proposal was intended to enhance the short track racing experience, which has reportedly declined in quality at iconic tracks such as Martinsville and Bristol during the Next Gen era. However, Hamlin’s perspective as a car owner reveals the practicality issues of the proposal.
According to Hamlin, each car in his 21-car fleet costs approximately $300,000, making it economically unwise to modify them for a race with applied rules that offer no return on investment. The podcast followed an explosive rant by Jeff Gluck of The Athletic, who criticized NASCAR Cup Series teams during “The Teardown” podcast for prioritizing finances over excitement. Yet, Hamlin countered this by explaining the stark realities faced by teams.
“Do the math real quick. If I put my three cars on the racetrack and just to build this wild, illegal car, I’m going to destroy it,”
Hamlin said, emphasizing the unsustainability of the proposal under financial duress.
Hamlin’s statements underline a genuine concern for the financial burden that such proposals place on racing teams. He remarked,
“We used to have 14 cars, now we’re down to seven… I’m gonna spend $1 million just on parts and pieces.”
The proposal requires cars to be equipped with Next Gen parts, but allows modifications, leading to significant costs and potential destruction of cars beyond regular race usage.
Gluck’s comments urging teams to
“stop crying about the freaking money”
were met with further clarification from Hamlin, who stressed the financial struggle teams endure regularly.
“For those like Jeff Gluck that complain about, ‘well, all you talk about is money.’ It’s because the teams don’t have enough money. This is what we’re fighting for,”
Hamlin explained. The current parameters, which allow teams to do “whatever you want,” fail to consider the financial repercussions and sustainability for participating teams.
The Denny Hamlin narrative provides a candid perspective on the interplay between financial viability and maintaining the integrity of NASCAR racing. Hamlin’s remarks illustrate the significant financial considerations that outweigh the excitement of proposals that could potentially invigorate the sport. Despite the allure of a novel racing configuration, the reality of financial constraints prevents teams from embracing such transformative challenges, adhering instead to a more conventional approach.
As the controversy surrounding the NASCAR All-Star Race proposal persists, Hamlin’s insights bring to light the broader issues affecting professional racing teams. The conversation extends beyond a single event to encompass the ongoing struggles to balance innovation with economic sustainability. Hamlin’s perspective is a reminder of the intricate dynamics of motorsport economics, where decisions impact not only a single race but potentially the long-term viability of teams. Going forward, it remains to be seen how NASCAR will address such challenges to ensure both competitive excitement and financial practicality.
