Denny Hamlin is making headlines after openly criticizing the current state of NASCAR’s Cup Series and revealing a powerful wish: to participate in an Xfinity superspeedway race before he retires. The veteran driver’s comments surfaced following the recent Talladega weekend, where the Xfinity Series race was widely praised for its unpredictability and excitement, in stark contrast to what Hamlin feels is a problem-plagued Cup event. Hamlin, seldom one to shy away from controversy, used his platform to urge his team, Joe Gibbs Racing, to give him a shot in Xfinity superspeedway competition, highlighting his growing dissatisfaction with the Cup Series format and calling for meaningful change.
Denny Hamlin’s passion for oval racing and his unwavering commitment to NASCAR stand in distinct contrast to peers like Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell, who often pursue interests in dirt tracks or the prestigious Indy 500. Over the years, Hamlin has become known as both a staunch defender and an unfiltered critic of the sport, willing to speak up when improvements are needed. His most recent criticism came during his podcast, where Hamlin contrasted the excitement of the Xfinity race at Talladega with the strategic, fuel-saving nature of the Cup event, indicating a deep frustration shared by many racing fans.
“I used to think there was no way I would sign up for Superspeedway racing, but I would love love love… Joe Gibbs Racing, if you’re hearing this, sign me up for an Xfinity superspeedway race,” Denny Hamlin declared. His words struck a chord with both fans and team owners, capturing a sense of nostalgia for a time when superspeedway races allowed for bolder moves, greater risk-taking, and more breathtaking finishes. Hamlin urged fans to look at the last two laps of each race to see where the true drama lies, lauding the Xfinity Series for its close-quarters action and the so-called “bubble effect” that lets drivers race aggressively without constant fear of contact.
That appreciation for the Xfinity style was on full display after Saturday’s race, which ended in a chaotic but thrilling showdown. Jesse Love and Connor Zilisch made contact after the white flag, sending Zilisch spinning and triggering a last-lap caution just as the field approached the checkered flag. The resulting finish saw Austin Hill narrowly beat out Jeb Burton and Love, sealing the win in a three-wide dash as NASCAR froze the order using a precise electronic timestamp. Denny Hamlin pointed to this kind of unpredictability as the gold standard, a sharp contrast to the Cup Series’ own struggles.
The weekend also highlighted persistent problems with the Cup Series, particularly during the Bristol event where Kyle Larson’s dominant performance—leading an overwhelming 411 of 500 laps—underscored a lack of real racing and minimal lead changes. Hamlin, vocal on his podcast “Actions Detrimental,” shared that numerous meetings with NASCAR officials have produced little progress. He noted, “The platform setup is not up to the mark, where the rear of the car hugs the track while the front sits high to feed air to the underbody.” This leads to insufficient front downforce, making passing nearly impossible when drivers are close together.
Denny Hamlin sharply contrasted this with the Xfinity Series, explaining that their cars generate much of their downforce from the top, enabling trailing drivers to challenge leaders with clever moves and aggressive runs. The Cup Series’ underbody-dependent downforce, according to Hamlin, removes much of the driver’s ability to affect the race from behind, resulting in processional, less exciting finishes. The current combination of low horsepower and tire design only intensifies the challenge, as Hamlin argued, leaving fans and drivers alike yearning for the drama that once defined superspeedway competition.
Hamlin’s bold call for an Xfinity superspeedway entry just before retiring signals a pivotal moment for NASCAR. As a respected voice, Denny Hamlin’s willingness to challenge the status quo and reminisce about the sport’s former glory days places pressure on NASCAR leadership to seriously consider changes. Whether his wish is fulfilled may ultimately influence broader discussions about the direction of stock car racing, as more fans and drivers demand the kind of high-stakes competition and thrilling finishes showcased by the Xfinity Series at Talladega. For now, all eyes remain fixed on Hamlin and the possible future he envisions for himself—and perhaps for the sport as a whole.
