Denny Hamlin has delivered a forceful critique of NASCAR’s new All-Star Race format, describing the financial and technical demands as unreasonable for teams like 23XI Racing. In a video shared by Dirty Mo Media, Hamlin addressed the upcoming 2025 All-Star Race, underlining the steep price teams must pay just to compete, while arguing that even a victory is unlikely to cover the staggering investment required. His comments unfold as NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports prepare for an expanded All-Star Race to be held on May 18 at North Wilkesboro Speedway, featuring several controversial rule changes that have many questioning the cost-benefit for smaller teams.
Hamlin explained that the current format allows teams to modify next-gen vehicle parts with little restriction, turning what should be a thrilling event into a costly dilemma. “No team will sign up to lose millions,” Hamlin stated in the Dirty Mo Media clip, highlighting that building a competitive, one-off car just for this race could cost more than $300,000. Crucially, these modifications render the car illegal for any other NASCAR contest, meaning the expensive machinery has no further use after the event. With the All-Star Race being a non-points event, teams face the risk of losing a massive sum unless they claim the $1 million winner’s prize—a payout Hamlin insists doesn’t come close to covering the potential deficit.
The new format for the 2025 All-Star Race intensifies these challenges. Not only has the main event been extended to 250 laps—50 more than before—but NASCAR has also introduced a unique promoter’s caution rule, increased manufacturer rivalry, and a more elaborate Pit Crew Challenge. These changes, designed to inject excitement and unpredictability, have left drivers and teams like Hamlin’s 23XI Racing wrestling with tough decisions about participation. Eligible competitors are limited to recent winners, previous All-Star victors, and ex-Cup Series champions, but that exclusivity does little to cushion the severe financial blow.
Hamlin’s concerns are not isolated to just the All-Star Race. Frustrations have flared in recent weeks, with Denny Hamlin expressing deep discontent after a run-in with Ross Chastain at Talladega Superspeedway during the Jack Link’s 500. In the closing laps, Hamlin accused Chastain of a disruptive move that cost him critical track position, ultimately finishing just behind Chastain in 21st place and slipping in the Cup Series standings. After the race, Hamlin spoke with NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass, emphasizing the lasting impact such moments can have when the margin for error and opportunity is razor thin.
For Denny Hamlin, the escalating costs and technical pressure tied to the All-Star Race threaten to overshadow what should be a highlight of the NASCAR season. His outspoken warnings signal a deepening rift between leadership’s vision for showmanship and the realities teams face on the ground. The coming months may see more teams voicing similar frustrations, and unless NASCAR reconsiders its approach, participation from premier names like Hamlin may dwindle. The intense debate sparked by Hamlin’s stance puts the spotlight on whether the excitement of the All-Star Race is worth the distress and risk now attached to it—for drivers, teams, and fans alike.
