As the NASCAR season heats up, Denny Hamlin is making headlines not only for his own racing but also for his strong support of grassroots racing’s resurgence. The Joe Gibbs Racing star praised the efforts behind the zMAX CARS Tour, a late model stock car series that’s gaining major attention thanks to the involvement of NASCAR legends. Meanwhile, Hamlin and his former teammate Kyle Busch are locked in a friendly battle for all-time wins as they prepare to face off in Sunday’s highly anticipated Million Dollar All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
Denny Hamlin Applauds NASCAR Legends for Growing the CARS Tour
Denny Hamlin took to social media to commend the NASCAR personalities behind the recent surge in the CARS Tour’s popularity. The late model series, which features up-and-coming talent driving late model stock cars, has been co-owned by some of NASCAR’s most respected figures — Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, and Justin Marks (co-owner of Trackhouse Racing). This high-profile ownership group has worked tirelessly to elevate the series, securing broadcast deals and high-profile race weekends that put the CARS Tour in the spotlight.
Speaking to FloRacing during NASCAR’s All-Star weekend, Hamlin expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities created for the series and its drivers. “Love the opportunity that these guys were getting,” he said. “I mean on the big stage, sharing a weekend with the Cup guys on the All-Star weekend. You’re at a NASCAR Cup Series track… you’re on a big network. All those things are fantastic.”
Hamlin also gave credit to the co-owners for their hard work in promoting and growing the series. “It’s great to see the job that Justin (Marks), Jeff (Burton), [and] Dale (Earnhardt Jr.) have done with the CARS Tour to keep this thing promoting and keep growing it. It’s going to be fantastic to see.”
CARS Tour’s Big Moment at North Wilkesboro
One of the biggest highlights for the CARS Tour this year is its 100-lap Late Model Stock race scheduled for Friday at North Wilkesboro Speedway, coinciding with NASCAR’s All-Star weekend. This race marks a major milestone for the series as it will be broadcast on Fox Sports for the first time, giving the grassroots circuit prime exposure alongside NASCAR’s top-tier events.
For Hamlin, North Wilkesboro holds special meaning — he won the NASCAR All-Star race there in 2015, making the weekend even more significant for him. The CARS Tour race at this historic venue not only provides a platform for young drivers but also symbolizes the growing connection between grassroots racing and NASCAR’s elite level.
3x Daytona 500 champion @DennyHamlin caught up with our @MatthewDillner to share his thoughts on Late Model Stock Car racing ahead of tonight's network television debut for the @CARSTour on @FS1. pic.twitter.com/y9SMAkhMlL
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) May 16, 2025
Hamlin and Busch’s Friendly Rivalry: The All-Time Wins Banter
As Hamlin prepares for the All-Star race, his competitive spirit extends beyond just Sunday’s event. During a recent episode of the “Actions Detrimental” podcast, Hamlin playfully urged his former Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Kyle Busch to ease up on winning races so Hamlin could catch up on the all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins list.
Hamlin currently ranks 11th with 56 Cup wins, while Busch sits 9th with 63 victories. Between them is Kevin Harvick, who retired from full-time racing last year with 60 wins. The friendly banter between Hamlin and Busch highlights the intense but respectful competition between two of NASCAR’s modern greats.
Busch’s response was classic: “Let’s win a race.” The podcast host chimed in, “Let’s try to keep your win total reachable.” Hamlin added that finishing in the top 10 all-time for wins is a big goal for him, though he acknowledged the challenge of doing so in the era of Next-Gen cars where wins are harder to come by.
All-Star Race Preview: Hamlin’s Shot at $1 Million
Both Hamlin and Busch will take the green flag in Sunday’s Million Dollar All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, a non-points exhibition event with a massive prize on the line. Hamlin will start from the eighth position after qualifying, looking to build momentum after a string of engine failures that have hampered his recent runs.
Busch, who won the All-Star race in 2017, is also eager to claim the big payday and add another highlight to his decorated career. The race will mark Fox’s final NASCAR broadcast before the network hands over coverage to Prime Video starting with the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
With the $1 million prize and pride at stake, the All-Star race promises aggressive racing and high drama as two of NASCAR’s top stars — and longtime friends — battle on the historic short track.
News in Brief: Denny Hamlin Cheers Growth of CARS Tour
Denny Hamlin’s support for the grassroots CARS Tour and his playful rivalry with Kyle Busch showcase the multifaceted nature of NASCAR’s top drivers. From cheering on the next generation of racers to competing fiercely for career milestones and big prizes, Hamlin remains deeply engaged in every level of the sport. As the All-Star race weekend unfolds at North Wilkesboro Speedway, fans can expect thrilling racing and compelling storylines, with Hamlin firmly in the spotlight both on and off the track.
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