Denny Hamlin, one of NASCAR’s most experienced and respected drivers, has recently spoken out about the rising number of penalties issued in the 2025 season. While the list of infractions and subsequent penalties keeps growing, Hamlin firmly believes that the rules should be applied strictly “by the book” — no negotiations, no exceptions. As the NextGen car’s tight regulations push teams to find any competitive edge, Hamlin argues that consistency in penalty enforcement is crucial to keeping the sport fair.
Penalties Piling Up Early in the Season
The 2025 NASCAR season is barely halfway through, yet penalties have become a hot topic. Big names like Erik Jones at Martinsville, Ryan Preece and Joey Logano at Talladega, and Chris Buescher at Kansas have all faced recent penalties, highlighting how frequently infractions are being called out.
Hamlin weighed in on the issue during an interview with Frontstretch.com, emphasizing fairness: “It certainly got to be fair for everyone. I had a race win taken away, so yeah, one for all, for sure. Whatever the infraction, whatever it says in the book is what the penalty should be level. It shouldn’t be negotiated up or down, or anything like that, just by the book.”
His point underscores the importance of applying penalties uniformly — whether a driver is a rookie or a veteran, a championship contender or a mid-pack racer. This approach aims to maintain competitive integrity across the field.
The Next-Gen Car and the Search for Edges
One key factor behind the surge in penalties is the introduction of the NextGen car. The new model, designed to create closer racing and improve safety, also comes with a strict rulebook that leaves teams “boxed in” on many technical fronts.
Hamlin explained, “Teams are trying to find any edge that they can with the Next-Gen car because you’re boxed in so many areas… It’s just a game of can you get caught or not.”
This creates a constant cat-and-mouse dynamic where teams push boundaries in hopes of gaining an advantage without crossing the line — which, inevitably, leads to more penalties being handed out.
Hamlin’s stance reflects a desire for transparency and fairness in how NASCAR handles these infractions, suggesting that consistency in enforcement helps keep the game honest even as teams test limits.
Hamlin’s Challenging Run and All-Star Aspirations
Despite his vocal support for stricter penalty enforcement, Hamlin’s own 2025 season has been filled with challenges. Recently, the No. 11 Toyota Camry faced back-to-back DNFs, a situation he hadn’t encountered since 2013.
At Texas Motor Speedway, Hamlin’s car caught fire, forcing an early exit and a disappointing 38th place finish. Then, at Kansas Speedway, a clutch issue plagued his race. Even though Hamlin managed to complete 199 of 267 laps, a failed transaxle cut his day short, leaving him 36th.
“Yeah, I think eventually just broke the transaxle trying to leave the stall there,” Hamlin said after the Kansas race. “Unfortunate for the Progressive Toyota team. Really fast again – just can’t keep it together right now.”
These setbacks have made Hamlin more determined than ever to get back on track and regain momentum. With his next race — the 66th Coca-Cola 600 scheduled for May 25 — coming up, he’ll be aiming to bounce back strongly.
News in Brief: Denny Hamlin Takes a Stand on NASCAR Penalties
On a brighter note, Hamlin is now preparing for the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Having won the event back in 2015, he knows what it takes to capture the victory and is eager to add a second All-Star win to his resume.
Fans can catch all the action on Fox Sports 1, starting at 8 pm ET, or listen live via MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Hamlin’s outlook shows that despite a rough start to the season and the growing tensions around penalties, he remains focused on his performance and upholding fairness in the sport. His call for penalties to be handed down strictly by the book is a reminder that NASCAR’s integrity depends on clear and consistent rule enforcement — something every driver and fan wants to see.
As the 2025 season unfolds, the way NASCAR manages penalties and how top drivers like Hamlin respond will continue to shape the competition and the drama on the track.
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