Denny Hamlin, who started the NASCAR In-Season Tournament as the top contender, believes a significant change could further improve the event’s structure. After being eliminated early, Hamlin shared insights on how future Denny Hamlin NASCAR tournament changes could result in a more balanced and thrilling competition.
Tournament Format Excites Fans but Leaves Room for Improvement
The new NASCAR In-Season Tournament energized fans by introducing a five-race battle for a $1 million reward, drawing attention to direct contests on the track and novel storylines. Denny Hamlin, both a competitor and co-owner at 23XI, experienced a dramatic early exit after a large accident in the tournament opener, showing just how unpredictable the event can be.
Ty Dillon, originally seen as an underdog, has since captured headlines by advancing to the semifinals, adding a sense of unpredictability and excitement to the tournament narrative. This combination of fresh stories and high stakes has led Hamlin and many others in the racing world to support making the event a regular feature in NASCAR.
Hamlin Emphasizes Track Selection as a Necessary Adjustment
Despite his enthusiasm for the overall format, Denny Hamlin, currently racing for Joe Gibbs Racing, pinpointed a core aspect he would alter in future editions. During media discussions, he explained his reasoning for changing the selection of tracks used during the tournament, especially for crucial rounds.
“I think, the only thing, if I were in charge, it’s just tweaking the tracks. I mean, even your finale next week, you’re not going to have a side-by-side battle of your head-to-head guys just because you’re going to a track that we don’t run side-by-side.”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver
Concerns About Speedway Racing’s Role
Hamlin’s call for change builds on previous critiques regarding the use of Speedways in tournament schedules. The opening race at Atlanta Motor Speedway exemplified his concerns—a single crash there removed nearly all recent race champions from the running, dramatically shifting the dynamics of the event.
This, according to Hamlin, illustrates why Speedways introduce too much unpredictability to determine a true champion in a playoff-style event. He has consistently pointed out that races on such tracks make it nearly impossible for even top-seeded drivers to reliably advance, making the format more about survival than a fair showcase of talent.
Hamlin compared this to losing star performers early in other competitive formats, such as WWE, noting that fans lose some interest if their favorites exit too soon. However, he emphasized a crucial distinction: racing is unscripted, meaning there’s no way to guarantee who advances and who doesn’t.
Potential Impacts on Future NASCAR Tournaments
The feedback from Hamlin—who remains an influential voice as both a driver and co-owner—may prompt NASCAR officials to reevaluate which tracks are included in future tournament layouts. As the series aims to find a balance between excitement and competitive integrity, the ongoing debate over track selection could shape the evolution of these high-profile races. Fans and teams alike will watch closely to see if Denny Hamlin’s recommendations lead to a more consistent and skill-driven format in the coming seasons.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin started racing full-time in the Cup Series with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2006. Since then, he’s had a legendary career. He has won 51 Cup Series races. He’s also claimed victory in the Daytona 500 three times—in 2016, 2019, and 2020—while earning millions of dollars.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?
A. Denny Hamlin is set to marry Jordan Fish. She loved dancing as a child and performed for the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats team. The team is now called the Charlotte Hornets. She first met Hamlin while performing at a Bobcats game.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. Denny Hamlin has built a net worth of about $65 million through his racing successes, profitable endorsements, expanding team ownership, and wise real estate investments. Whether competing in races or managing his team, Hamlin consistently makes good decisions, both in racing and business.
