In the aftermath of Friday’s Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway, Denny Hamlin praised Dale Earnhardt Jr. for his influential role in supporting developing drivers in NASCAR, spotlighting how Dale Jr. and the JR Motorsports team create pathways for emerging talent. Hamlin’s remarks, delivered on his Actions Detrimental podcast, highlighted Earnhardt Jr.’s approach as pivotal in an industry often dominated by pay-to-race dynamics.
Earnhardt Jr.’s Vision Helps New Talent Advance
Denny Hamlin noted that Parker Kligerman’s recent victory in the Xfinity Series was engineered not just by his driving but also by the support and decision-making from Dale Earnhardt Jr. and JR Motorsports. When Connor Zilisch, originally slated to race, was sidelined by injury, Dale Jr. personally chose Kligerman to substitute. Hamlin explained that this move reflects Dale Jr.’s broader habit of offering chances to drivers who may not come from wealthy backgrounds or bring significant sponsorship money but deserve opportunities based on skill.
Hamlin specifically recognized Earnhardt Jr. for reaching out to local short track racers and others who might otherwise lack a platform to showcase their abilities, using the example of Josh Berry, who advanced to a Cup ride with Wood Brothers Racing after growing his experience with JR Motorsports. Kelley Earnhardt-Miller also received credit from Hamlin for her role in managing JR Motorsports and maintaining a balance between sustaining the business and investing in untapped talent.
Discussing the competitive reality of driver selection, Hamlin reminded listeners that most teams must include drivers able to bring monetary backing, but he said that Dale Jr.
“always seems to have one car that he’s trying to give the other guys a shot,”
thereby ensuring that raw ability is not overlooked.
The Challenge for Proven Racers Like Kligerman
Hamlin’s praise extended to Parker Kligerman, calling him
“one of the better superspeedway racers in the Xfinity series over the last few years.”
He highlighted that Kligerman’s selection was the result of Earnhardt Jr. choosing who he believed was best suited for Daytona, noting:
“I’m really happy for Parker and it’s just awesome for him to get that call from Dale Jr. (to fill in for Zilisch, who is still recovering from a broken collarbone suffered two weeks ago at Watkins Glen),”
—Denny Hamlin, Cup Driver
Hamlin emphasized the significance of Kligerman’s selection amid a system where most rides are often purchased rather than earned through racing success. He noted the rarity of such opportunities being awarded on talent alone.
Financial Barriers Within the Xfinity Series
While Kligerman’s driving achievements are celebrated, Hamlin addressed the persistent question confronting talented drivers: Why aren’t they racing full-time? Foreseeing that question from his audience, Hamlin directly addressed the systemic limitations in Xfinity:
“If Kligerman is so good, why doesn’t he have a permanent full-time ride?”
—Listener question, cited by Hamlin
Hamlin answered by analyzing the business realities at play. He pointed out that Kligerman, who works as both an analyst and pit reporter for NBC Sports, understands the financial drawbacks of a full-time racing seat in the Xfinity Series.
“The guy (Kligerman) makes more talking about the drivers (as an analyst and pit reporter for NBC Sports) than actually being a driver,”
Hamlin outlined, explaining that a racing contract offers less compensation compared to a media role, especially for those not backed by major sponsors.
“But it’s good to see Parker get that call because Dale Jr. picked who he thought could win in that car at that track. He’s like, ‘I’m gonna go pick the best available driver,’ that being Parker Kligerman at Daytona to replace Zilisch during the race. And Parker is one of the better superspeedway racers in the Xfinity series over the last few years.”
—Denny Hamlin, Cup Driver
The Ongoing Problem With NASCAR’s Business Model
According to Hamlin, the issue of financial inequality continues to hinder talented drivers’ chances for full-time competition. He described how the proliferation of seats offered to so-called pay drivers—who bring sponsorship money or family backing—limits the number of competitive rides for drivers whose main asset is racing ability. Even among top teams, Hamlin estimated, only one or two spots on a roster might be kept for up-and-coming drivers unconnected to substantial funding.
“That is the crux and the problem that will continue to hamper the best talent and the best opportunities making it in the Xfinity Series. Just because many of the rides are going to be taken up by pay guys and there’s just not going to be that many opportunities.”
—Denny Hamlin, Cup Driver
He summed up the climate by expressing:
“You’re going to need something like this where one of the top teams is like, ‘Okay, well, I’m going to be okay with two or three pay drivers and then maybe I got one seat for whoever I actually want or whoever I actually think is pretty good.’”
—Denny Hamlin, Cup Driver
Potential Hopes for Change Ahead
Denny Hamlin, who currently drives the No. 11 car for Joe Gibbs Racing, suggested that changes might be on the horizon. With the Xfinity Series preparing for a new title sponsorship with O’Reilly Auto Parts next season, there is speculation that the associated restructuring could foster more merit-based opportunities and make racing careers more financially sustainable for deserving drivers. This upcoming shift is watched closely by those who hope to see fewer barriers for rising stars such as Parker Kligerman, and for NASCAR teams like JR Motorsports to continue shaping the future of the sport.
