NASCAR’s All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway has ignited fierce debate as new format changes for the 2025 event drew sharp criticism, with Denny Hamlin emerging as the sport’s most vocal opponent. Scheduled for May 21, 2025, the race will see an increase from 200 to 250 laps alongside the introduction of multiple artificial cautions, including a controversial “promoter’s caution” controlled by Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith. Hamlin’s public denouncement of these changes, especially the artificial interruptions, highlights growing unrest among drivers and fans eager for authentic competition rather than manufactured drama.
Just two years ago, the All-Star Race’s return to historic North Wilkesboro brought excitement and nostalgia, rekindling memories of NASCAR’s golden eras. However, the 2024 race was a disappointment for many, with Joey Logano leading nearly every lap and a lackluster contest that failed to deliver the expected thrills. NASCAR responded by revising the format for 2025, hoping to reinvigorate the event but instead stirring controversy. When NASCAR proposed a radical “Run What Ya Brung” concept allowing teams to use non-regular season parts to boost excitement, Hamlin publicly opposed it, citing cost concerns and the risk of destroying vehicles. With five years of experience as a team owner, Hamlin’s blunt appraisal dismissed claims that such liberties would be inexpensive, warning that the idea would lead to needless damage and expense.
Hamlin’s objections weren’t isolated; multiple drivers and teams sided with him, forcing NASCAR to scrap the “Run What Ya Brung” plan. Yet, the relief was brief as NASCAR soon unveiled another contentious adjustment: the extension of the main event to 250 laps coupled with the mandate of several new cautions. A competition caution at lap 100 remains, but a new “promoter’s caution” can be called at any time between laps 110 and 220, solely at the discretion of Marcus Smith. This unprecedented power to interrupt the race arbitrarily has alarmed drivers and fans alike, revealing a growing disconnect between NASCAR’s efforts to enhance entertainment and the community’s demand for genuine racing.
In addition to the main event changes, NASCAR altered the preliminary heats that determine the starting field. Insider Bob Pockrass revealed that heat races have grown from 60 to 75 laps, with a mandatory caution at lap 30. The All-Star Open, serving as the final opportunity for drivers not yet qualified, now runs 100 laps with a caution at lap 40. According to Pockrass,
NASCAR has adjusted the all-star heat races from 60 laps to 75 laps with a caution around lap 30,
emphasizing the organization’s shift toward structured caution intervals rather than relying on natural race incidents.
These adjustments guarantee at least four artificial cautions in every race, plus the wild card promoter’s caution in the main event. Even if no natural incidents occur, fans are set to witness five interruptions over 500 laps of racing. Drivers, already restless from previous format changes, have voiced their frustration. Prior to the Texas race, Kyle Busch expressed his exasperation on the Door Bumper Clear podcast, questioning the logic behind such manufactured stops by sarcastically asking,
What are we doing? If we’re Bailey and Barnum, then let’s just call it that.
Bubba Wallace’s spotter, Freddie Kraft, jokingly suggested allowing a drunk fan to decide caution timing, underscoring the mounting belief that the event is turning into a circus.
Denny Hamlin stands out not only as a driver but as co-owner of 23XI Racing, giving him a unique perspective on both the competitive and business impacts of the changes. He agrees the All-Star Race should be a platform for innovation but stresses that alterations must be sensible and respectful of the sport’s integrity. On his podcast, Hamlin said,
If you’re going to do something like this, at least make it make sense,
signaling his demand for thoughtful leadership rather than gimmicks.
Adding to the debate, NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. proposed a radical alternative: replacing the current Next Gen cars in the All-Star Race with Late Model Stock cars. This idea, while ambitious, aims to reduce costs and potentially encourage retired stars like himself or Jimmie Johnson to return for a genuine exhibition.
Just leave the Next Gen at home. Make it a true exhibition. You could field the entire grid for less than what one Next Gen car costs,
Earnhardt Jr. explained. Although this plan seems unlikely to be adopted, it reflects a widespread hunger for a return to authenticity amid growing dissatisfaction with increasingly manufactured spectacle.
Historically, the All-Star Race has served as a testbed for new ideas, but the 2025 format changes feel excessive and divisive. Between Denny Hamlin’s passionate critique, backlash against the promoter’s caution, and the abundance of planned interruptions, the event risks alienating fans and drivers who seek pure racing excitement. Whether the race delivers memorable action or further confusion remains uncertain, though the stakes are undeniably high with a $1 million prize for the winner. Meanwhile, Kyle Larson’s decision to prioritize the All-Star Race over the Indianapolis 500 Pole Day underscores the event’s growing prestige and controversy.
Kyle Larson faces a demanding weekend scheduled to compete in both the Indy 500 and the NASCAR All-Star Race, despite their conflicting timetables. When asked which event he would favor if forced to choose, Larson declared,
I think that I would miss the Fast 6 and go to the All-Star Race. It’s important to race in, it’s a lot of money on the line.
His choice reflects the financial and competitive significance of the NASCAR event, emphasizing a shift in priorities even among elite drivers who could chase glory elsewhere.
Larson elaborated,
Sure, it’d be great to have an opportunity to get the pole, but I’d rather race for a million dollars and start sixth [at Indy]. You never really know how it’s going to go. Gotta make sure our car’s fast enough to even worry about all that anyways,
illustrating the calculated gamble behind his decision. His commitment lends the All-Star Race credibility amidst ongoing criticism and suggests the event’s allure still captivates top talent despite its flaws.
The convergence of format changes, outspoken driver reactions, and the scheduling clash with other marquee races has created a tense and anxious atmosphere leading into the weekend. Larson’s willingness to endure a relentless schedule, along with efforts from team owners and drivers like Hamlin, indicates the stakes run deep in NASCAR’s effort to keep the All-Star Race relevant and exciting. However, the balance between entertainment and the sport’s essence remains precariously tilted, fueling concern over where the race is headed.
While NASCAR continues experimenting with formats and artificial elements, the backlash from Denny Hamlin and others highlights a fundamental tension between innovation and tradition. The 2025 All-Star Race may well serve as a turning point, revealing how much the sport’s devoted community will tolerate before demanding a return to authentic, competitive racing. Regardless of the outcome, this event promises to be remembered not just for its laps but for the controversy surrounding what racing should truly represent.
