After the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race concluded at North Wilkesboro Speedway last Sunday with Christopher Bell taking the win, Denny Hamlin openly expressed his dissatisfaction with how the event has evolved. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver raised concerns about the race becoming overly inclusive, arguing that this shift has diluted its prestige.
Hamlin shared his views in the latest episode of his podcast, Actions Detrimental, challenging whether the event still deserves to be called an “All-Star” race given the expanded field. His criticism centered on the race losing its exclusivity and becoming more of a broader showcase rather than a competition reserved for the elite.
Concerns Over Dilution of Elite Competition
Hamlin pointed out that the number of competitors has grown too large, which he believes undermines the race’s significance. He stated,
“Was there like 23 cars in the race? … It’s too many. We’ve watered down the importance of everything. Nothing is elite anymore. It’s come one, come all. Here’s your participation medals,” Denny Hamlin said (35:10 onwards).
He referenced YouTube personality Cleetus McFarland, who commands over 4 million subscribers, to illustrate how fan engagement and online popularity are increasingly influencing race participation. Hamlin remarked,
“I think an open race is fine, but just, you know, right now to to make it in, you can win this year, last year, any other all-star race. Fan vote, and fan votes. We got all kinds of sh*t that gets you in. I mean, I’m surprised the next move isn’t whoever’s got the most content followers. Cleetus McFarland’s our 24th entry.”
When the NASCAR All-Star Race began in 1985, eligibility was limited to recent champions, but over time the criteria expanded to include all past Cup Series and previous All-Star winners. The introduction of the All-Star Open qualifying race and fan voting since 2004 further widened entry, changing the race’s nature from an exclusive champions-only event to a more inclusive exhibition.
Frustration with NASCAR’s Shift Toward Short-Term Appeal
Beyond the race format, Hamlin expressed disappointment with NASCAR’s current focus on entertainment at the expense of longstanding competition standards. He warned against sacrificing credibility for momentary excitement, urging NASCAR to restore the All-Star event’s former prestige.
“Stop trying to get these little short-term bursts and lose your long-term credibility. Make it elite like it used to be,” he urged.
Christopher Bell’s victory at the historic 0.625-mile North Wilkesboro Speedway marked Joe Gibbs Racing’s third All-Star win, continuing the team’s strong presence in these marquee events despite Hamlin’s criticisms.
Hamlin’s Recent Difficulties Amid Changing Competition
Denny Hamlin himself finished 12th in the All-Star Race and has faced challenges in recent points races, with poor results in Texas and Kansas affecting his overall standing. He recognized his struggles and their consequences on starting positions and points rankings.
“We have a crap draw in qualifying because we finished like crap the last couple of weeks, and I keep dropping in the points because of my bad finishes,” Denny Hamlin said (via Motorcyclesports).
Despite this slump, Hamlin began the 2025 season strongly with two wins at Martinsville and Darlington, plus two second-place finishes at Phoenix and Bristol. Currently ranked seventh in the NASCAR Cup points standings, he is preparing for the upcoming Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, a race he won in 2022 and where he finished in the top five last season.
Implications for NASCAR’s Future Direction
Hamlin’s remarks highlight a growing debate about balancing inclusivity and maintaining an elite level of competition in NASCAR’s high-profile events. His call to preserve the exclusivity of the All-Star Race suggests tensions between honoring tradition and adapting to the evolving demands of entertainment and fan engagement. How NASCAR responds to these concerns may shape the credibility and appeal of its signature races moving forward.
