Denny Hamlin has voiced strong concerns about NASCAR’s reported plan to hold the All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway. The seasoned driver criticized the proposal as potentially damaging, highlighting why the track may not be suitable for the event and urging NASCAR to reconsider this choice amid the Next-Gen era of Cup Series racing.
Why Denny Hamlin Believes Dover Isn’t Ideal for the All-Star Race
Dover Motor Speedway is widely regarded as one of the better NASCAR tracks in the Next-Gen car era, drawing solid fan attendance for its two current points-paying races. However, rumors that NASCAR is considering moving the All-Star Race to Dover have sparked concern from Hamlin. Speaking on the Actions Detrimental podcast, he expressed doubts about Dover’s ability to host a shortened, entertainment-focused race like the All-Star event, especially if it means dropping the track’s existing points races.
Hamlin emphasized Dover’s popularity among fans despite challenging conditions, recalling a major turnout even during extreme heat. He warned against losing those races at this fan-favorite venue, stressing the track’s limitations for producing the kind of exciting passing and action the All-Star Race demands.
“Surely, they can’t be talking about replacing Dover’s point race, right? … We had such a great fan turnout when it was 120 degrees, it was like being on the sun…Again, hopefully they’re not thinking this one all the way through because this is not the best choice. Dover is just not an All-Star type of racetrack.” —Denny Hamlin, JGR veteran driver
The Challenges Dover Presents for Shortened Races
According to Hamlin, Dover’s racing dynamics only allow for meaningful passing after significant laps have been completed—typically 30 to 40 laps—due to how the track needs rubber buildup to open additional racing lines. This characteristic clashes with the All-Star Race format, which is composed of shorter runs that provide limited time for competitive overtakes.
Because the All-Star Race’s main goal is high entertainment and aggressive racing, Hamlin fears Dover’s natural track evolution will result in dull racing for much of the event, undermining its appeal to fans and drivers alike.
“That track is one where it needs rubber on the racetrack to then widen out and then you can start making passes. But that doesn’t happen until 30 to 40 laps into a run, and the All-Star Race is made up of short runs. There’s just not going to be any passing…” —Denny Hamlin
Hamlin Suggests Rest for Teams Instead of Forcing the Race at Dover
Beyond his critique of Dover’s suitability, Hamlin proposed an alternative that centers on supporting teams through the grueling Cup schedule. He suggested NASCAR should consider giving teams a week off rather than forcing an All-Star Race that, in his view, does not fit properly on Dover’s calendar or layout.
This call for a break resonates with concerns about the demanding pace and limited downtime teams currently face during the season.
“Why don’t we just give the damn teams a week off? Like, they are running us through the grinder. It is a grind trying to get to the racetrack every single weekend. Definitely would enjoy another break, and I just don’t see the need of trying to force this.” —Denny Hamlin
Additional Concerns Over Points Race Reduction and Temporary Lighting
Another issue raised by Hamlin involves the possibility that Dover might lose one or both of its points-paying races should the All-Star Race be moved there. NASCAR has avoided scheduling three Cup Series races at the same venue in one season, leading to speculation that Dover could be reduced to a single points race or none at all.
Hamlin questioned the logic of such a decision, emphasizing the consistent fan attendance at Dover and skepticism about holding the race under temporary lighting conditions, which may be necessary for scheduling.
“I just hope there’s no way they could be going from two points races to none at Dover. The fan turnout’s been good there, I don’t know why you would do that. And then, you got to put in temporary lighting. Surely, we won’t run in the middle of the day in July. Who knows.” —Denny Hamlin
The Broader Implications for NASCAR’s Event Choices
Hamlin’s critiques suggest that NASCAR’s current plan could alienate established fan bases at Dover and potentially diminish the quality of racing during a marquee event. Many in the racing community have viewed North Wilkesboro as a more fitting option for the All-Star Race, given its historical significance and the character it brings to NASCAR’s schedule.
If Dover loses its points races entirely in favor of an All-Star event, the sanctioning body may face backlash for impacting a track that continues to draw strong crowds and provide quality racing during the Cup season. Hamlin’s position calls for thoughtful evaluation of venue selection, balancing entertainment, tradition, and logistics for the benefit of both teams and fans.
