Denny Hamlin, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver, recently criticized NASCAR’s Next Gen cars, highlighting deep structural problems during an episode of the Actions Detrimental podcast. Hamlin pointed out that both fans and drivers have become increasingly dissatisfied with these vehicles, which he believes represent a backward step for the sport. This comes amid growing debate over the impact of the Next Gen design on racing quality and excitement.
Comparisons to Previous NASCAR Car Models and Their Performance
Hamlin compared the Next Gen cars unfavorably to earlier models, such as the Car of Tomorrow (COOT) and the Gen 4 cars used from 1992 to 2007. He described the COOT as
“certainly a step back in that performance of raceability.”
Reflecting on the Gen 4 vehicles, which NASCAR still uses in the Xfinity Series, Hamlin observed that races featured closely packed leaders battling intensely. He remarked,
“I was watching the Xfinity race, and it was like gosh dang, you saw these leaders all in a clump, and nobody could get away because all it took was the second-place guy to get close to the leader, and it would get them all out of shape, and then they couldn’t go anywhere.”
Concerns Over Decision-Making and Impact on NASCAR
Hamlin expressed frustration with how decisions about the Next Gen cars have been made, pointing to disconnects between the executives and the drivers. He explained that these choices often come from
“beyond our offices—these are 10th-floor decisions, and let’s just say us drivers are on the third floor.”
He went further to assert,
“I hate to say it, but no business is immune to bad decisions, and I think the NASCAR business has made some horrible decisions over a given amount of time.”
Power Limitations and Effects on Racing Dynamics
The Next Gen cars are set to produce 670 horsepower at most tracks, with exceptions at Talladega and Daytona, where output drops to 510 horsepower. This reduction in horsepower has sparked mixed reactions among drivers and industry insiders, many of whom question whether the cars allow for the fast, aggressive overtaking fans expect. Hamlin’s comments reinforce concerns that the current specifications limit racing excitement and diminish driver control on track.
Background on Denny Hamlin and His Personal Life
Outside of racing, Denny Hamlin’s fiancée, Jordan Fish, recently shared moments from their family life on Instagram. They have three children, including their newborn son, Jameson Drew Hamlin. Jordan Fish posted about their daughters, Taylor and Molly, returning to school after summer break, capturing a glimpse of their first day of seventh grade and a “Meet the Teacher” event. Fish also highlighted a supportive video about phone-free classrooms, endorsing the Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety (#FOCUSAct) initiative. Hamlin and Fish have been together since 2007 after meeting at a Charlotte Bobcats game and got engaged in 2024.
Implications and Future Outlook for NASCAR’s Vehicle Strategy
Hamlin’s harsh critique draws attention to the ongoing dissatisfaction with NASCAR’s direction in car design, especially concerning the Next Gen models. His remarks emphasize the tension between management decisions and the preferences of drivers and fans, which could influence future adjustments. As NASCAR seeks to balance innovation with maintaining competitive and thrilling racing, how it responds to such criticism will be crucial for the sport’s evolution and fan engagement.
