Denny Hamlin recently voiced serious concerns about NASCAR’s leadership, claiming that the sport is losing the trust of its core fans due to a growing credibility crisis. Speaking as the co-owner of 23XI Racing and a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin suggested that longtime followers, those who understand the intricacies of the sport, are becoming disillusioned as NASCAR seemingly focuses on attracting casual viewers instead. His comments came amid ongoing debates about race quality and fan engagement, highlighting a growing divide within NASCAR’s audience.
Hamlin referenced remarks made by Elton Sawyer, NASCAR’s senior vice president of competition, following the controversial Talladega race. Sawyer praised the race for its numerous lead changes but appeared uncertain about whether significant changes were necessary. However, this stance did not sit well with Hamlin, who felt that such a viewpoint ignored the frustrations expressed by drivers and longtime fans alike.
In a recent episode of the podcast Actions Detrimental, Hamlin went further, criticizing NASCAR’s governing body for alienating its smarter, more knowledgeable fan base. He emphasized that core fans see beyond the spectacle of wide racing on superspeedways and value the authentic competition and opinions of drivers. Hamlin recounted a conversation with former driver Michael Waltrip, who argued that casual fans would enjoy Talladega’s two-wide racing style. Denny Hamlin disagreed, maintaining that the sport must prioritize satisfying its core fan base if it hopes to sustain long-term interest and credibility.
Despite a decline in positive responses on Jeff Gluck’s “Good Race” poll in recent weeks, Hamlin praised the efforts of Marcus Smith and Speedway Motorsports, especially their promotion of the Texas race, which saw impressively packed grandstands. NASCAR has attempted to increase transparency through initiatives like the weekly ‘Hauler Talk’ podcast and frequent appearances by officials, including Sawyer, on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. While Hamlin appreciates this attempt at openness, he believes the governing body’s media efforts fall short because they often dismiss drivers’ concerns and rely on selective metrics to paint a more favorable picture of the sport’s health.
Hamlin also challenged comments made by Hauler Talk host Mike Forde, who questioned Hamlin’s claim that the “run what you brung” race would have cost teams $2 million. Forde argued the cost would have been zero, illustrating the tension between drivers and media representatives regarding NASCAR’s direction and transparency.
The concerns raised by Denny Hamlin reflect deeper issues about NASCAR’s identity and credibility, revealing an uneasy atmosphere among its core supporters. If the sport continues to neglect the perspectives of its more knowledgeable fans while chasing casual viewership, it risks further eroding its dedicated fan base. How NASCAR will address these tensions and restore trust remains a critical question as the season progresses and the sport faces intensified scrutiny.
