After nearly three years of NASCAR street racing events in Chicago, driver and 23XI Racing owner Denny Hamlin has introduced a unique concept that blends traditional oval racing with street courses. Hamlin envisions a “street oval” format that retains the signature elements of oval racing while adapting to the constraints of city streets, aiming to bring a fresh experience to NASCAR fans.
Hamlin acknowledges the challenges, noting that city streets cannot accommodate banked corners typical of oval tracks, but he believes flat ovals common throughout the country could inspire a viable design. This idea surfaced during his media appearance in Chicago, where he described the concept as a hybrid style featuring acceleration zones, heavy braking, and defined turns to encourage competitive racing.
Details of the Proposed Street Oval Race
According to Jeff Gluck of The Athletic, Hamlin’s proposal involves creating an oval-like racing layout on city streets, possibly shaped as a half-mile rectangle. The turns and braking points would be carefully designed to allow multiple passing opportunities, aiming to maintain excitement and strategic driving similar to traditional oval competitions. Hamlin stressed the importance of key racing elements, stating,
“All we need is acceleration, heavy braking points, and turns – and we’ll find a way to make a show out of that.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver and 23XI Racing Owner
This concept could merge aspects of the Chicago Street Race and the more unconventional LA Coliseum race, combining NASCAR’s heritage with its evolving modern formats. It reflects the sport’s broader push to innovate while respecting classic racing traditions.
Context of Hamlin’s Performance and Involvement in NASCAR
Hamlin’s interest in developing new racing ideas comes amid a complex season balancing roles as a competitive driver, team owner, and public figure dealing with ongoing legal matters and family responsibilities. In 2023, Hamlin surprisingly earned pole positions at three road courses—Sonoma, Chicago Street, and Watkins Glen—despite not being primarily known for road racing. However, he converted only one of these poles into a top-10 finish.
With the Chicago event approaching again, expectations for Hamlin are relatively low, meaning any strong performance would be an added bonus. Though the Chicago and Sonoma back-to-back races have not been his strongest showings this season, Hamlin and his 23XI team remain committed to maximizing their competitiveness on these courses.
Balancing Racing Demands and Innovation
Between managing his racing career, operating 23XI Racing, addressing legal challenges, and nurturing a newborn at home, Hamlin’s ability to conceptualize innovative changes highlights his deep involvement in the sport. His proposal for street oval racing underscores a vision that could expand NASCAR’s appeal by blending the traditional excitement of oval circuits with the vibrant atmosphere of street racing in urban settings.
If realized, this hybrid format may redefine street racing within NASCAR, offering a new challenge for drivers and a fresh spectacle for fans, and potentially influencing future race planning and track development within the sport.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. After Denny Hamlin began racing full-time in the Cup Series in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing, he accomplished many achievements. Hamlin has won 51 Cup Series races and claimed victory in the Daytona 500 three times (in 2016, 2019, and 2020), earning considerable wealth through his success.
Q. Why did NASCAR penalize Denny Hamlin?
A. Denny Hamlin’s team received a penalty for breaking engine inspection rules. The NASCAR body revealed this on Thursday, saying the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing team and Hamlin faced an L2-level penalty. They were found to have violated Sections 14.7 related to NASCAR’s engine inspection standards.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. His wealth of $65 million comes from his career earnings, sponsorships, team ownership, and real estate investments. Denny Hamlin has achieved financial success through large NASCAR earnings, money from winning races, and contracts. He also has long-term sponsorships with companies like FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin lose 75 points for engine violation?
A. NASCAR announced on Thursday that they penalized Denny Hamlin and car owner Joe Gibbs. They lost 75 regular-season points and 10 playoff points. This punishment, labeled as an L2 penalty, stemmed from an engine seal violation after Hamlin’s win at Bristol in the spring.
