In a shocking revelation, NASCAR superstar Denny Hamlin dismisses the idea of North Wilkesboro Speedway becoming a points race, labeling it as a mere illusion that won’t add any excitement to the sport. Despite the revival of the iconic racetrack in 2023 and its recent hosting of the All-Star race, Hamlin remains adamant that the track should not transition into a points-paying event.
During an episode of his Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin expressed his skepticism towards the notion of North Wilkesboro Speedway enhancing the racing experience. He argued that factors like the timing of the race, track conditions, and tire choices have a more significant impact on the quality of racing than the points system.
Hamlin emphasized the importance of maintaining the hype and spectacle of the All-Star weekend, suggesting that the focus should be on delivering a thrilling and high-energy event rather than diluting its significance by adding it to the points races. He criticized the idea that awarding points would automatically elevate the excitement, asserting that it is a misconception ingrained in people’s minds.
Furthermore, Hamlin voiced concerns about the potential decrease in intensity if North Wilkesboro were to host a points race, cautioning against overcrowding the schedule with additional tracks. He highlighted the need to preserve the exclusivity and prestige of certain NASCAR events, including the All-Star race.
In addition to his remarks on North Wilkesboro, Hamlin criticized NASCAR for what he perceives as a trend of devaluing the sport’s key elements. He criticized the abundance of participants in the All-Star race, suggesting that the event has lost some of its elite status due to the large number of cars on the track. Despite suggestions to refine the format of the race, Hamlin defended certain aspects of the event while calling for a reevaluation of the qualification criteria.
As NASCAR continues to evolve and adapt its racing calendar, Hamlin’s insights shed light on the ongoing debate surrounding the sport’s traditions and future direction. The clash between tradition and innovation in NASCAR remains a central theme as stakeholders navigate the complexities of maintaining fan engagement while exploring new opportunities for growth and excitement on the track.