Denny Hamlin proposes changes to revitalize racing at Daytona
Denny Hamlin, a recognized driver and now team owner, has presented a proposal to improve the racing experience at Daytona International Speedway. His plan focuses on increasing the speed of the vehicles, seeking a more exciting spectacle and less dependent on fuel-saving strategy. Hamlin, who celebrated his first victory as a team owner in “The Great American Race”, shared his vision for the Daytona 500. This event, since the introduction of the Next Gen car in 2022, has tended to be more of a fuel efficiency competition.The current generation of NASCAR cars, although safer, has resulted in slower lap times on high-speed circuits like Daytona and Talladega, which often leads to cars bunching up more. Hamlin has discussed with NASCAR executives the possibility of allowing teams to develop a race package to test it at the Clash, if it returns to Daytona next year. If the tests are successful, these adjustments could be implemented before 2028. The pilot suggests that, with this change, the need to save fuel would be eliminated, allowing the pilots to compete to the fullest. However, Tyler Reddick’s team principal, Billy Scott, expressed less confidence that the fuel-saving strategy would be modified. The evolution of the Cup car has reduced the possibilities of manipulating components, which has led teams to focus more on pit stops to gain positions and on fuel management to extend race periods. The 2023 Daytona 500 winner, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., commented that although his team’s fuel-saving strategy worked, the race might have been less exciting for the fans at certain moments. Hamlin’s proposal could be a viable solution, at least, it’s worth considering.There’s a way, but we’re going to have to increase the speeds a lot. You’re going to make the handling matter. That’s going to separate the field, that’s going to make it… look a little more like the races of the past.
Denny Hamlin
