Denny Hamlin Clarifies Rejected NASCAR All-Star Package As He Reveals Staggering Cost

Newsweek

29-04-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Denny Hamlin has revealed why NASCAR teams have rejected the proposal for a "Run What You Brung" package at the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway next month.
Despite insiders, including The Athletic NASCAR reporter Jeff Gluck, calling for the teams to approve the proposal, Hamlin has uncovered the "reality" of the situation.
Speaking during the Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin explained:
"I know Jeff Gluck had a massive rant last night on 'The Teardown' about the teams talking about the money. But it is a reality.
Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Sport Clips Haircuts Toyota, speaks to the media after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on April 06, 2025 in Darlington, South Carolina.
Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Sport Clips Haircuts Toyota, speaks to the media after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on April 06, 2025 in Darlington, South Carolina.
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
"Everyone wants to have fun and do all these things, but who is going to pay for it? ... We are gonna destroy three cars to build this car. Under the rules, it was like you have to use Next Gen parts, but you can do whatever you want to them.
"So, we're going to destroy every piece and part of that car and make it lighter or something. Like, we're going to modify it. Going to bend the chassis and do all types of things to this thing that will make it illegal at any other racetrack that we go to?"
The 23XI Racing co-owner went on to reveal the eye-watering cost of each car in the fleet, adding:
"We've been very transparent in the fact that this car cost $300,000.
"Do the math real quick. If I put my three cars on the racetrack and just to build this wild, illegal car, I'm going to destroy it and now I lose one more car out of my fleet.
"I only get seven cars per door number. So, that's three cars that are wiped out of my fleet that I'm not going to get a replacement for because I'm not going to get a replacement car if the car has damage to it if you wreck it. You have to show NASCAR that it's wrecked, bent or whatever and you need another chassis. I can't afford to lose that out of my rotation.
"We used to have 14 cars, now we're down to seven. The whole cost-cutting thing was to shorten up how many cars we have in our stable. Can you ask for another chassis? Sure, but I'm gonna spend $1 million just on parts and pieces.
"We haven't even developed anything yet. So, just in parts and pieces to replace all this sh*t we're gonna modify, we're gonna spend a sh*t ton of money. And it only pays $1 million to win. It's paid $1 million to win for 30 years. It's not that cool anymore. Even if one of my cars won, I don't see this as even remotely breakeven proposition."
Hamlin concluded:
"For those like Jeff Gluck that complain about, 'well, all you talk about is money.' It's because the teams don't have enough money. This is what we're fighting for. This is what we've been talking about.
"If you continue to lose money year after year, why would you just raise your hand and say, 'sure, I'll take another $1 million loss.' You can't do that. It's not sustainable. It's not possible under the parameters set in front of us and that was that do whatever you want."