Denny Hamlin, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver and Virginia native, expressed skepticism about Richmond Raceway regaining its second NASCAR Cup Series race in the near future. Despite his deep connection to the track and impressive record there, Hamlin attributed the challenges to the current Next Generation Cup Series car, which he believes has hindered the quality of racing at Richmond.
Why Hamlin Questions Richmond’s Return to Hosting Two Cup Series Events
Richmond Raceway in Chesterfield, Virginia, has been known for thrilling NASCAR action for decades. However, recent years have seen a decline in the close, physical racing that once captivated fans. Hamlin cited the Next Generation car, introduced in 2022, as largely responsible for this downturn, especially at short tracks like Richmond and Martinsville.
The Next Gen car has made overtaking more difficult, leading to less dynamic racing and more instances of single-file driving. Hamlin pointed out that the difficulty in passing at Richmond has actually worsened since the car’s debut, which directly impacts fan excitement and competitive balance on the track.
The first time here in the Next Gen was an average lap time seven-tenths (of a second) or something in that range,
Hamlin explained on Friday at Richmond.
The last time we came here, it was three-and-a-half. The field is just now running the same speed. And at a track where you have to have three-to-three-and-a-half tenths of speed to overtake the car in front of you, that means the first-place fastest car is going to struggle to pass the 25th-place car if he just gets put behind him.
That is the fundamental part that is going to be tough for us to overcome. Unless we have some major changes with the tire.
Hamlin Praises Goodyear’s Work but Sees More Needed for Passing Improvement
Although Hamlin acknowledged Goodyear’s introduction of a more aggressive tire for Richmond, he remains unconvinced that the tire alone can fix the problem. He calls for adjustments to the aerodynamics of the car, specifically reducing underbody downforce and increasing overbody downforce, similar to what is seen in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
I’ve said it a million times on my podcast: You have to get rid of the underbody downforce and put it on the overbody so you have the ability, like you do in the Xfinity Series, to drive up behind someone and get them off the bottom,
Hamlin said.
That is when running the same speed will be OK. Because you can at least get close to the car in front of you to manipulate them and slow them down.
His point is that, without these changes, the current Next Gen car leaves leaders with an overwhelming advantage, making it difficult for trailing drivers to mount a serious challenge.
Now, the leader has the 100 percent advantage over the second-place car,
Hamlin noted, highlighting the gap in racing competitiveness that affects short-track excitement.
Hamlin contrasted this with the Xfinity Series, where cars are designed to promote more even competition and easier passing.
The Xfinity Series is a little more even, a little more 50/50,
he said.
Why Hamlin Hesitates to Advocate for a Second Richmond Cup Race
Richmond Raceway has traditionally hosted two NASCAR Cup Series races annually, a tradition dating back to 1959 except for the 2020 season. However, Hamlin, despite his strong ties and successful history at the venue, is reluctant to push for the return of the second race.
I think I’m probably the worst person to ask,
Hamlin admitted at the Richmond Raceway media center.
I’m very biased. I grew up with two races here. We always went to both. But the sport is in a different place now. The way to get it back is, you have to come here and sell out. At least the one time you are here. Or you just have a really strong showing during that time.
Hamlin suggested that simply restoring the second race will require more than nostalgia and fan interest; it must align with improved racing quality and broader fan engagement. Attendance declines and the diminished excitement from current vehicle dynamics present significant hurdles.
It’s that, and improve short track racing,
Hamlin continued.
If you can do those things, then possibly (Richmond having two races) is going to be put more in the forefront of the schedule, going forward. I think all of those things are fluid things that can change year to year.
And if we can get our short track stuff back better with these types of cars, I think you will have a better case to having two races here.
Hamlin’s cautious stance raises questions about who will champion Richmond’s second Cup race, given his hesitation to do so himself despite being one of the track’s most successful and passionate figures.
Impact on Richmond Raceway and NASCAR’s Short-Track Future
Hamlin’s comments underscore the challenges NASCAR faces in maintaining fan engagement and competitive racing at traditional short tracks like Richmond. The Next Generation car, while designed to modernize the sport and improve competition, has created unintended obstacles, reducing passing opportunities and altering race dynamics.
This tension between innovation and preserving the sport’s excitement could influence NASCAR’s future event scheduling and car development decisions. Richmond’s ability to regain a second Cup Series race may depend heavily on NASCAR, teams, and suppliers like Goodyear addressing these technical issues effectively.
As this discussion continues, the future of Richmond Raceway’s Cup Series status remains uncertain, with Denny Hamlin’s views reflecting broader anxieties within the NASCAR community about the direction of short-track racing under the Next Generation car regime.