Denny Hamlin shared his thoughts on the recent IndyCar-NASCAR doubleheader event at Phoenix Raceway, providing insight into his experience and future wishes regarding such crossover weekends. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver commented on the challenges of balancing his busy schedule during the event and expressed his enthusiasm for the concept of hosting two top-tier racing series at the same venue.
The doubleheader featured memorable races, beginning with Josef Newgarden winning the IndyCar race after a fiercely competitive contest filled with numerous on-track overtakes and a dramatic finish. The following day, Ryan Blaney won the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 500 at the one-mile oval, delivering an exciting race as he advanced through the field.
Hamlin’s Performance and Challenges Watching the IndyCar Race
Hamlin himself finished fifth in the NASCAR Cup Series race after starting 11th, trailing drivers Ryan Blaney, Christopher Bell, Kyle Larson, and Ty Gibbs in the grueling 312-lap event. Despite the appealing weekend, Hamlin revealed that his commitments, including public appearances and team responsibilities, prevented him from watching the IndyCar race live.
“I had an appearance during the IndyCar race and then I had to go back to the racetrack and do some work. I caught exactly zero laps of the IndyCar race, but the atmosphere was cool,” Denny Hamlin said (43:30 onwards).
He appreciated the unique atmosphere created by the presence of two major series on the same weekend.
“I really liked the feeling of two premier series being at the same track. … There were a lot of fans that left after the IndyCar race. I can’t believe they didn’t stay for the Xfinity race.”
Hamlin also highlighted a notable challenge for fans attending these doubleheader events, particularly relating to comfort under the intense Arizona sun.
“Asking me to sit in the stands for eight hours probably is a very, very tough ask,” Hamlin said.
Hamlin’s Desire to Experience IndyCar Weekend More Fully
The experienced driver expressed a wish to engage more deeply with the IndyCar side of the event, aiming for a hands-on experience that included walking the grid, observing pre-race preparations, and examining the IndyCar vehicles up close. This desire underscores his respect for the sport and curiosity about the crossover opportunities.
Concerns Over Driver Approval Standards Following YouTuber’s NASCAR Entry
On the same podcast, Hamlin also addressed concerns regarding NASCAR’s current driver approval process after Cleetus McFarland, a well-known YouTuber, secured a limited race deal with Richard Childress Racing. While acknowledging McFarland’s potential to draw broader attention to NASCAR, Hamlin cautioned that the standards for granting race entry should be more stringent to ensure safety and competitive integrity.
He cited McFarland’s debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Daytona as an example, noting the difficulties that arose during that race.
“I think that our approval process should be more tough than what it is. I think that there’s a certain standards that we need to hold to ourselves. Certainly in the Cup series now. He hasn’t we haven’t gone there yet, but like is is this is that where this is going?” Denny Hamlin asked (47:30 onwards).
“He is very humble when it comes to these opportunities that he’s that he’s getting. But I watched him in that truck race at Daytona and I’m I truthfully he was out of control.”
McFarland’s first Truck Series race at Daytona ended prematurely after he lost control of his No. 33 Chevrolet, causing a multi-vehicle crash and finishing in 37th place. Despite his humble attitude, Hamlin emphasized the need for NASCAR to carefully evaluate driver readiness before permitting them to compete, especially in highly competitive series.
The Broader Implications for NASCAR and Future Doubleheader Events
The crossover weekend at Phoenix demonstrated the appeal of hosting NASCAR and IndyCar events consecutively, offering fans the excitement of two leading motorsport series in one venue. Hamlin’s reflections reveal both the positives of such formats and the logistical and comfort challenges for fans and drivers alike. His comments on driver approval processes touch on the ongoing evolution of NASCAR as it balances fan interest with safety and performance standards.
Moving forward, Hamlin’s insights suggest that while crossover doubleheaders could grow in popularity, adjustments may be needed to enhance fan experiences and maintain rigorous standards for driver participation. His desire for fuller immersion during the IndyCar races might encourage future drivers to engage more deeply with multi-series events, potentially strengthening ties between racing communities.
