Denis Hamlin is more than categorical on the fact that NASCAR expected to increase horsepower in the Cup Series in the future.
The question has divided drivers, fans and sports officials since the advent of the Next Gen car. Many believe that adding horsepower would put more emphasis on the drivers, something many have been calling for over the past two seasons.
General Manager of the NASCAR Cup Series Brad Moran even addressed the issue during an appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radiowhere he explained that NASCAR was studying the issue and that this could be a change coming, but it would have a major ripple effect, including dissuading new manufacturers from joining the sport.
Nonetheless, Hamlin believes it’s the right thing to do moving forward, and he called NASCAR to see how it works, even if it’s just a practice session, via the last episode of his Harmful actions podcast.
“I understand what people want. I understand what NASCAR wants. I wish we could meet in the middle,” Hamlin said. “We don’t need to get 900 horses back. I mean, that would be nice, but those days are gone. I think in the short term I would definitely like to see him try. Try it, in a test.
Continuing, Hamlin believes the change would help solve NASCAR’s star-making problem, as it would allow drivers like Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney and Christopher Bell to truly demonstrate why they are the best in the sport.
“I mean, we know what it’s going to do. It would definitely, in my opinion, put the driver’s skills more on display,” Hamlin explained. “If we want to create stars, the stars are the ones that are good week in and week out. The Kyle Larson of the world. The Ryan Blaneys of the world. The Christopher Bells of the world. They’re just finding ways to win week in and week out and be competitive because they’re just better drivers. That’s just the fact. So we want to highlight their skills, not their position on the track. »
Hamlin is right, as there should be more emphasis on driver talent, rather than who can stay out front the longest. While there is talent in this area, to some extent, it’s not what fans pay money to see week in and week out.
Regardless, it remains a fascinating topic of conversation, one on which Denny Hamlin certainly has his allies. We’ll see if NASCAR decides to make a change in the future on this matter.
