When it came to NASCAR’s new exemption rule for “world-class drivers,” Denny Hamlin didn’t mince words. When asked about the adjustment, the 23XI Racing co-owner and Joe Gibbs Racing star didn’t mince words, ensuring Helio Castroneves a place in the Daytona 500. Even if he doesn’t qualify on speed, the 49-year-old IndyCar icon will still be the 41st car in the field when he makes his NASCAR Cup Series debut with Trackhouse Racing. “I mean I just think it reeks of desperation,” Hamlin told the media prior to The Clash at Bowman Gray.There is no other way for me to put it. I’m not sure how kind you can truly be.
“You seem to be attempting to make any headline relevant, and I don’t appreciate that at all. It’s a short-term gain, long-term loss for me.In the United States, you are the top stock car series. the United States’ top racing series. Make the big boys come in here and demonstrate their qualifications in the proper manner. Following his availability to the media, Larson was asked by Express U.S. Sports what he thought of Hamlin’s remarks. Larson also stated that he is in support of encouraging drivers from other disciplines to test themselves in NASCAR, even if he acknowledged that his viewpoint differs from Hamlin’s because he does not own a team.
“I’m not sure,” Larson said. “He obviously comes from the ownership side, so as an owner, he will have strong opinions, but I don’t really have any.”In any case, I enjoy watching racers visit and participate in our NASCAR series. I believe that since the NextGen vehicle was introduced, there have been more drivers from all nations and backgrounds each year, which is fantastic for motorsports in general and NASCAR in particular. “Rarely, I feel like, are you ever going to run into that 41st entry deal aside from maybe the 500?” he said, adding that the scenario involving a 41st car, which might arise if Castroneves fails to qualify for the Daytona 500 on speed, is unlikely to happen frequently.
