Denny Hamlin’s bitter verdict on All-Star Race: “No team is gonna sign up to voluntarily lose millions of dollars”

A recent video shared by Dirty Mo Media showed Denny Hamlin delivering a blunt critique of the financial and technical demands of the NASCAR All-Star Race. In the clip, Hamlin explains why his team, 23XI Racing, finds the current All-Star Race setup unreasonable, especially under the latest format changes.

The video was posted by Dirty Mo Media on their official X account. The caption read,

“Is the All-Star Race format worth it for the teams? 💰”

Denny Hamlin broke down why the All-Star Race isn’t feasible for teams like 23XI. He says that to prepare a car for this event, his team would have to,

“We are going to destroy three of our cars to build this car.” [0:07]

The All-Star Race rules allow teams to modify next-gen parts freely, creating a car that can’t be used in any other race. According to Hamlin, these modifications make the vehicle illegal for other tracks. The cost of building such a one-off car exceeds $300,000, with no return unless the team wins. Even then, the $1 million prize isn’t enough to offset the loss.

“Trust me as a fan and a driver I wish we could do it, but under the parameters that were set, it’s not feasible. And no team is gonna sign up to voluntarily lose millions of dollars.” [0:58 onwards]

Denny Hamlin’s criticism ties directly to the expanded 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race format, announced by NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports. The race, scheduled for May 18 at North Wilkesboro Speedway, now features a 250-lap main event—50 laps longer than in previous years. Other additions include a new promoter’s caution rule, manufacturer competition, and an extended Pit Crew Challenge.

Unlike standard points races, the All-Star Race is a one-off, non-points event. This means teams spend heavily with little long-term benefit. Under current rules, eligible drivers include those who’ve won races in 2024–2025, previous All-Star winners, and past Cup Series champions—Denny Hamlin among them.

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Denny Hamlin blames Ross Chastain for ruining his race finish

In another recent race moment, Denny Hamlin found himself expressing frustration over Ross Chastain’s on-track tactics at Talladega Superspeedway. During the final laps of the Jack Link’s 500, Hamlin accused Chastain of halting his momentum, derailing a potential top-ten finish for him.

After the final pit stop, Hamlin rejoined the track but quickly fell behind due to a draft-blocking move by Chastain. While Carson Hocevar, also exiting pit road, managed to squeeze past Chastain and Cody Ware, Hamlin got stuck behind the No. 1 Chevrolet. The move broke the momentum of the Toyota group, who could not make up ground in the two-wide traffic that followed. Speaking after the race, Denny Hamlin spoke to NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass about the move that cost him critical spots.

“Certainly the one [Chastain] making a move there to kind of wreck us was not ideal but I mean he’s trying to do everything he can to stop the run. It’s just the variance of speed there was crazy.” (0:14 onwards)

In the end, Hamlin finished the 188-lap race in 21st place—one position behind Ross Chastain. The poor finish pushed Hamlin down to third in the overall standings.