Hamlin Calls Out Critics of NASCAR’s All-Star Format: ‘We Know It’s Coming’
Denny Hamlin has given his verdict on the new format for the upcoming All-Star race at North Wilkesboro.
The 23XI Racing co-owner and Joe Gibbs Racing driver acknowledged that while there are some “gimmicky” elements, “it could be worse.” He explained on the Actions Detrimental podcast (below):
“All-Star format’s okay,” Hamlin said in the episode that debuted in late April. “Does it have a gimmick in there? Yeah, but it’s not super gimmicky. I hear some people talk about, ‘Oh, this is just all we need is NASCAR to open up Pandora’s box. They can throw a caution whenever they want.’
“I mean, it could be worse. We know it’s coming, so you might as well just plan for it as a team, that if we don’t have a caution between Lap 175 and 220, they are going to throw a caution. So you might as well just bank on that.”
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
NASCAR All-Star: New Format
The new format will see the main race expand by 50 laps, from 200 to 250 laps, including a competition break near the 100-lap mark and the possibility for another.
A promoter’s caution flag could also mix the competition up. The flag would have to fly before the 220th lap, and cannot be used if a caution naturally happens after Lap 200.
2025 NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Friday, 16 May
4.30 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series – Pit Road Qualifying Entry/Exit Practice
5 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series – Practice
6 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series – Qualifying (All-Star Pit Crew Challenge)
Saturday, 17 May
5.10 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series – All-Star Race Heat No. 1
6.15 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series – All-Star Race Heat No. 2
Sunday, 18 May
5 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series – All-Star Open
8 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series – All-Star Race
John Probst, executive vice president and chief racing development officer commented on the new format:
“The NASCAR All-Star Race continues to evolve as one of the most fun and innovative events on our calendar.
“Returning to historic North Wilkesboro Speedway for the third year in a row allows us to honor our sport’s roots while pushing the envelope with fresh competitive elements. The introduction of the Manufacturer Showdown brings a new layer of intensity and pride for our OEM partners, and fans can expect even more strategy, teamwork and drama on race day.”
Sunday will feature the All-Star Open on FS1, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, and the All-Star Race, which will be show on FS1, Max, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
