WATCH: Denny Hamlin claims Phoenix might be “paying NASCAR” to keep season finale in the city

Denny Hamlin makes some bold claims about Phoenix extending NASCAR season finale deal.

WATCH: Denny Hamlin claims Phoenix might be “paying NASCAR” to keep season finale in the city

Denny Hamlin and Chris Gabehart (Via IMAGO)

Since NASCAR moved the season finales from Homestead Miami to Phoenix Raceway, the fans have been really unhappy about it. The finale has often failed to live up to the expectations after the change and there have been demands to change the track. But it’s isn’t going anyway as it was recently announced that Phoenix will be the track to host the final in the 2025 season as well.

Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin had recently addressed the announcement via his podcast Action Detrimental and had some bold comments to make. He theorized that the City of Phoenix or the state of Arizona might be paying NASCAR to keep the races in the track. The three times Daytona 500 winner seems really convinced about his theory.

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It sounds like, to me, that Phoenix is paying NASCAR. I mean, we don’t see any of that, but it sounds like Phoenix, the state or the city — I know Phoenix is not a state, it’s in Arizona. But I believe they’re paying NASCAR for it to be there.
Denny Hamlin said via Action Detrimental.

The No:11 Toyota Camry driver reckons just like NFL getting financial benefits from certain cities to host, NASCAR is getting the same from Phoenix. So it’s a no brainer for the sanctioning body to avoid some of the complaints and host race in the city.

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Denny Hamlin believes it makes perfect sense for NASCAR to choose Phoenix

While further talking about the topic, Hamlin pointed out that Phoenix is a great sports town for NASCAR as every race there is sold out and the fans are among the best in the whole country. So, considering all this, NASCAR can afford to ignore the slight drop in race product.

Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin (Credits: IMAGO)

It’s a great sports town. There’s so much to do around the racetrack itself. Add on the fact that they’re probably getting millions from the state or the city, it makes perfect sense for NASCAR.

Denny Hamlin said.

The theory from Denny Hamlin seems to be holding some ground as the city can have a lot of economic benefit from hosting the race at Phoenix. If the race can be made better by making changes with tiers, it would be good for the sport to keep hosting finale at Phoenix, but if the racing can’t be made better there, it isn’t a wise call to continue hosting finale there.

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