Denny Hamlin Declares NASCAR Has “Too Many Races in the Schedule”

Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin has shared his thoughts the issues with the NASCAR Cup Series schedule after Richmond race.

Denny Hamlin Declares NASCAR Has “Too Many Races in the Schedule”

Denny Hamlin (Via IMAGO)

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The NASCAR Cup Series race last weekend at Richmond Raceway was impressive, with Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Dillon securing an impressive redemption win. Witnessing the great race product, questions were raised over why the track only has one race. Now JGR veteran Denny Hamlin has explained why it’s a good thing and reveals the issue with the sport’s schedule.

In the past, when the track had two Cup dates, the fan turn around wasn’t what NASCAR expected and now with is being a one of event a year, the turn around has increased. On his podcast Denny Hamlin explained that considering the cost of watching a race live, fans usually chose to skip one of the two event or both.

I mean, let’s be honest, it doesn’t matter what sporting event you go to, it costs money to go. When you have the option to have multiple times to go, what happens usually is you skip the first, ‘I’ll go get the next one.’ Then, something comes up before the next one, you don’t end up going at all.

Denny Hamlin said via Actions Detrimental podcast.

When the sport is exclusive, and there one event a year for the fans to attend, the demand increases in the market. With having just one date on the Cup schedule, Richmond now has that market attraction factor due to scarcity of the product that has been created. Hamlin believes this is working pretty well in favor for the track.

As a sports person for me, I know when something comes in to town once, that’s my opportunity. Block it off, don’t plan anything else, because I don’t have another option. So, I think that there’s something to that, and it seems like the tracks with one date? It’s working out for them.

Denny Hamlin added.

Further talking about the point, Denny Hamlin argued that the change in market condition proves that there are too many races in the NASCAR schedule and the market saturation needs to stopped. In order to make the fans more interested, the sport should reduce the 38 race schedule (36 point paying + 2 exhibition) significantly.

I think it’s another example that we have too many races in our schedule. We’re just over-saturating the market. We’re trying to come up with new tracks and things like that, but it’s just — certainly (there shouldn’t be) 36 or 38 (races). I just think that there’s something to making the people want it, instead of just always giving it to them whenever they want it.

Denny Hamlin declared.

Denny Hamlin was heartbroken when Richmond lost a race date in 2025

In the same conversation, the Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin explained how he felt when Richmond lost its second race date. He admitted that he felt heart broken, as the city has always been one of his best and a place where he cherishes the opportunity to race. It was in his top-5 alongside Greensboro and Indy.

Denny Hamlin and Chris Gabehart (Via IMAGO)
Denny Hamlin and Chris Gabehart (Via IMAGO)

It broke my heart that they lost one of their dates. (But Saturday) was a good crowd turn out. It’s so interesting, because Richmond is always one of our top-five cities that people watch us. It’s one of the higher-rated cities. It’s always like, Greensboro, Richmond, Indy — something like that, is our kind of our top five. But they didn’t come to the track.

Denny Hamlin said.

This comment proves Denny Hamlin has genuine point regarding how having limited races is going to make the sports betters. The 36 races are too much, for the fans as well as the teams. Reducing it can benefit everyone involved, but it might not be possible considering there is a seven-year media deal is in place and the broadcaster has major decision-making power.

Also Read: Mark Martin Declares NASCAR Has “Alienated Classic Fans”