Days after Denny Hamlin’s desperate plea to NASCAR to increase the horsepower in cars, two of his competitors, Christopher Bell and Chase Elliott, have added more bad news for the #11 driver. In interviews, both Bell and Elliott expressed their doubts about the effectiveness of increasing horsepower in making passing easier.
Christopher Bell and Chase Elliott shut down Denny Hamlin’s Plea
Christopher Bell, the driver of the No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, shared his thoughts on Hamlin’s recent plea to NASCAR. In an interview, Bell said, “I mean, everything I’ve been told is ‘no no no no no’ period. I don’t know about you, Chase, but.”
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Bell’s comment reflects the general consensus among drivers that NASCAR is unlikely to increase horsepower anytime soon.
Chase Elliott also shared his thoughts, saying, “Yeah, I don’t see it happening”
“I mean the problem is you know the drivers say one thing & they have engine shops and budgets & things you know, I don’t really see where having a little more horsepower is gonna change the bottom line personally.”
“But I don’t work in that department so maybe it does but to me if you’re increasing your entertainment value on track, it might be worth a little extra on the bottom line to benefit everybody.”
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Elliott’s answer highlights an important point – that increasing horsepower might not necessarily lead to better racing. Therefore, while Hamlin’s plea to NASCAR might be well-intentioned, it might not be the most effective solution to the problem of difficult passing.
NASCAR Champion Slams Hamlin Amid Plea For More Horsepower
This comes days after Dale Jarrett, a renowned NASCAR analyst for NBC and 1999 Winston Cup Series Champion, criticized the #11 driver’s plea for more horsepower to increase passing opportunities during races. Denny Hamlin expressed his frustration on his popular podcast after experiencing difficulties making passes during the recent Martinsville race.
He said, “Is it worth it, to try and get a million dollars less engine bill? Are you willing to give up, what we’re giving up for our on-track product? I just don’t think that it’s worth it. The engine bills have not gone down, since we were running 900 horsepower, it was the same”
“You got to give us some horsepower back.”
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However, Jarrett pointed out that Martinsville has its unique challenges, and simply increasing horsepower is not the solution to the problem.
via Imago ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 18: Denny Hamlin 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Shingrix Toyota watches the action on the jumbo tron screen during qualfying for the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Ambetter Health 400 on March 18, 2023 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, GA. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: MAR 18 NASCAR Cup Series Ambetter Health 400 Icon2303180707400
According to Jarrett, the key to success at Martinsville is not just about having the most horsepower. Instead, it’s about understanding how to translate speed into adaptability during competition and creating passing opportunities.
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While Hamlin’s plea for more horsepower may not have gotten a positive response, it certainly sparked a conversation among drivers, new and old. What do you think? Will NASCAR heed what Hamlin had to say?