Published 02/08/2023, 5:30 AM EST
There have been a slew of rule changes for the upcoming 2023 season in NASCAR. Denny Hamlin recently expressed his thoughts on the recent rule changes in NASCAR, calling them a suitable compromise. However, he also demanded that Tony Stewart should apologize after his comments that led to a certain rule change.
During his ‘Actions Detrimental’ podcast, Hamlin specifically addressed the change in the rule regarding the suspension of crew chiefs. Regarding the case where a wheel is lost during a race. Previously, the crew chief would face a four-race suspension. However, the punishment has now been altered based on where the wheel is lost (on the pit road or on the racetrack). Hamlin believes that losing a wheel is its own deterrent. As it negatively impacts the team’s performance.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JULY 25: Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Mobil 1/Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Crown Royal Presents the Jeff Kyle 400 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 25, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
Comments made by Stewart prompted the rule change. He had claimed that teams were intentionally putting on two or three lug nuts instead of the required one. Hamlin then added, “So I always say, I just wish Tony would go there and say I apologize.”
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Moreover, the drivers have been discussing why the rule change is not being applied on road courses and if it should be implemented everywhere. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver believes that the issue will be resolved soon.
Denny Hamlin appreciates the Superspeedway rule
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The rule change that allows drivers to choose their starting position in the front row during superspeedway races particularly pleased Hamlin.
BRISTOL, TN – SEPTEMBER 17: Denny Hamlin (#11 Joe Gibbs Racing FedEx Ground Toyota) looks on during the running of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Bass Pro Shops Night Race on September 17, 2022, at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, TN. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Hamlin mentioned that he lost the 2018 Daytona 500 due to choosing the wrong lane. Which went against his usual strategy. He believes that the change is good, but notes that superspeedway cars are not very agile, making it difficult for drivers to maneuver quickly.
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He predicted that someone may get caught out-of-bounds because of the slow steering rack of superspeedway cars. Hopefully, with the addition of all these new rules, the racing keeps on improving. Moreover, this could in turn benefit Hamlin as well. We wish to see Hamlin having a rather successful season this year. Maybe even clench that championship. He has been waiting for so long.