April 11, 2025 — Mooresville, NC — Denny Hamlin isn’t holding back.
As the conversation around NASCAR’s engine package continues to heat up, the veteran driver and team co-owner is once again making headlines — this time with a clear message directed at the sanctioning body: “Give the people what they want.”
Hamlin’s remarks came during a recent media availability ahead of this weekend’s race at Bristol Motor Speedway, where the low-horsepower, high-downforce package is once again being used. The three-time Daytona 500 winner, known for his candor both on and off the track, didn’t mince words when asked about the state of racing in the Next Gen era.
“Look, I’ve said it before — we have the best drivers in the world, the best teams, the most passionate fans,” Hamlin said. “So why are we out here running around with engines that don’t let us race to our potential? The fans want throttle control, they want comers and goers, they want to see drivers wrestle the car. That doesn’t happen when we’re locked down and flat out in the corners. Give the people what they want.”
The current package used at most intermediate and short tracks features approximately 670 horsepower, down from the 750+ that was standard in previous years. While safety and competition parity were among the driving factors behind the change, many drivers — Hamlin chief among them — argue that the racing product has suffered.
On his Actions Detrimental podcast earlier this week, Hamlin doubled down, saying, “We’ve seen what racing looks like when horsepower is up — fans talk about it, we talk about it. The best moments are when you have to manage tires, throttle, and clean air all at once. That’s what made guys like Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, and Dale Earnhardt legends.”
Hamlin’s call isn’t just coming from a driver’s perspective — he’s also a co-owner of 23XI Racing, which fields competitive entries for Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. From that side of the garage, he’s keenly aware of the competitive and commercial implications of the current product.
“When you hear boos during a race, it’s not about who’s leading — it’s about how they’re leading. If the leader can’t be touched, fans tune out. NASCAR needs to hear that and react,” Hamlin said.
Fan reactions on social media suggest many agree. Posts tagging NASCAR with #MoreHorsepower and #LetThemDrive have picked up traction, especially after recent processional races where passing was minimal and strategy played second fiddle to track position.
NASCAR, for its part, has acknowledged the ongoing feedback and says it is “actively evaluating” engine and aero packages for future seasons. Officials have not made any commitments regarding changes, but industry insiders suggest that a potential increase in horsepower for select races in 2026 is at least on the table.
For now, though, Hamlin and others continue to push the issue.
“Fans aren’t asking for much,” he said. “They just want racing that keeps them on the edge of their seat. That’s what built this sport — and that’s what will keep it strong. So let’s do it. Let’s give them what they want.”
#NASCAR | #DennyHamlin | #MoreHorsepower | #LetThemDrive | #ActionsDetrimental
