
via Getty
BRISTOL, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 17: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, is introduced prior to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 17, 2019 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

via Getty
BRISTOL, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 17: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, is introduced prior to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 17, 2019 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
To maintain the relevance of any sport, it is bound to experiment. With time, each and every basic element sheds its traditional outlook and evolves to suit popular opinions. And the world of NASCAR is no exception. As the NBA announced a new in-season tournament on Saturday, a sense of inquisitiveness sparked in Denny Hamlin.
There have been numerous instances where different disciplines have revealed different formats. These formats not only fetch higher viewership rates but also help maintain exclusivity among fans. Moreover, the players are also in for hefty prize money for their remarkable performances.
And walking in the same direction, the No. 11 Toyota Camry driver, Denny Hamlin, was once again seen proposing his idea of asking his fans’ opinions on competing for prize money like the NBA.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Denny Hamlin’s idea to make NASCAR more dynamic
The newly formed in-season tournament that the NBA unveiled, is the realization of Adam Silver’s most coveted dream that he had envisioned and wanted to come to fruition. This new format would reflect the nuances and incorporation of European Cup-style competitions into the sport.
The new in-season tournament hinges on a whopping budget pool of $18 million, out of which the players from the winning team would take $500,000 home. With the announcement of the new format, it seems that Joe Gibbs Racing driver, Denny Hamlin has been struck with a new idea, as he posted a cryptic message on Twitter. He wrote, “So the NBA is doing an in-season tournament… I wonder if that’s possible in @NASCAR.”
However, it is not the first time that Hamlin has proposed the concept of an in-season tournament. In an episode of Action Detrimental, the co-owner of 23XI Racing pitched the idea of a five-week-long mid-season tournament, where the top 32 drivers would compete for prize money of $3 million. However, the plan never saw the light of day, but with the announcement made by the NBA, the proposition might fetch a glance from the authorities.
So @NBA doing a in-season tournament… I wonder if that’s possible in @NASCAR 😁. #bracketchallenge
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) July 8, 2023
Watch this Story: Bubba Wallace Reveals His Secret Passion Outside Of Racing As Him and Wife Return From Hawaii
Trending
Fans put forward their ideas on Twitter to support Denny Hamlin’s plan
As Denny Hamlin proposed the plan, it seemed that fans were ecstatic with the proposition, as they tried to pour in more ideas to the proposed idea.
Many wrote, “Maybe do it with Darlington, Willsboro, Charlotte, and throw in maybe Rockingham, and boom you got the Carolina duels and you can run a couple of those races during the week, maybe gets y’all more off time during that time.”
“It would make it so competitive and engaging not just for the drivers but for the fans as well. That’s what brings in a common audience.”
“Split the season into an oval & road course season, award 2 different in season champions with playoff bonus pts and then run a 5 race playoff similar to current but guys having the ability to qualify from either season. Reduce the field in the playoff races to playoff cars only.”
They should guarantee the tournament winner a wild card spot (depending on when in the season it is) but this would be a much better concept than an all star game/race
— Billy Beard (@BillyBeard28) July 9, 2023
Others also commented, “It would make it so competitive and engaging not just for the drivers but for the fans as well. That’s what brings in a common audience.”
“I like the idea. Let’s switch shit up. Let’s make Nascar Great Again.”
could be a stretch but you could do similar to dash for cash or through 4 races take top 20 from the initial race and eliminate 5 of the lowest finishing drivers until you get the last 5 and highest winner in final race wins
— R Dubs (@notmyaccount77) July 9, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While these are just the personal opinions of the driver himself, it would surely be interesting if NASCAR gave the proposed plan consideration. This would surely increase the depth of the sport, or, as many fans believe, it would reclaim the old glory of NASCAR.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT