
via Getty
HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 23: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Ground Toyota, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Dixie Vodka 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 23, 2022 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

via Getty
HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 23: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Ground Toyota, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Dixie Vodka 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 23, 2022 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series driver, and co-owner of the 23XI Racing team, made a shocking revelation on the recent episode of his “Actions Detrimental” podcast. According to Hamlin, there are “rumors” that NASCAR is exploring grooved tires, which could make the cars feel “out of control” by reducing grip on the track. And let’s just say that NASCAR fans did not take this development lightly.
The idea of grooved tires is not new to the world of motorsports. Formula 1 cars can be seen sporting grooved tires when running in the rain or on a damp track. According to Hamlin, this move could be a way for NASCAR to add more excitement and unpredictability to the sport.

USA Today via Reuters
Feb 19, 2023; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA;NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) during driver introductions before the start of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
This has caused quite a stir among fans who have taken to social media platforms to express their opinions.
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Reddit users express differing opinions on NASCAR’s rumored decision
One Reddit user voiced his support for the move, saying, “NASCAR and the race teams dying on the hill of not adding horsepower is incredible.”
According to Denny Hamlin on Actions Detrimental [43:50 mark], NASCAR is exploring "Grooved Tires" in order to make cars more "out of control". from NASCAR
However, other fans quickly pointed out that it may not be that simple. Someone said, “I thought it was the manufacturers (so in this case Toyota since they’re the only ones that build engines for their teams) that originally wanted less horsepower back when they went down to 750?”
Read More: “Such a Detrimental Performance”—Denny Hamlin Reveals the Ugly “Mess” Bubba Wallace Got Caught Up In
Regardless of the potential challenges, fans seem excited about the possibility of grooved tires. A user shared insights on the history of grooved tires in Formula One, saying, “F1 ran grooved tires in the late 90s [….] NASCAR teams won’t have the free reign of aero development like F1 does, so that wouldn’t be a concern. But I’m sure they’d find something to negate the loss of mechanical grip…”
Here are some more reactions from the fans:
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While grooved tires could make for more exciting races, there are also concerns about safety. It is unclear how NASCAR plans to implement this change, and fans are eagerly waiting for updates from the organization. One thing is for sure, though, the potential addition of grooved tires has definitely got the NASCAR community talking.
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As the NASCAR season continues, fans will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on any developments regarding grooved tires. Only time will tell if this move will become a reality.
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