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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

In a recent podcast featuring Denny Hamlin and Jared, the topic of discussion revolved around NASCAR’s decision to hold a NASCAR Cup Series street race in Chicago amidst challenging weather conditions. Hamlin, the circuit’s inaugural pole winner, did not hold back his criticism, expressing his concerns about the safety of drivers on the track. While he applauded NASCAR’s efforts, he strongly denounced the organization for pushing drivers into “unsafe” situations.

NASCAR’s Unwise Decision Amidst Challenging Weather

During the podcast, Denny Hamlin elaborated on the tweet he posted prior to the start of the race. He explained that his tweet was a direct response to the situation unfolding at the racetrack. When the rain poured down, the track became inundated with water. Despite these hazardous conditions, NASCAR officials were still insisting that the race would proceed as scheduled.

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Hamlin expressed his astonishment and concern at the decision-making process, questioning how the officials could declare that everything was on time and that the drivers should be ready to start the race. He described the heavy rain as a “monsoon,” emphasizing the severity of the downpour. In his view, it was simply not appropriate or safe for the drivers to be out on the track under such extreme weather conditions.

“That’s why I mentioned or said what I did in the tweet before we actually did get started when it was downpour rain. I mean, there was a foot of water on the racetrack, and they’re saying be ready. Everything’s on time, like we’re in driver intros, and it’s just a monsoon. I mean, it’s terrible,” Hamlin said in the podcast.

He criticized NASCAR’s optimism and persistence in pushing forward with the race, suggesting that a desire to maintain viewer engagement might motivate them. Ultimately, Hamlin’s statement underscores the need for NASCAR to prioritize its drivers’ safety. And ensure access to appropriate measures and address track conditions before making critical decisions.

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The Need for Transparency and Safety: Driver Safety Should Be the Top Priority

Hamlin voiced his concerns about the lack of transparency regarding track conditions and the decision-making process. According to his belief, NASCAR should have been honest with the drivers and communicated clearly whether the race would proceed.

“I wish they were transparent, saying, ‘Hey guys, we will not go until the track is ready to go.’ Yeah, but I don’t think they were confident probably in saying that because I think they were trying to get that thing in at all costs,” Hamlin stated.

Hamlin highlighted the discrepancy between the optimistic announcements from NASCAR and the reality of the situation. He speculated that NASCAR’s determination to proceed with the race, even in unsafe conditions, might have been driven by a desire to keep viewers engaged.

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“They’re just relentless in their optimism. I don’t know if it’s optimism or just trying to get the people to stay on the TV a little bit longer before they call it. Everyone in the drivers’ lounge had heard that they were going to call it,” Hamlin remarked.

Despite NASCAR’s insistence on starting the race, Hamlin remained skeptical about the decision. He pointed out that the track conditions were far from ideal. Standing water is likely to pose a serious risk to drivers. Although the rain stopped briefly, Hamlin observed inadequate drainage, leaving the track drenched and unsafe.

“I look at the streets, and I’m like, damn, it’s all wet. It was just gone. It was all gone. The drainage was unbelievable,” Hamlin recalled.

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Denny Hamlin’s criticism of NASCAR’s decision to force drivers into unsafe situations shows the need for prioritization of driver safety. While applauding NASCAR’s efforts, Hamlin emphasized the importance of transparency and proper assessment of track conditions before proceeding with races. Moreover, as the sport moves forward, ensuring the well-being of drivers should remain paramount.

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