Denny Hamlin considers NASCAR turning All-Star Weekend into points-paying race

Sunday’s NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway was generally well-received. The once defunct racetrack, repaved in November 2023, is quickly getting better with age.

Now, there’s a push from drivers and fans alike to see North Wilkesboro host an official Cup Series points race — 400 laps in the middle of the day. But one driver isn’t completely on board, yet. Denny Hamlin said on Monday’s “Actions Detrimental” podcast that there’s more hype around North Wilkesboro because it hosts All-Star Weekend. He wonders if it would be the same if it were a normal points race.

“I just think from a hype standpoint, you’re going to get more hype for something called an All-Star Weekend than you are a regular season race at North Wilkesboro,” Hamlin said. “It doesn’t make it a big event because you decide to pay points.”

Sunday’s 250-lap, $1 million exhibition featured 18 lead changes. Multiple lanes of racing created more passing opportunities. There was an exciting finish, in which Christopher Bell outdueled Joey Logano for the win.

All-Star Weekend at North Wilkesboro delivers

North Wilkesboro had it all. Bell made quite a statement after his victory.

“North Wilkesboro — best short track on the schedule,” he told Jamie Little of FOX Sports.

That’s a big statement, with popular tracks such as Bristol Motor Speedway and Martinsville Speedway on the schedule. But Bell wasn’t alone in thinking North Wilkesboro belonged on a bigger stage.

“I think it deserves it,” Alex Bowman said. “I’m sure it has its challenges to pull it off, but it’s a great racetrack. It’s got a great vibe, and it’s a special place.”

Hamlin, however, has his doubts. He isn’t sure if the intensity would be the same over the course of 400 laps, as it was for All-Star Weekend.

“I think it’s a thought that’s getting embedded into people’s brains, but you’re not gonna see anything different putting all the cars out there,” Hamlin said. “Now you got 400 laps, the intensity is probably a little less. I don’t know. Sure, let’s do it, but let’s take off another racetrack. Don’t add more, that’s for sure. We’ve got enough.”