Denny Hamlin Has Surprising Reaction To NASCAR's All-Star Format

The 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race is set to take place in North Wilkesboro, NC this weekend and Denny Hamlin has some thoughts on the event's new format.

This year's All-Star celebration will feature several new changes — most of which the three-time Daytona 500 winner doesn't seem to mind.

"All-Star format's OK," Hamlin said on his "Actions Detrimental" podcast. "Does it have a gimmick in there? Yeah, but it's not super gimmicky. I hear some people talk about, 'Oh, this is just all we need is NASCAR to open up Pandora's box. They can throw a caution whenever they want.'"

"I mean, it could be worse," he admitted. "We know it's coming, so you might as well just plan for it as a team, that if we don't have a caution between Lap 175 and 220, they are going to throw a caution. So you might as well just bank on that."

NASCAR's All-Star Race has also been expanded this season to 250 laps instead of the customary 200 and will feature a competition break around the 100-lap mark; as well as an all-new Manufacturer Showdown between the Chevy, Ford and Toyota teams.

“The NASCAR All-Star Race continues to evolve as one of the most fun and innovative events on our calendar," NASCAR EVP and chief racing development officer John Probst, said in a statement.

"Returning to historic North Wilkesboro Speedway for the third year in a row allows us to honor our sport's roots while pushing the envelope with fresh competitive elements. The introduction of the Manufacturer Showdown brings a new layer of intensity and pride for our OEM partners, and fans can expect even more strategy, teamwork and drama on race day."