The acquired loads of criticism from drivers and followers, however certainly race winner Denny Hamlin was proud of the occasion at , proper? Improper.
Even after cashing a $1 million test by dominating the ultimate phase of the , Hamlin had a number of concepts about how one can enhance the NASCAR All-Star Race.
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included a suggestion to find a brand new venue for the race and instructed Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.
Speedway Motorsports is with Nashville leaders to renovate the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway and convey NASCAR’s prime tier again to the 0.596-mile oval for the primary time since 1984.
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
DOVER, DELAWARE – MAY 17: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Insurance coverage Toyota, poses with the a million greenback test in victory lane after successful the NASCAR Cup Sequence All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway on Could 17, 2026 in Dover, Delaware. (Photograph by Sean Gardner/Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
DOVER, DELAWARE – MAY 17: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Insurance coverage Toyota, poses with the a million greenback test in victory lane after successful the NASCAR Cup Sequence All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway on Could 17, 2026 in Dover, Delaware. (Photograph by Sean Gardner/Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 15: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Yahoo! Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after successful the NASCAR Cup Sequence Pennzoil 400 offered by Jiffy Lube at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 15, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photograph by Chris Graythen/Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 15: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Yahoo! Toyota, celebrates together with his mom, Mary Lou Hamlin after successful the NASCAR Cup Sequence Pennzoil 400 offered by Jiffy Lube at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 15, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photograph by Sean Gardner/Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Nov 2, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Sequence driver Denny Hamlin (11) reacts after climnbing out of his automobile following the NASCAR Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photos
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
NASCAR Driver Denny Hamlin (L) and spouse Jordan Fish depart the Charles R Jonas Federal Constructing on Dec. 1, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jury choice and a gap assertion started an antitrust lawsuit filed by Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing workforce in opposition to NASCAR.
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
PHOENIX, ARIZONA РNOVEMBER 04: NASCAR Cup Sequence driver, Denny Hamlin his fianc̩ Jordan Fish and daughter Taylor Hamlin pose for a photograph on the purple carpet through the 2025 NASCAR Awards Present at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa on November 04, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photograph by Chris Graythen/Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 02: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Toyota, and Jordan Fish embrace on the grid after the NASCAR Cup Sequence Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 02, 2025 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photograph by James Gilbert/Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates in victory lane after successful the NASCAR Cup Sequence playoff race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Oct. 12, 2025.
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 12: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 ampm Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after successful the NASCAR Cup Sequence South Level 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 12, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photograph by Logan Riely/Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
MADISON, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 07: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Toyota, exits his automobile after successful the NASCAR Cup Sequence Get pleasure from Illinois 300 at WWT Raceway on September 07, 2025 in Madison, Illinois. (Photograph by Sean Gardner/Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Sep 7, 2025; Madison, Illinois, USA; NASCAR Cup Sequence driver Denny Hamlin (11) hosts the trophy after successful the Get pleasure from Illinois 300 at World Large Expertise Raceway. Obligatory Credit score: Joe Puetz-Imagn Photos
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates in victory lane after successful the NASCAR Cup Sequence AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 at Dover Motor Speedway on July 20, 2025.
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Jul 20, 2025; Dover, Delaware, USA; NASCAR Cup Sequence driver Denny Hamlin (11) celebrates after successful the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 at Dover Motor Speedway. Obligatory Credit score: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Photos
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
BROOKLYN, MICHIGAN – JUNE 08: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Yahoo! Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after successful the NASCAR Cup Sequence FireKeepers On line casino 400 at Michigan Worldwide Speedway on June 08, 2025 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photograph by Chris Graythen/Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
BROOKLYN, MICHIGAN – JUNE 08: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Yahoo! Toyota, celebrates with the checkered flag after successful the NASCAR Cup Sequence FireKeepers On line casino 400 at Michigan Worldwide Speedway on June 08, 2025 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photograph by Chris Graythen/Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA – MARCH 30: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after successful the NASCAR Cup Sequence Cook dinner Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway on March 30, 2025 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photograph by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA – MARCH 30: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Toyota, celebrates after successful the NASCAR Cup Sequence Cook dinner Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway on March 30, 2025 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photograph by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA – MARCH 30: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Toyota, celebrates with a burnout after successful the NASCAR Cup Sequence Cook dinner Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway on March 30, 2025 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photograph by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 12: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Nationwide Debt Aid Toyota speaks to the media throughout Media Day for the NASCAR Daytona 500 at Daytona Worldwide Speedway on February 12, 2025 in Daytona Seashore, Florida. (Photograph by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Denny Hamlin appears on earlier than the CFP Nationwide Championship school soccer recreation at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photos
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Nov 22, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; NASCAR Cup Sequence driver Denny Hamlin (11) through the NASCAR Awards Banquet at Charlotte Conference Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Photos
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA – NOVEMBER 02: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx One Price Toyota, and JGR workforce proprietor and NASCAR Corridor of Famer, Joe Gibbs speak within the storage space after an on-track incident throughout apply for the NASCAR Cup Sequence Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway on November 02, 2024 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photograph by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA – OCTOBER 06: Co-owners of 23XI Racing, Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx One Price Toyota, and NBA Corridor of Famer, Michael Jordan speak on the grid after the NASCAR Cup Sequence YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on October 06, 2024 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photograph by Chris Graythen/Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Aug 11, 2024; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Sequence driver Denny Hamlin (11) wrecks after the end of the race through the Cook dinner Out 400 at Richmond Raceway. Obligatory Credit score: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports activities
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Apr 28, 2024; Dover, Delaware, USA; NASCAR Cup Sequence driver Denny Hamlin celebrates in victory lane after successful the Wurth 400 at Dover Motor Speedway. Obligatory Credit score: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports activities
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Mar 31, 2024; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Sequence driver Denny Hamlin (11) celebrates successful the Toyota House owners 400 at Richmond Raceway. Obligatory Credit score: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports activities
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Mar 31, 2024; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Sequence driver Denny Hamlin (11) celebrates after successful the Toyota House owners 400 at Richmond Raceway. Obligatory Credit score: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports activities
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Feb 3, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; NASCAR Cup Sequence driver Denny Hamlin (11) celebrates his victory of the Busch Gentle Conflict at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Obligatory Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports activities
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish poses on the purple carpet for the 2023 NASCAR Awards Banquet on the Music Metropolis Middle in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023.
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Sept. 16: Denny Hamlin celebrates after successful the Bass Professional Retailers Evening Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
NASCAR Cup Sequence driver Denny Hamlin (11) makes his means onto the monitor Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023, forward of the Verizon 200 on the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates after successful the 2022 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates after successful the AdventHealth 400, Sunday at Kansas Speedway.
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Bubba Wallace, left, with driver and workforce proprietor Denny Hamlin at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Could 28, 2022.
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
NASCAR Cup Sequence driver Denny Hamlin (11) exits his automobile after a second climate delay through the Ally 400 on the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 26, 2022.
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates in victory lane after successful the Toyota House owners 400 at Richmond Raceway.
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin drives through the NASCAR Burnouts on Broadway occasion on Decrease Broadway in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021.
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Sept 5: Denny Hamlin celebrates after successful the Cook dinner Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates at Texas Motor Speedway in 2019.
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin reacts as he holds a lobster successful at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2017.
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin, the two-time defending Daytona 500 champion, gained the primary stage of the rain-delayed 2021 race Sunday Feb. 14, 2021, at Daytona Worldwide Speedway.
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates successful the 2020 Daytona 500.
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Alabama soccer announcer Eli Gold, left, talks with NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin at The Locker Room close to campus Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2013. Talladega Superspeedway launched two NASCAR Faculty Packages on the College of Alabama and Auburn College.Prizes got out on the occasion and driver Denny Hamlin gave choose college students rides to class all through the day. The primary 100 college students gained unique celebration passes to a hospitality space within the infield at Talladege for the upcoming Tenting World RV Gross sales 500 and a seat on a constitution bus to convey them to the monitor on race day. workers picture | Dusty Compton
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates in victory lane after successful Saturday’s NASCAR Cup Sequence race at Dover Worldwide Speedway.
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
June 6, 2011 – Denny Hamlin watches his second shot on the par 4 second gap on the FESJC Danny Thomas Professional Am at TPC Southwind. He made par on the outlet.
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Sep 3, 2017; Darlington, SC, USA; Monster Power NASCAR Cup Sequence driver Denny Hamlin (11) celebrates successful the Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.
“If I’m Steve O’Donnell, CEO of NASCAR proper now, I’m contacting SMI (Speedway Motorsports) and saying, all proper, let’s do no matter we have to do to run this in Nashville Fairgrounds on Saturday evening subsequent 12 months,” Hamlin stated on his weekly podcast, . “It must be at evening. I feel it must be on a Saturday evening, and it must be on a shorter monitor.”
Different NASCAR Cup drivers over the previous couple of years have additionally stated they want to see NASCAR return to the Nashville brief monitor. That features Dale Earnhardt Jr., who ran a at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway in April.
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Denny Hamlin was not in favor of taking factors race from Dover
Hamlin, winner of 61 profession Cup races, was solely revving up together with his suggestion to maneuver the NASCAR All-Star Race to Nashville.
He was not proud of the exhibition race being moved to Dover Motor Speedway, which meant eradicating a factors race on the NASCAR schedule from that venue for the primary time in its 58-year historical past.
“It stinks, proper?” Hamlin advised reporters after the race on Could 17. “I positively desire Dover as a factors race. There is no different monitor like this on our schedule. It is so distinctive, and it requires such a singular fashion of driving − far completely different than any oval that we go to. You may’t lose tracks like this in our factors schedule. I am a fan of this place.”
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Why Denny Hamlin needs NASCAR All-Star Race at evening
Most NASCAR All-Star Races since its inception in 1985 have been at evening.
NASCAR ALL-STAR RACE LOST ITS IDENTITY:
The 2026 race began at midday CT as a result of Dover Motor Speedway doesn’t have lights.
Hamlin did not take care of the time or the day of the week of the race both.
“It must be at evening,” Hamlin stated. “I feel it must be on a Saturday evening, and it must be on a shorter monitor.”
The All-Star Race left Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2019 and moved to Bristol in 2020. Then it went to Texas Motor Speedway (2021-22) after which North Wilkesboro Speedway (2023-25).
