NASCAR’s points leader Denny Hamlin opened up about the persistent difficulty of passing at the Brickyard 400 during a recent episode of the "Daily Downforce" podcast.
The 2026 race saw Hamlin finish fifth, a result that underscored his frustration with the current racing dynamics on the 2.5‑mile oval.
Why the Track Isn’t the Problem
Hamlin argued that the root cause lies not in the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway but in the aerodynamic package of the Cup cars, which have been in use since 2024 after a stint on a road course.
He praised Indianapolis Motor Speedway president J. Douglas Boles and the 70,000 fans who filled the grandstands, emphasizing the event’s significance to the sport.
A Proposed Solution
To inject more competition, Hamlin suggested developing an Indy‑specific aerodynamic kit that would add a rear spoiler and tweak the underbody, aiming to improve grip and overtaking opportunities.
The driver, who has finished third at the Brickyard four times, including a 2025 podium, believes such a package could finally deliver the on‑track battles fans crave.
His comments come as NASCAR continues to explore ways to modernize its racing product while preserving the tradition of iconic venues like Indianapolis.