Denny Hamlin, the oldest active competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series, has voiced a clear opinion about the racing product at the Brickyyard. In a recent interview he argued that the current aerodynamic package of the Next Gen car is the primary obstacle to exciting racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, not the historic venue itself.
The Driver’s Perspective
According to Hamlin, the aerodynamic configuration of the Next Gen car has made passing nearly impossible at the Brickyard 400. He believes that without changes to the rear spoiler or underbody, the racing will remain processional, and he has called on NASCAR to experiment with larger rear spoilers or other aerodynamic adjustments to improve the on‑track product.
A Historic Venue Under Review
The Brickyard has faced renewed scrutiny in recent years, with some veterans arguing that it should not be considered a crown jewel race for NASCAR. Hamlin, however, is not questioning the iconic venue’s place on the calendar; rather, he is focusing on the racing experience that the track delivers.
While Hamlin’s proposed fixes are not definitive, they reflect a broader desire among drivers to see the sport return to more competitive, side‑by‑side racing at historic tracks. His comments come amid a season where the Next Gen car’s aerodynamic package has been both praised for its stability and criticized for limiting overtaking opportunities.
The conversation extends beyond Hamlin, involving other veteran drivers who have voiced similar concerns. Their collective feedback may influence NASCAR’s future decisions regarding aerodynamic regulations and the scheduling of marquee events like the Brickyard 400.