Denny Hamlin expresses his concerns about the uncertainty surrounding the concession agreement.
Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr. (Via IMAGO)
The upcoming 2024 NASCAR Cup season is of great importance to both the sanctioning body and the teams as they need to finalize a new concession agreement. The current agreement is set to expire at the end of this season. Despite the limited time remaining, NASCAR and the teams are still in a state of uncertainty regarding the new agreement and profit-sharing agreement due to differences in the latest proposals.
A recent statement from a senior vice president of NASCAR suggested they are close to signing the new agreement. However, this claim was promptly refuted by team owners, including those from 23XI Racing. Now, ahead of the Cup race in Talladega, veteran driver Denny Hamlin shed light on the reasons for the delay in securing a new concession agreement.
Hamlin highlighted the fact that NASCAR has yet to address four key elements of the concession agreement, despite discussions having been ongoing for some time. He stated that the sanctioning body has not budged or addressed any of the demands presented by the teams and dismissed claims that the agreement is close as mere positive messaging.
During the same interview, Joe Gibbs Racing driver also expressed his concerns about the recent trend of removing scoring pylons at tracks. He voiced his concern about the removal of pylons at tracks like Talladega and expressed hope that this does not become a new trend.
Denny Hamlin has always been outspoken about the changes NASCAR is implementing and since becoming a team owner, his opinions have often resonated with the majority of fans. NASCAR would do well to consider his suggestions.