NASCAR fans were buzzing with excitement when it was announced that the All-Star Race would be held at the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway. However, the anticipation was short-lived as the proposed “Run What You Brung” package was rejected by the teams, including Denny Hamlin’s team. In a recent statement, Hamlin has shed light on the reasons behind this decision.
For those unfamiliar with the “Run What You Brung” concept, it essentially allows teams to bring their own engine and chassis to the race instead of using the standardized package provided by NASCAR. This would have been a major change from the norm and could have potentially sparked some thrilling competition on the track.
However, according to Hamlin, the teams were not given enough time to prepare for this change. He explained that the teams have been working with the current package for the entire season and suddenly switching to a different setup would have been a challenge. The teams would have needed at least a month to properly test and tune their engines and chassis for the unique track at North Wilkesboro.
Hamlin also pointed out that the teams were concerned about the cost implications of the “Run What You Brung” package. NASCAR is already an expensive sport and the teams have to constantly balance their budgets to remain competitive. Adding the additional cost of preparing for a new package in such a short time frame would have put a strain on the teams, especially smaller ones with limited resources.
Another factor that played a role in the rejection of the “Run What You Brung” package was the safety aspect. NASCAR has stringent safety regulations in place to ensure the well-being of the drivers. Switching to a new package without proper testing and preparation could have potentially put the drivers at risk.
While the idea of “Run What You Brung” was intriguing and could have added an element of unpredictability to the race, it was simply not feasible for the teams to implement it in such a short time frame. Hamlin’s team, along with the majority of the other teams, felt that it was not worth the risk and potential cost to participate in the All-Star Race with this package.
However, Hamlin also expressed his excitement about the possibility of racing at North Wilkesboro in the future. The track holds a special place in the hearts of NASCAR fans and drivers alike, being one of the oldest tracks on the circuit. The opportunity to race at this historic track was a major draw for many, including Hamlin.
In the end, the decision to reject the “Run What You Brung” package was a collective one made by the teams. While it may have been disappointing for fans, it was the responsible and logical choice for the teams. It is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the teams that they prioritize safety and fairness in their decision-making.
Despite the rejection of the proposed package, the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro promises to be a thrilling event. The track’s unique layout and history are sure to provide an exciting race for both the drivers and fans. And who knows, maybe in the future, with proper planning and preparation, the “Run What You Brung” concept can be successfully implemented and add even more excitement to the race.
In conclusion, Denny Hamlin and the other NASCAR teams have revealed the reasons behind their rejection of the “Run What You Brung” package for the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. While the idea was intriguing, it was simply not feasible for the teams to implement in such a short time frame. However, the excitement and anticipation for the race at this historic track remains high and fans can look forward to a thrilling event.
