Denny Hamlin delivers ‘slippery slope’ verdict on – Sports News
Denny Hamlin has 60 profession NASCAR Cup Series wins (Image: Getty)
NASCAR veteran Denny Hamlin has weighed in on the growing debate surrounding YouTube star Garrett Mitchell, higher often called Cleetus McFarland, coming into NASCAR competitors, warning that the scenario might signify a “slippery slope” for the game.
McFarland not too long ago introduced a part-time deal with Richard Childress Racing that can see him compete in three NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races this season, starting along with his debut at Rockingham Speedway.
The information has sparked dialog throughout the motorsports world, significantly after his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut earlier this 12 months resulted in a crash at Daytona International Speedway, prompting an trustworthy admission from McFarland concerning the expertise disparity within the Truck Series.
Speaking on the most recent episode of his Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin acknowledged McFarland’s angle and humility whereas discussing the chance he has been given.
“Cleetus has been ultimately one of the most humble people,” Hamlin mentioned. “When I hear him do his serious interviews, like with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and whatnot, he is very humble when it comes to these opportunities that he’s getting.”
However, Hamlin mentioned his on-track efficiency during the Truck Series race raised issues about whether or not drivers with restricted expertise ought to be competing in NASCAR’s national sequence.
Garrett Mitchell is named Cleetus McFarland (Image: Getty)
“But I watched him in that truck race at Daytona, and truthfully, he was out of control for all of the laps before he wrecked,” Hamlin mentioned. “You could just see it. I know the sport. I know what’s in control and out of control. I was like, ‘Oh man, this is not going to end well.’”
Hamlin additionally requested, “Should guys that are running full time for points, for championships, have to be potentially affected if he ends up spinning to the right and wiping out half the field, versus going to the left and only wiping himself out?”
The 23XI Racing co-owner believes the scenario highlights a broader challenge with NASCAR’s driver approval course of.
“I think the approval process in NASCAR probably needs some work. It needs to be more stringent,” Hamlin defined. “I think if you made the approval process more stringent, people would hire more off of talent than they would dollars.”
Still, Hamlin acknowledged the difficult financial realities of the game. Teams typically rely on sponsorship and out of doors funding, which may affect who will get alternatives behind the wheel.
“Now, it would be tough on the car owners, because then they don’t have anyone to support their business,” Hamlin mentioned. “So this is a very, very tough slippery slope that we’re on. But I really caution NASCAR on letting this get too far.”
McFarland, who has constructed a huge following via his automotive YouTube channel with more than 4.6 million subscribers, confirmed that his Richard Childress Racing deal will initially cowl three races.
“Guys… I can’t believe I get to say this, but I’m officially a driver at Richard Childress Racing for the O’Reilly’s Series,” McFarland wrote on social media. “This is a part time deal (3 races a year right now) but hopefully it grows into something bigger.”
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