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NASCAR Shelves Radical All-Star Race Format Amid Team Pushback

Concerns over financial strain and competitive fairness lead to the rejection of the 'Run What Ya Brung' proposal, shifting focus to moderated rule changes.

Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Sport Clips Haircuts Toyota, speaks to the media after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on April 06, 2025 in Darlington, South Carolina.
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Overview

  • NASCAR's proposed 'Run What Ya Brung' format, allowing teams to build unrestricted setups, was rejected due to high costs and competitive imbalance.
  • Denny Hamlin estimated the format could cost teams up to $2 million per car, making it economically unfeasible even for well-funded organizations.
  • Smaller teams lacked resources like CNC machines, which would disproportionately benefit powerhouse operations such as Hendrick Motorsports and Team Penske.
  • Following the backlash, NASCAR abandoned the open-build concept and is now exploring limited rule changes, such as adjustable ride heights and spoilers.
  • Hamlin criticized the outdated $1 million All-Star Race prize and called for financially sustainable innovations to enhance fan excitement and competition.