Denny Hamlin, a prominent figure in Joe Gibbs Racing, has sparked a heated debate by advocating for the removal of the Charlotte Roval from the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff calendar. In a recent podcast, Hamlin expressed his dissatisfaction with the Roval, a road course that has been a fixture in the series since 2018. He believes that the Roval race lacks the excitement and unpredictability that fans crave, especially when compared to the NFL. Hamlin's criticism stems from the Roval's uneventful nature, with the recent victory by Shane van Gisbergen being a prime example of a largely unexciting race. Hamlin's frustration is further fueled by the fact that the Roval's inclusion in the playoffs seems to be more about SMI's (Speedway Motorsports) ownership of the track rather than a strategic decision for the sport's benefit. He suggests that NASCAR should consider dropping the road course in favor of an oval, like the iconic Coca-Cola 600, which he describes as 'amazing' and 'entertaining.' Hamlin's call for change comes at a time when NASCAR is facing declining ratings and competition from the NFL and College Football. Despite his strong stance, Hamlin acknowledges that the Roval is likely to remain a part of the playoff schedule due to its current position as the fifth-to-last race of the season. However, he remains optimistic that a shift to an oval could boost fan sentiment and ratings, potentially saving the sport from further decline.
