Denny Hamlin questions ‘chasing ratings’ with NASCAR start times, hopes for more flexibility

Denny Hamlin is hoping for some changes in NASCAR when it comes to the start times in races. On the Actions Detrimental podcast, the three-time Daytona 500 winning talked about wanting NASCAR to have more flexibility and be able to start races early.

“What you hope is that perhaps with the new partners coming in with Amazon and Turner, they’re a little more flexible,” Hamlin said. Certainly, Amazon will be because it doesn’t matter about them hitting a live TV window. I’ve had these conversations with Amazon. They’re not going to be limited pre and post-race like others will. They want you to keep it tuned in. They’re going to be more apt to be I think more flexible with their schedule than others that have Chicago Fire coming up right after.”

Hamlin went on to talk about how willing Amzaon will be to move race times up since it doesn’t have the same rules as cable TV. “I don’t know,” he said. “I just have a gut feeling that they’re willing to be more flexible to avoid delays. That’s what I would predict.

Denny Hamlin continues to talk NASCAR ratings

“…If you had a magic wand and if you didn’t care about ratings as much or hitting this perfect window, you would have started that race at 12:00. We’re looking at the forecast, it was going to be fine until 3:00 when the race started. You had an opportunity there to have a disruption-free race and one that the fans could have enjoyed. A lot of green, no weather so that impacts your midways as well.”

Hamlin continued: “We rolled the dice. We had a wet weather package. We hoped for no lightning, we got no lighting, but these cars cannot run in rain, that’s the challenge. Rain is just no good. Damp, all good. Rain, no good.

Hamlin and 39 other NASCAR drivers took part in the Grant Park 165, also known as the Chicago Street Race, on Sunday. The race was scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. ET but was delayed for nearly an hour due to the weather. There was another delay during the race which lasted for two hours, and due to NASCAR rules, the Chicago Street Race was forced to end at 8:20 p.m. local time since it was getting dark.

When the race was all said and done, Hamlin finished 30th, which makes it the fourth time this season he has finished 30th or worse. The winner of the race was Alex Bowman, and he is the 12th driver to clinch a playoff spot.

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