Denny Hamlin highlights financial issues in NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 18, 2026, 9:29 AM

Last updated Oct 18, 2026

Denny Hamlin highlights financial issues in NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
Summary

Denny Hamlin has raised concerns about the financial dynamics in NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, stating that an estimated 80% of drivers pay team owners to secure their seats. This financial situation risks sidelining talented drivers who lack sufficient funding. Recent statistics show a disparity between drivers' sponsorship backgrounds and their on-track performance, making it essential to address how funding influences opportunities within the series. Hamlin emphasizes that a focus on financial backing may hinder the best drivers from getting competitive cars, raising questions about the talent evaluation process in the series.

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By the Numbers
  • •Hamlin estimates 80% of drivers financially contribute to securing seats.
  • •Sponsorship is becoming critical for participation in competitive teams.
  • •Statistics reveal disparities in performance versus financial backing among drivers.
  • •Drivers like Brent Crews and Parker Retzlaff demonstrate that performance can highlight talent despite funding differences.
  • •Team owners may prioritize financial offers over driving talent in seat selection.
Latest Updates
  • 9:29 AMYahoo Sports — NASCAR’s O’Reilly Series Has a Money Problem: Are Talented Drivers Losing Seats to Better-Funded Rivals?
What they're saying
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NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series is supposed to be a proving ground. Drivers arrive with ambitions of reaching the Cup […]

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