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 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.
- •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.
- 9:29 AMYahoo Sports — NASCAR’s O’Reilly Series Has a Money Problem: Are Talented Drivers Losing Seats to Better-Funded Rivals?
"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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