NASCAR is no stranger to change. And it’s often the teams that adapt and evolve that find success in the sport’s ever-shifting landscape. Trackhouse Racing, owned by Justin Marks, is making waves with its recent acquisitions. And Denny Hamlin is excited about the team’s future. However, he may have concerning news for one of the recent fan-favorite drivers.

In a strategic move aimed at long-term growth, Trackhouse Racing announced the signing of two new drivers. The decision reflects the team’s commitment to expanding its presence in the NASCAR world. But the Joe Gibbs Racing star has mixed feelings about the signing of this year’s Chicago Street Course winner.

Denny Hamlin delivers disappointing news to SVG fans amidst his recent signing with Trackhouse Racing

Trackhouse Racing‘s signing of Shane van Gisbergen for the 2024 season marks a significant milestone. The New Zealand native will compete across NASCAR’s three national series and other racing events, possibly. Justin Marks, the team owner, expressed his confidence in SVG’s ability to adapt to oval-track racing and other challenges, showcasing his versatility as a driver.

While SVG’s signing signaled Trackhouse’s intent to diversify its racing portfolio. Zane Smith, the defending Truck Series champ’s addition, came as a bit of a surprise. During the recent episode of Actions Detrimental, Denny Hamlin opened up about Trackhouse Racing’s move on getting one too many drivers than they have seats available. He hinted that SVG’s addition to the team might be nothing more than an experiment at this point.

“This is a great sign for Trackhouse and I think that… Zane is certainly deserving of this opportunity,” Hamlin told his co-host, Jared Allen. “Every time he’s had the opportunity to compete in Cup, he’s done a great job. Got great results. This is a great forward thinking by Trackhouse and Justin for his team to look towards the future, right?”

“There’s nothing wrong with competition,” Denny pointed out when Jared asked about the Trackhouse having more drivers than seats. “If you have more drivers than seats, I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing. You put pressure on those guys to, hey, let the best man win. So, I don’t think there’s any secret that the SVG thing is more of an experiment than anything. I really look forward to SVG running in multiple series next year, and getting to run ovals and learning it. I think he’s a great dude and tremendous talent, obviously.”

“Zane, super happy for him. I know that he’s really accomplished a lot in the trucks and he was really excited about this opportunity. Saw kinda his emotion in the press conference. Well deserved, obviously shows that you continue to excel and perform well and whatever level you’re at you’re gonna get opportunities at the higher level,” Hamlin concluded.

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NASCAR’s playoff system has been a topic of debate and discussion within the sport since Bristol last week. While some view it as a thrilling addition that enhances championship battles. Others argue it has its flaws. Denny Hamlin, however, offers a unique perspective on the matter, highlighting both its merits and limitations.

Hamlin talks about the one thing that makes it harder to predict the playoffs

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Following the race at Bristol, which saw defending champion Joey Logano and veteran Kevin Harvick eliminated from playoff contention, criticism arose regarding the effectiveness of NASCAR’s playoff format. Denny Hamlin recently shared his thoughts on the matter when speaking to Fox Sports.

“We’ve talked about this for years,” Hamlin stated. “You can have 9 wins, 10 wins, it just doesn’t matter in the regular season if you don’t win in the playoffs or don’t have a strong three races.” Hamlin pointed out that the playoff system significantly reduces the sample size. Making it challenging to predict who will ultimately secure the championship. “They’ve shrunk the sample size so much that it’s hard to get a real feel for who can win it all because you’ve got so many variables and such a small sample size.”

While the playoff system may have its critics. It has also presented opportunities for drivers like Martin Truex Jr. Following the recent race at Bristol, Truex found himself advancing to the next round of the playoffs, thanks to his strong performance and a tinge of luck that went away from the likes of Joey Logano.

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In NASCAR, as in any sport, opinions on the format will continue to vary. Hamlin’s take on the matter reflects the complex nature of the system and the challenges it presents to both drivers and fans. Regardless of one’s stance, the playoff system adds an element of unpredictability and excitement to the quest for the championship.