Denny Hamlin Exposes NASCAR’s ‘Superstar’ Conundrum Amidst Plummeting TV Ratings, Is This Also a Solution?

NASCAR TV ratings have taken a massive hit this season despite all their efforts. With decreased viewership proving to be a problem, drivers have shown their concerns about the issue. Amidst the conundrum, Joe Gibbs Racing driver, Denny Hamlin, also presents his take on the apparent decrease in ‘superstars’ in the industry.

The effect on viewership and ratings can be considered as a culmination of many factors. One of the many crucial points has been the injury of fan-favorite Chase Elliott. The most popular driver of the last five years was sidelined with a leg injury and many deem it as one of the reasons for the drop in viewership.

The JGR star has also shown his dissatisfaction with NASCAR still not being able to reach out to the fans. In what he calls a sport lacking superstars, he also speaks on the saturation of fans through old stars.

Denny Hamlin Talks About NASCAR Still Being A Niche Sport

The co-owner of 23XI Racing has experienced the highs and lows of NASCAR. Being around the track for a long time, Hamlin has seen the rise and fall of stars and roof-topping ratings as well. Replying to the AP survey about the ongoing issue, he said it’s the “lack of stars.”

“No one even knows who the stars of our sport are now. They only know the old names. “

He also acknowledges that NASCAR is undergoing a rough patch, but the lack of a face of the sport seems to be the center of focus. “This comes from a list of issues but until we actually have ‘superstars,’ our sport will always be niche.”

Further, he also adds that the return of Elliott has brought back normalcy in the coverage ratings. Hamlin also believes that a reign of wins will certainly help in shaping the next superstar on the track. Having seen enigmatic drivers like Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon, it is understandable why he feels the way he does.

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The fanbase has also felt the waves of the talk in the town. Fans from multiple viewpoints have been vocal about the problems with decreasing reach of the sport. Contributing with various points, a section of fans believe it is necessary to get the flares flying.

“Nascar should honestly: Ramp up the horsepower. Stop penalizing drivers for wrecking each other unless dangerous, give aggressive drivers like Chastain more positive focus, and lower the grip. Boom, you’ll have stars. The stars will work to shine out.”  

Some even have taken the chance to reminisce about the golden superstars of NASCAR.

“All my non-NASCAR friends talk about is Jeff Gordon & Dale Jr.”

Ross Chastain clearly is closing in on being another fan-favorite, as Twitter showers love on him.

“He’s right. But how do we make a superstar? People b*tch when someone is dominant like Gordon used to be. People b*tch when Ross Chastain races hard like Dale Sr did. Boring trust fund drivers don’t help. But the fact of the matter is, NASCAR’s TV product is bad. We must fix that.”

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While there are a host of issues that need to be addressed, the lack of drivers who exert their aura both on and off the track looks to be the need of the hour. Who do you think can rise up and take the baton?