Denny Hamlin sparked debate this week on his own Podcast, “Actions Detrimental.” Hamlin and his co-hosts extensively critiqued the NASCAR Hall of Fame induction process and suggested vital changes. They explain that perhaps NASCAR is letting in way too many drivers, some of whom are not overly NASCAR-rooted. Ultimately, this is the NASCAR Hall of Fame, not Motorsports.
Hamlin and his co-hosts explained that the Hall of Fame allows too many drivers in and that there must be tiers of honor. Do we need 3+ drivers voted in every year? Does this undermine the legends like Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, and Richard Petty? Does a driver deserve to get in if not done at the Cup Series level?
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Too Many Drivers Make the Hall of Fame
2026 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images
(Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
The NASCAR Hall of Fame allows 3 new members to be voted in each calendar year. Hamlin argues that you do not produce enough talent year over year to support so many honorees. Unlike the MLB and many other sports, NASCAR has 35-40 Cup Drivers at any one point. Every single year, there are generally 5 or fewer new drivers in the series.
If NASCAR votes in 3 drivers every year, they will eventually run out of high-end honorees. Eventually, your demand outweighs the supply. In due time, Hamlin states that drivers with 10 career Cup wins will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
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Succeed at the Cup Level, and You Shall Make the HOF
NASCAR has multiple series in its roster. The ARCA East and West, Truck Series, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and the Cup Series. These series are set up as stepping stones to the ultimate big one. In comparison, there is Minor League Baseball. Does someone get into the Hall of Fame because they had 300 home runs in the Minor Leagues? The answer is — no.
Hamlin argues that you must succeed at the Cup Series level. If you had all your success in the lower series, you did not make the cut for the big show. There may be reasons as to why: sponsorships, content with dominance in a lower series, etc. However, the Cup Series is the best level of racing. If you did not succeed there, how good were you?
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Erik Jones is referenced as a driver who could win endless Truck Series titles. If he had stayed in Trucks, would he have been in the Hall of Fame? That is the strong argument Hamlin makes. Since Jones has been a middling Cup Series driver, he will never be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Over 80% of Cup drivers would “dominate” the Truck Series.
Take John Hunter Nemechek and Ty Gibbs for reference. In the lower series, they won every other week. These drivers now compete in the Cup Series and have yet to win a single race.
NASCAR Can Adjust Requirements
The MLB, for example, requires a player to receive 75% of the vote to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. That may result in 5+ honorees or zero every year. The critics must agree that you were indeed good enough to make the Hall of Fame. Perhaps, NASCAR could do this to limit saturation.
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Hamlin’s co-host, Jared, explains that we can honor the best drivers without formally inducting them into the Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame honors NASCAR’s history. Take their best moments and accomplishments and honor that, rather than giving the person a bust.
NASCAR can also add tiers to the Hall of Fame. Should someone like Kurt Busch or Harry Gant be on the same level as Dale Earnhardt? No, they should not, to be blunt. How to add levels? That is another conversation, but not such a bad one to have.
Fans Debate the Hall of Fame
Fans will argue that Hamlin’s argument is invalid. Back in the day, the lower series had more impact than it does now. Decades ago, modifications, for example, were a very big deal on the regional scene. These legends were indeed legends of the sport. They should get in.
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The elite drivers also had great success in the lower series, leading to their ultimate Cup success. Should that not be honored any longer? It is a good point to make. What do you think? Let us know in the comment section and on X @Athlonsports.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Racing section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
