Denny Hamlin has another reason to be unhappy with NASCAR following his and co-owner Michael Jordan’s lawsuit against the sports sanctioning body. This time, his disappointment is directed at NASCAR’s Driver Ambassador Program (DAP), a new initiative introduced in 2025.
NASCAR’s DAP was launched to increase fan engagement through media appearances. Drivers are encouraged to participate in more promotional activities, for which they can earn points via an app. This would ultimately lead to significant cash bonuses, including a $1 million prize. While many drivers have embraced the opportunity, Hamlin is not happy.
Kyle Busch Gains While Denny Hamlin Calls Out NASCAR’s Hypocrisy
In a recent episode of Actions Detrimental, Hamlin and Busch engaged in a candid discussion that exposed a troubling imbalance within the sport.
As the podcast began, Hamlin jokingly asked, “Are you on the DAP Tour or something? Come here to get your points?” to which Busch laughed and added, “That’s right.”
When Busch asked about Hamlin’s standing in the program, the latter unenthusiastically replied, “Uh, I’m retired… Just so you know, you get full credit for coming here. I get four points in total. It’s bad.”
Busch was surprised that Hamlin did not get all his points despite his podcast drawing significant weekly audiences. He then pointed out NASCAR’s double standard, saying, “Logano gets all his points though for his stuff every week, right?”
Hamlin sarcastically responded, “If you have 100,000 listeners, apparently, it doesn’t do much for the sport each and every week.”
While Hamlin remains one of the most prominent figures in the sport, he claimed he did not get all his points, despite his podcast drawing significant weekly audiences. Meanwhile, other full-time drivers like Logano received maximum DAP points for hosting segments on the Sirius XM NASCAR Radio.
While the program has seen an increase in driver appearances, such as Chase Elliott and Bubba Wallace at the Super Bowl and Brad Keselowski’s visit to McLeod Children’s Hospital, the issue lies with drivers not always being rewarded the same way for their contributions.
Hamlin’s case has shed light on the sports’ flawed system, which does not reward all full-time drivers equally. The inconsistency in DAP and Hamlin’s resigned feelings towards it may discourage media involvement from some of NASCAR’s most influential voices.
So while Busch continues to climb the DAP leaderboard and eyes the $1 million prize, Hamlin’s disparity raises a larger question about NASCAR’s rewarding system.
Hamlin is like a plague. Hard to get rid of.
People keep saying Hamlin should retire or whatever but, that’s his job. If you were unhappy at your job would you just retire?
The sport needs experienced talent like Hamlin. Not saying Im a Hamlin fan, but if all the veterans leave we’re left with a bunch of rookies who can barely see over the steering wheel.
Remember Jimmy Spencer, Robby Gordon, and the way Kyle Busch used to race? Conflict made it exciting. Can you imagine a race of nothing but Jimmy Johnsons and Jeff Gordons?? Both very talented but also boring to watch and listen to.
Don’t watch live races anymore. Too scripted, boring, and not like the good old days. Nascar killed itself over greed and expansion.
If Denny Hamlin doesn’t like what Nascar is doing. RETIRE.
All he does is complain his since his Owners took over.
100% agree with you, retirement is the best answer to his issues!