Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin question new Truck Series uniform rule: 'What in the world is happening'
Supposed cost-cutting measures in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin are asking questions. Like, what is going on with this new rule?
Truck Series teams will have to make new firesuit uniforms for pit crew members next season. All uniforms must match and be one design for the entirety of the season. Behind-the-wall crew members will not be permitted to wear sponsorship branding on their firesuits.
NASCAR says it is a cost-cutting and safety improvement measure. For Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin, it’s confusing.
“What in the world is happening…” Harvick said in response to the news of the new rule.
When a fan asked him about his ideas on how to save money, Harvick replied, “First don’t add more races to the schedule…”
Denny Hamlin then chimed in, although Harvick did not reply. Of course, Hamlin and 23XI Racing have their own points to make about NASCAR and its business practices.
“Its [sic] called cutting your way to prosperity Kev. Duhhh,” Hamlin replied.
He then linked a FOX Sports article from Bob Pockrass detailing the NASCAR antitrust lawsuit. “Start here,” Hamlin told his former on-track rival.
Clearly, there are biases on Hamlin’s end. However, the Truck Series news should be scrutinized. This is going to be an upfront cost for teams to make all-new uniforms. Taking branding off behind-the-wall crew members is also a strange decision.
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Is there a problem with the second-hand firesuit market? Yeah, probably. But that’s what uniform penalties are for, right? The Truck Series field operates on thin margins, if any margins, at all. It just doesn’t feel like a productive decision.
How does Truck Series rule relate to 23XI lawsuit?
At the heart of the antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR is this – the teams believe that the sanctioning body is using anti-competitive (in a market sense) practices to operate their business to the detriment of the teams involved.
On its face, it feels like this is just a Cup Series issue. However, one of the main sticking points that 23XI and Front Row Motorsports make in the lawsuit is single-source suppliers. That is not only for the Cup Series. Only being allowed to purchase parts and possibly uniforms from select suppliers could be seen as anti-competitive.
A lot of Truck Series crew members work in other series. Then there are those who are out there doing their best to help teams that can’t afford a full-time crew. Those part-timers are out there on pit road and make this series work. Having to outfit everyone with matching firesuits may not be the easiest or most “cost-saving” method.
NASCAR is putting up more purse money. They are giving teams and those invested in the sport a little more in their pocket. But is it enough when there are going to be upfront costs like new uniforms for 2025?