"It looks like a**" - Denny Hamlin fiercely criticizes NASCAR's hasty changes for Talladega

NASCAR driver and team owner Denny Hamlin has expressed strong concerns about visibility after proposed changes for the YellaWood 500 this weekend.

NASCAR announced on Tuesday some changes for all Cup Series cars for the Round of 12 race at the 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway this Sunday. In the latest podcast episode of Actions Detrimental with co-host Jared Allen, Hamlin talked about the new roof rail that NASCAR wants to add over the front windshield.

"We got briefed by NASCAR on changes that they’re proposing for Talladega. Which is running that roof rail over our front windshield. And obviously the drivers were not in favor of that,” Denny Hamlin said (16:14).

The three updates proposed by NASCAR include a taller roof rail, a longer skirt on the side of the car, and fabric under the right roof flap. Hamlin explained the issues with the change that is meant to keep cars from flying into the air during high-speed crashes.

“For one, it looks like a**. And second, it hurts visibility… The problem is, is that we take tear offs off of our front windshield. And superspeedways are one of the worst tracks for debris on the front windshield. So, we need to get those tear offs off,” he added (16:50).

Denny Hamlin further pointed out that the new roof rail would block a part of the windshield and expressed his concern that the new block would make it harder to see at the right front corner.

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"Have to be smart and be aggressive" - Denny Hamin on Talladega strategy

Denny Hamlin, who entered the playoffs after winning three races in the regular season, is currently in fifth place in the standings.

Talladega Superspeedway is known for hosting exciting and intense NASCAR races. However, with the next-gen car, drivers cannot easily get ahead like they used to. NASCAR is introducing changes for the race to reduce the chances of cars flipping following several incidents this season where cars went airborne at superspeedway tracks.

The YellaWood 500 is the last superspeedway race of the season and the Joe Gibbs Racing driver will focus on timing pit stops well and avoiding crashes.

"We have to be smart and be aggressive. It’s going to be an execution race trying to put yourself in the right position around the pit stops, when you pit, and how fast you can get formed back up in your group. Then, obviously, you will have to miss the wrecks," Denny Hamlin said.

Hamlin has finished 7th or better in the last eight playoff races at the tri-oval track since 2016.