Denny Hamlin kicked off his 19th season in the NASCAR Cup Series with a win in the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, showcasing his expertise and natural talent. Hamlin, a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing and co-owner of 23XI Racing, has an impressive track record with nine victories in non-points events, including the All-Star Race, Daytona qualifying race, and Clash events. In total, Hamlin has 51 victories in the Cup Series.
Not only is Hamlin skilled on the racetrack, but he is also adept at articulating his strategies and insights behind the microphone. With his podcast, Action Detrimental, Hamlin shares his thoughts on his No. 11 team, his competitors, and the sport as a whole. His racing IQ is evident in his ability to analyze his own races and understand the dynamics of other drivers. Whether speaking as a driver or an observer, Hamlin can adapt his presentation accordingly.
During a race, Hamlin can quickly assess whether his car has the potential to win within the first 10 laps. Even if he starts in a less favorable position, he can maneuver his way through the field with confidence, knowing that he will eventually reach the front. Hamlin’s understanding of his car’s capabilities and his awareness of the race’s progression are crucial to his success.
Over the years, Hamlin has witnessed significant changes in the sport, from new racetracks to evolving car designs and rules. Staying at the top of his game requires adapting to these changes. Telemetry from SMT Data, which provides information on steering inputs, throttle traces, and brake use, has become a valuable tool for drivers. While initially hesitant about sharing his proprietary information, Hamlin recognized the benefits of studying other drivers’ performances and utilizing the available data to improve his own skills.
Hamlin’s commitment to continuous learning and improvement sets him apart as a driver. He actively seeks out ways to make a difference behind the wheel, recognizing that talent alone can only take him so far. By identifying areas where he can exploit advantages, such as his strategy of speeding on pit road, Hamlin consistently positions himself at the front of the pack. He also draws inspiration from exceptional drivers at specific tracks, like Jimmie Johnson at Dover, and incorporates their approaches into his own.
While Hamlin’s racing IQ has proven invaluable, there are instances where overthinking can hinder his performance. For example, during a race at Kansas, Hamlin’s focus on Kyle Larson behind him caused him to miss an opportunity on a restart. Similarly, at Talladega, his paranoia about being rear-ended led to a pit road speeding penalty. Despite these occasional setbacks, Hamlin’s experience and ability to anticipate situations give him a competitive edge.
Hamlin’s career rejuvenation in the later stages can be attributed to his combination of experience and a willingness to adapt. He continues to evolve as a driver and is always prepared to learn and make changes to his driving style. This combination of knowledge and dedication has propelled Hamlin to the top of his field.
According to the Source racer.com