Denny Hamlin, a highly accomplished NASCAR driver without a championship title, once again showcased his exceptional racing skills at Bristol last Sunday. His victory in the Food City 500 was attributed to his expertise in managing tires effectively. This outstanding performance earned him praise from Kyle Petty, a NASCAR race analyst and son of the renowned racer. Petty considers Hamlin to be among the most esteemed drivers in the history of the sport.
During the race at Bristol, Hamlin demonstrated a masterclass in preserving tire condition under challenging circumstances, as only five drivers managed to finish on the lead lap. Despite a contentious past with Hamlin, Petty acknowledged the 43-year-old as a NASCAR Hall of Famer and a deserving candidate for the list of all-time great racers.
Petty described Hamlin as an artist behind the wheel, highlighting his exceptional driving skills. Despite not clinching a championship title, Hamlin’s impressive record of 52 wins since his debut in 2007 solidifies his place in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
While Goodyear, the tire manufacturer, claimed to have used the same tire compounds and formula as the previous year’s race, Hamlin expressed skepticism about their effectiveness at Bristol. Following the race, Hamlin urged Goodyear to thoroughly investigate the issues with the tire compounds used during the weekend.
Hamlin emphasized the importance of determining the root cause of the unexpected tire wear and addressing the tire’s rapid degradation. He called upon Goodyear, based in Ohio, to take immediate action and rectify the situation to prevent further damage to the brand’s reputation.
In response to the high tire wear observed at Bristol, Goodyear initiated an investigation. The tire manufacturer is eager to resolve the tire issue before the upcoming race at COTA, as it aims to safeguard its brand reputation from further tarnishing.