Denny Hamlin, a 45‑year‑old NASCAR veteran with 61 career wins, is gearing up for the Coca‑Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway following his third straight triumph in the NASCAR All‑Star Race. His long history with the 1.5‑mile track, where he has more starts than the combined total of points leader Tyler Reddick and Chase Elliott, makes him a natural favorite heading into the event.
A preparation built on study and collaboration
Hamlin’s recent surge stems from a blend of technical analysis and mental conditioning. After a middling performance at Dover Motor Speedway twelve years ago, he enlisted a sports psychologist to sharpen his focus. He now spends countless hours reviewing footage of fellow competitors, especially during restarts, to fine‑tune his own technique. The effort has paid off, as he has captured a win, a second place and a fourth place across the last three races on 1.5‑mile speedways.
Beyond his own performance, Hamlin shares his insights with teammates at Joe Gibbs Racing, helping to elevate the entire organization. His experience and willingness to mentor younger drivers have made him a cornerstone of the team’s developmental pipeline.
Looking beyond Charlotte
Signed through the 2027 season, Hamlin plans to retire on his own terms, aiming to exit the sport after a high‑note finish. He remains confident that he can win on any oval in the Cup Series, a belief reinforced by his recent All‑Star victory and consistent results on tracks of similar length.
The recent All‑Star Race format change sparked multiple crashes and eliminated several top contenders, prompting drivers including Hamlin to advocate for the reinstatement of the All‑Star Open, which they view as a more rewarding competition. Meanwhile, the future of the All‑Star event at Dover remains uncertain, with discussions about possibly converting it back into a points‑paying race.