Denny Hamlin, a 45‑year‑old NASCAR veteran, captured his third straight victory at the NASCAR All‑Star Race held at Dover Motor Speedway, a feat that underscores his continued competitiveness on 1.5‑mile tracks. His recent form includes a win, a second and a fourth in the past three races on 1.5‑mile speedways, reinforcing his belief that he can win every race on tracks that turn left. With 34 Cup starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway, he outpaces Tyler Reddick and Chase Elliott combined, reflecting his extensive experience on the same type of venue.
Studying the greats
To sharpen his craft, Hamlin spends hours reviewing footage of Jimmie Johnson and Martin Truex, dissecting their line choices and braking points. He then passes those insights to his teammates Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe and Ty Gibbs, fostering a collaborative environment within Joe Gibbs Racing.
A career poised for a graceful exit
Signed through the 2027 season, Hamlin says he wants to retire while still performing at a high level, aiming to finish his career on a strong note rather than fade away.
Re‑imagining the All‑Star format
The most recent All‑Star event, run without a warm‑up act, produced a flurry of crashes that prompted Hamlin to lobby for the reinstatement of the All‑Star Open, a format he believes adds excitement and a pathway for emerging talent.
Dover’s potential return
Fans and insiders alike speculate that Dover Motor Speedway could re‑enter the Cup schedule as a points race in 2027. Hamlin, who favors the track for its distinctive driving style, has voiced support for such a move, noting that the venue offers a fresh challenge for drivers who thrive on left‑turning ovals.