Hamlin Has History on His Side at Bristol
As Denny Hamlin prepares to race at Bristol Motor Speedway, he brings with him a strong record at the iconic short track. The Joe Gibbs Racing veteran will mark his 400th straight Cup Series start and 36th career race at the 0.533-mile oval in Bristol, Tennessee—where he leads all active drivers with four wins.
Nicknamed “The Last Great Colosseum” for its steep banks and massive 146,000-seat grandstands, Bristol has seen Hamlin thrive. He’s riding a wave of momentum with back-to-back wins at Martinsville and Darlington. A third win would not only give him the longest winning streak of the season (tying teammate Christopher Bell) but also break his tie with Kyle Busch for the most Cup wins in Joe Gibbs Racing history with 57.
Despite the stakes, Hamlin is keeping a level mindset: “I try not to put too much pressure on it. That’s when mistakes happen. It’s just another race and another opportunity to win. If we get three in a row, great—but that’s not the weekly goal.”
Hamlin knows success often depends on timing, like his Darlington victory where he led just 10 of 297 laps, taking the lead late after a fast pit stop. Bristol has seen him more dominant, leading over 140 laps in two of the last three races there. After winning in September 2023, he famously teased the crowd: “I beat your favorite driver. All of them.” He’ll start fourth on Sunday and likely hear the mix of cheers and boos again.
Joey Logano, aiming for his third Bristol win, said the crowd noise is intense and adds to the excitement. “It’s like a stadium atmosphere—it really gets in your face.”
Now 44, Hamlin remains determined in his pursuit of a long-awaited championship. “The drive and performance are still there. I want to make the most of this window while I can.”
Emotional Week in NASCAR
The racing community is mourning the losses of two beloved figures: veteran journalist Al Pearce, who passed at 82 after covering 56 consecutive Daytona 500s, and Jon Edwards, Hendrick Motorsports’ communications director, who died at 53. Edwards, who worked closely with Jeff Gordon and later with Kyle Larson, is being honored with decals on several race cars this weekend.
Larson, who races in all three national series at Bristol, was deeply affected. “He meant a lot to me. It’s a sad week, but we’ll race for him and represent him with pride.”
Starting Lineup
Alex Bowman, driving for Hendrick Motorsports, secured his second pole of the season and dedicated it to Edwards. He said tire wear will be a major factor in the 500-lap race. “It’s going to be tricky up front. Easy to push too hard. But I think we’re in a good spot.”
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will start second, followed by Kyle Larson, Hamlin, and Ryan Blaney. Stenhouse said the race will be “treacherous,” after practice and qualifying sessions revealed extreme tire wear.
