Denny Hamlin Pushes NASCAR for a Historic Speedway’s Comeback Amid Potential Racetrack Shuffle

The AdventHealth 400 race at Kansas Speedway might have delivered the best racing action fans have witnessed in a while. Ever since the Next Gen car rolled out, there have been complaints about the lack of eventful and stale racing experiences. But the narrative changes completely when a mile-and-a-half race comes around. Heck, 95.8 % of people voted Kansas as a good race on Jeff Gluck’s poll, which was a record in itself.

Slowly, there’s been a trend developing with this NextGen car in terms of how well it delivers on the mile-and-a-half venues. Thanks to the aero-heavy design of the Gen-7 car, it allows for a more side-by-side, heavy racing action. The duel between Ross Chastain and Kyle Larson was a breath of fresh air, considering it was early in the race.

There’s always this discussion about the addition or revival of historic venues. And given how modern-day racing is shaping to cater to the mile-and-a-half track, Denny Hamlin feels Chicagoland and Kentucky Speedway are perfect events that should be making it return on the schedule.

Chicagoland and Kentucky Speedway are better options than Charlotte Roval according to Denny Hamlin

The 1.5-mile racetrack was once seen as a big opportunity for NASCAR to expand its auto-racing product in the early 200s. However, a decline in attendance and the COVID-19 pandemic saw NASCAR choose to spend its resources elsewhere. This allowed the resurrection of North Wilkesboro Speedway, while also bringing Chicago Street racing events into the mix.

During the recent episode of the ‘Actions Detrimental’ podcast, Hamlin was head over heels with the racing at Kansas. He even argued that it’s among the best two venues for racing on the NASCAR calendar. Labeling the mile-and-a-half racetracks as a perfect fit for NextGen car, he proposed a return of the iconic 1.5-mile racetrack, “We should be going back to Chicagoland for sure.” However, such a move would force NASCAR’s hand in ditching a current venue, and in Hamlin’s opinion, Charlotte should be the one to take the fall.

“Let’s start with Roval. Let’s start there. This car is made for mile-and-a-half tracks, we’re running through the parking lot at Charlotte Motor Speedway… Chicagoland I can’t speak to the facilities. I think it’s probably comparable to Kansas. Doesn’t have a bunch of suites but it’s decent enough and clean enough to warrant going back there. Not really sure why we stopped going there,” he added.

Hamlin himself has a good track record at running the 1.5-mile events, but at Kansas, he had to be content with a P5 finish as he couldn’t capitalize on the advantage late in the race. He even questioned his choice of lane on the vital restart which proved to be the key differentiating factor.

What cost him the win at Kansas?

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Everything was working in favor of the #11 team during the race. From making a sound call to pit early ahead of the lead pack, to then managing their fuel crisis with a late caution in the race. However, just when it looked like Hamlin might have his fourth win of the season in the bag, his decision to start inside on the track proved to be costly for him.

Race winner Kyle Larson started behind the #11 car, and in the very first corner made an aggressive move for the lead. Sandwiched between the #17 and #5 cars, Hamlin just couldn’t break free and contest for the lead. Being side-drafted on both sides, there was no way Hamlin could have contested for the lead. Therefore, he conceded his lead and finished the race fifth, keeping his racecar intact.

Reflecting on his choice in deciding the lane, Hamlin explained, “I feel like it’s easier to defend the right side than it is the left side with all the apron and everything that’s going on. Lesson learned for sure. I mean, you just kinda put this one in the notebook of like remember these decisions. Certainly, there was one Daytona 500 back in 2017 that I had control of green white checkered and chose the wrong lane. Certainly, I chose the wrong lane this time.”

The good news for Denny Hamlin and his team is that they’ve got plenty of time to experiment, having already bagged three wins. With Darlington offering a similar challenge, he just might be able to learn from his mistakes and add another win to his name.