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DARLINGTON, SC – MAY 13: Denny Hamlin 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Federal Express Toyota looks on during qualifying for the running of the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Goodyear 400 on May 13, 2023, at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, SC. Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire AUTO: MAY 13 NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2305131111

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DARLINGTON, SC – MAY 13: Denny Hamlin 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Federal Express Toyota looks on during qualifying for the running of the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Goodyear 400 on May 13, 2023, at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, SC. Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire AUTO: MAY 13 NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2305131111
NASCAR drivers constantly face unseen hurdles that can make or break their performance on the track. One such challenge has caught the attention of Joe Gibbs Racing’s driver Denny Hamlin, prompting him to question the suitability of certain racetracks in the South East.
In a recent episode of Action Detrimental, Hamlin talks to co-host Jared Allen about the problems of certain racetracks and makes a snide comment about NASCAR.
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Denny Hamlin Explains Why Racetracks in the South East Part of the Country Wear Down Faster Than Others
During the podcast, Denny Hamlin draws attention to the unique set of difficulties faced by drivers during a race. There are plenty of factors that affect a driver’s performance on the track. But none are probably as important as managing and preserving the tires on the racetrack.

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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 18: Denny Hamlin 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Shingrix Toyota watches the action on the jumbo tron screen during qualfying for the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Ambetter Health 400 on March 18, 2023 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, GA. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: MAR 18 NASCAR Cup Series Ambetter Health 400 Icon2303180707400
Here’s how the conversation went down.
“How long does it take, you mentioned that the track is already wearing,” asked Jared. To this, Hamlin replied with, “Yes,” before Jared moves on to the next question.
Talking about Atlanta, which is also Chase Elliott’s home track, he asked, “But this was repaved, what 3 years ago now? It’s only the fourth race...”
“It’s something about tracks in the South East,” said Hamlin. “It’s something about the weather that’s creating bad thunderstorms, hard rain, intense heat, that’s making the surfaces age quicker.”
“And then we’re talking about like, you can’t see the age with your eye, right? It’s all very small,” Jared continued with the questions.
“It is small for sure,” said Hamlin. “I mean you can start to see because the pavement itself goes from being black when it’s laid, to it stars getting lighter, a lighter shade of grey each and every time we go back.”
Jared responded, “It’d be interesting if there were maybe…this wouldn’t actually work, but like a photo of the surface when it’s paved, and then a photo each time throughout the year.”
In response to this, Hamlin makes a snide comment on the pavement used by NASCAR. “Darlington took no time, it was…man, in the course of probably 3 races. It went from being very very dark as this table to bleached. It’s crazy. Whatever the pavement they use, it changed a lot.”
Nonetheless, Denny Hamlin has had a good season and it has put him in a good position in the standings to make it to the playoffs.
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Denny Hamlin’s Good Season of Racing Sets Him Up to Make It to the Playoffs
Denny Hamlin has had a decent run in the past few seasons. He has consistently finished in the top 5 since 2019. Although he is set to make it to the playoffs, he would be eyeing to finish in the top 5.
Hamlin is currently holding the 6th position in the NASCAR Cup Series standings. His consistent display of good racing has earned him 561 points. He also has one race win, five top-five finishes, and seven top-10 finishes in the bag. His fans will be eagerly waiting for the excitement that awaits, as Hamlin will be looking forward to claiming victories in the upcoming playoffs.
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Do you think Denny Hamlin will end his season in the top 5 once again? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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