Some tracks just click for certain drivers. No matter their form or the struggles they face elsewhere, when they show up at that one place, they’re a different beast. It’s like a home away from home, a place where instinct takes over and history repeats itself. Think of Jimmie Johnson at Dover (11 wins out of 39 races), Kyle Busch at Bristol (8 wins in 36 races), or Kevin Harvick at Phoenix (9 wins in 42 races). Plus, they have raked in multiple top 5s and top 10s at their respective favorite tracks. No matter the season, no matter the car, they always found a way to shine.

For Denny Hamlin, that place is Martinsville Speedway. The paperclip-shaped short track has been his personal playground, a site where he has delivered some of his most dominant performances. But does that make him the greatest driver ever at Martinsville?

Hamlin’s long-awaited Martinsville redemption

Denny Hamlin entered Martinsville looking for a spark in his 2025 season. While consistent, he hadn’t yet found Victory Lane, and questions loomed over whether he could still dominate at his favorite track. It had been a decade since he last won at ‘The Paperclip.’ Hamlin managed to qualify fifth, but it didn’t take him long to make his presence felt. By Lap 126, the Joe Gibbs Racing #11 had seized the lead, setting the tone for what would become one of his most commanding Martinsville performances. He won stage 2 and proceeded to dominate, leading 274 laps en route to the grandfather clock. An emphatic statement that silenced any doubts about his ability to dominate at this short track.

Jarred Allen, Co-host of the Actions Detrimental podcast, then posed the question to Denny Hamlin, “Are you the best driver at Martinsville again?” Hamlin chuckled but proceeded to detail what sets him apart from the rest at the storied short track, “Every fall, I spend weeks and weeks studying the spring Martinsville race to figure out, ‘Man, why did I get beat again? I keep picking up little things and really worked with the team this week to say, ‘Here’s what I think I need. Can we fix that? Might not be the right direction, but I think this is what it needs. It feels gratifying to see it pay out on the racetrack that way.”

This obsession to study his performances, figure out what went wrong, and how to make it right is what has made Denny Hamlin a 6-time Martinsville champ. His 55 Cup Series victories are no joke, and this method of preparation is a testament to his abilities. Hamlin’s work paid off, and it did so in dominating fashion, as he ended the race 4 seconds ahead of the closest driver, his teammate Christopher Bell. Hamlin also reflected on the nature of his win and what it does to his confidence after working so hard behind the scenes. “Days like yesterday, when you have a car that is that good, it makes it feel like you’re invincible and certainly gives you a lot of confidence. Winning a race and dominating a race both give you the same credit on the stat sheet…but it does not do the same thing to your confidence,” said Hamlin.

The win snapped a frustrating 31-race winless streak, his last triumph coming nearly a year prior at Dover. For a driver with championship aspirations, this win couldn’t have come at a better time. After losing key sponsors like FedEx and Mavis Tires before the season commenced, things looked grim for the #11. However, with Progressive Insurance stepping up and Hamlin back in a blue car, it seems like he has found his groove again.

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The last few years, Hamlin has been among the top finishers at Martinsville but could never snag a win. The #11 had led over 500 laps at the short track in the Next-Gen car at Martinsville but was still falling short. After a crew chief change in the offseason, with Chris Gayle replacing Chris Gabehart, this seems to have done the trick, and Hamlin was all praise for the new crew. “Chris Gayle, all the engineers, the pit crew, everyone just decided we were going to come here with a different approach than the last couple of years, and it was just amazing,” he remarked. This collaborative effort resulted in a car that performed exceptionally throughout the race.

After his Martinsville masterclass, Hamlin now has the belief—and the momentum—to turn his season around. With a playoff seat now secured, Hamlin can shift his focus to fine-tuning his performance for the championship battle. And, maybe, this year, finally, he can clinch that too!

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Denny Hamlin on his need for smack talk

Denny Hamlin’s recent triumph at Martinsville wasn’t just a return to form on the track. It was a reaffirmation of his unapologetic persona off it. Known for his candidness and competitive fire, Hamlin embraced the spotlight with characteristic flair.​

After clinching his 55th Cup Series victory, Hamlin celebrated by unfurling a flag emblazoned with “11 Against The World.” This is a nod to his car number and his combative spirit. He explained in the post-race press conference, “That’s me… If I can’t s—-talk, it takes away my superpower. I’m not nearly as good.” This candid admission underscores how integral his brash confidence is to his racing identity. Hamlin famously used to say, “I beat your favorite driver” after every win. While that tradition ended in 2024, his confident smack-talking attitude still prevails.

However, with Hamlin being 44 years old, questions did linger after his winless streak stretched out to over 20 races, whether he would ever get it done again. When asked if he ever doubted himself, Hamlin responded in a way only he can. “I probably am the king of irrational confidence… I know that when I got the car to do it, I can be the best,” he said, emphasizing his impeccable self-confidence.

Beyond his driving duties, Hamlin juggles roles as a JGR driver, team co-owner of 23XI Racing and podcast host, notably of “Actions Detrimental.” Despite these commitments and ongoing legal battles involving his team, such as 23XI Racing’s lawsuit against NASCAR filed last year accusing them of monopolistic practices, Hamlin’s focus remains unwavering. As his team owner, Joe Gibbs noted, “Denny has always kind of had a lot going on… I haven’t seen anything like that in him. I think he’s been on it.” ​

Hamlin’s ability to compartmentalize and thrive amidst challenges speaks to his resilience. As he continues to evolve within the sport, his blend of talent and tenacity ensures that, love him or loathe him, Denny Hamlin remains an indelible figure in NASCAR’s narrative. Do you think he can silence his critics and lift the Cup Series Championship this year? Let us know in the comments!