NASCAR’s new tweaks on the short-track package haven’t been a huge success in 2024. The biggest complaints and criticism by the drivers and the experts have been the lack of passing opportunities and the competitive races. Denny Hamlin, like he usually does, had a few suggestions to NASCAR on how they could save the short-track racing.

1. Getting rid of excess shifting
2. Add in more tire wear
3. A bump in the horsepower

It looks like NASCAR has finally listened to the complaints and suggestions that did bring out the option tire at the All-Star race at North Wilkesboro. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out as planned, but a new tire compound for the Martinsville race in the playoffs is something that has got Hamlin excited.

Denny Hamlin applauds Goodyear for their efforts

Short-track racing is being overtaken by the road course races in the modern era of NASCAR. Richmond Raceway lost out on a date for the 2025 schedule to aid an international race. It looks like NASCAR isn’t too invested in improving the current issues with the sort of track race and has accepted the current fate of racing. But Goodyear hasn’t given up just yet and is planning to roll out a new tire.

The upcoming Martinsville playoff race will feature the softest tire compound at the track since the arrival of the Next Gen car. Specifically, the right-side tires will be the option tires used at the All-Star race, and Goodyear is bringing a softer tire for the left side. It is expected to bring in more tire wear, allowing race car drivers to decide the outcome of the race. And this move certainly plays into the hands of Denny Hamlin. Remember, the JGR driver was able to drive his way to victory lane in the fall race at Bristol, where tires did come into play.

“It was a thing when they were testing it; the only difference is certainly you’re going to have all those cars out there and it’s going to rubber up and the tire will go away somewhat, but I really applaud Goodyear to go out there and have the nerve to put this tire on in the playoffs. Certainly excited to see how that turns out.” Hamlin said this ahead of the Homestead race.

Other than Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski and Martin Truex Jr. were the two drivers who nailed the tire strategy at Bristol. But, apart from Hamlin, the two drivers aren’t active in the title race.

So you see this new tire plays right into Hamlin’s strengths if things did go south this weekend at Homestead. But the #11 team needs more than speed to be able to keep their title hopes alive.

The #11 pit crew needs to step their game up

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After having made it through the tough spell of the first few rounds, Denny Hamlin hasn’t been able to recreate the consistent run that he had in the regular season. The #11 pit crew did come in clutch for Hamlin to help him win the race at Richmond Raceway during the fall, but they have dropped the ball in the crucial playoff races.

Kansas and Vegas races were sought to be Hamlin’s turning moment in the playoffs, but the pit crew didn’t help his cause. The JGR ace is aware of the current woes but is optimistic about turning the tides in his favor and keeping his championship hopes alive. “Certainly we all go through these swells we’re not performing our best, and certainly the timing is not ideal right now, but every week is a new week, so certainly I feel optimistic going into this one; we’ve done the work in the week, and we’re going to hopefully perform at our best.”

With just two races to go in the Round of 8, Hamlin and the #11 team need to turn the corner for good. Mistakes and muck-ups are certainly something they cannot afford at this stage of the playoffs.