“Not a Good Mix”: Denny Hamlin Questions NASCAR’s Track Choices by Citing Reference to One of the Most “Perfect Road Courses”

The 2023 NASCAR Cup race at the Circuit of The Americas left many fans divided. This was largely due to the quality of race craft on display at the track. On the positive side of things, the attendance figures at COTA were very impressive, to say the least. It also helped that there was a star-studded line-up consisting of an IMSA champion and two ex-F1 champions. Though several fans and experts have complained about the race, Denny Hamlin revealed that he liked the race track and the atmosphere.

Talking on his Actions Detrimental podcast, Joe Gibbs Racing‘s veteran mentioned, “I thought it was great racing at the race track this weekend with all three series. I thought the crowd on Sunday was good, they certainly showed up. You saw them all over the grassy knolls, which was good. There was plenty of places to sit and watch that race. Great atmosphere for sure, love the facilities there.”

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Denny Hamlin had one of the best compliments to give to COTA

Denny Hamlin confessed that he quite liked the COTA circuit. He compared the F1 track to the other road courses that the NASCAR Cup paddock visits over the season. According to the #11 driver, the 3.426-mile track boasts overtaking hotspots, technical areas, and long straights. He even acknowledged the increased fan attendance for the race weekend, which was greatly appreciated by all stakeholders.

He continued, “Circuit of the Americas is like one of the perfect road courses. It’s got a lot of passing zones and it’s also got a lot of technical areas in it.

“Like between turns 13 and 16, that’s like a very technical Sonoma sweeping-corners-type feel.

“Then you’ve got a mix of Road America, long straightaways at this race track as well. That’s what makes the difference in great road courses like COTA and Road America versus tracks like the parking lot at the Roval. It’s just not a good mix there.”

Unfortunately, Hamlin was caught up in a few shenanigans during the race, so he could only muster 16th. Not exactly ideal for the NASCAR veteran, but he can surely redeem himself in the coming races.

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