Can Denny Hamlin Make History at Bristol Motor Speedway?
Apr 11, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Denny Hamlin stands on the brink of greatness as he prepares for the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. With back-to-back victories at Martinsville Speedway and Darlington Raceway, Hamlin has the opportunity to secure three consecutive wins in the NASCAR Cup Series. This achievement would not only solidify his place in racing history but also mark a historic moment for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Achieving Triple Victory: Can Hamlin Deliver?
The stakes are high as Denny Hamlin aims to join an elite group of drivers who have achieved three consecutive wins in a single season. If successful, he will become the second driver from Joe Gibbs Racing to accomplish this feat after Christopher Bell. The last time multiple drivers recorded such streaks in one season was in 2018, with Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch, and Brad Keselowski each achieving triple victories.
Uncharted Territory for Joe Gibbs Racing
Joe Gibbs Racing entered the 2025 season after an 18-race losing streak but has since turned its fortunes around with five wins in the first eight races. A remarkable turnaround indeed, setting the stage for something unprecedented—two different drivers from the same team securing three straight wins within the same season. Despite their recent successes, Hamlin believes the team hasn't yet reached its full potential. "Last week was domination," he remarked, acknowledging that consistent performance rather than outright dominance has been key to their achievements.The team's ability to stay competitive consistently has been crucial. Hamlin emphasized the importance of patience during races where they don’t have a winning car. "Don’t stuff it in the fence trying to get second when third is a pretty good day because anything can happen," he advised. This strategic approach ensures they remain in contention until the end.
Hamlin’s Confidence in His Team
With the support of a strong pit crew and a well-performing car, Hamlin feels optimistic about returning to victory lane frequently this season. He expressed confidence in his team's ability to execute effectively even when starting with less favorable positions. "If we can win races where we have a seventh to tenth place car, I feel good about going out there and executing when we’ve got the best car," Hamlin stated. This outlook reflects both personal ambition and faith in his team's capabilities.Hamlin's next target could very well be Bristol Motor Speedway, where he triumphed last year. Known for its challenging concrete surface, Bristol suits Hamlin's driving style perfectly. Over his career, he has claimed four victories here, leading 1,199 laps—a testament to his mastery of the track. Notably, three of these wins have come in his last eight starts, showcasing improved performance with age.
Potential Beyond Three Consecutive Wins
Although Hamlin has never won three consecutive NASCAR Cup Series races before, securing this milestone at Bristol might pave the way for an even longer streak. Following Bristol, the series heads to Talladega Superspeedway, a venue where Hamlin excels. Despite being denied victory in the Daytona 500 due to a late crash, his prowess on superspeedways remains undeniable. With two wins at Talladega and three Daytona 500 titles, Hamlin is undeniably one of the greatest superspeedway racers in NASCAR history.In conclusion, while the immediate focus is on Bristol, success there could set the stage for further achievements. Fans eagerly anticipate whether Hamlin can extend his winning streak beyond three races, reinforcing his legacy as one of NASCAR's premier drivers.
