Denny Hamlin Eyes Historic Three-Peat at Bristol Motor Speedway

Denny Hamlin, a seasoned NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), is on the brink of making history at the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway. With four career victories at the high-banked, half-mile concrete oval—dubbed “The Last Great Colosseum”—Hamlin is poised to secure his third consecutive win in the NASCAR Cup Series, a feat that would further cement his legacy in the sport.

Momentum Heading into Bristol

Hamlin enters Bristol with back-to-back victories at Martinsville Speedway and Darlington Raceway. These wins have not only showcased his dominance on short tracks but also highlighted his growing synergy with new crew chief Chris Gayle. If Hamlin triumphs this weekend, he will become the first driver in the Next Gen era to achieve three consecutive wins since his JGR teammate Christopher Bell accomplished it earlier this season.

Track Record and Challenges

Bristol has been a stronghold for Hamlin, especially in the Gen 7 era, where he has claimed two victories and two top-10 finishes (excluding dirt races). His mastery of short tracks, honed during his early racing days in South Boston and Martinsville, gives him a competitive edge. However, Hamlin remains cautious about overconfidence. Reflecting on past races, he remarked, “I try not to psych myself out too much about it because I think you sometimes put so much emphasis on those types of situations, and then you end up making silly mistakes”.

This year’s race presents unique challenges. Tire wear has been a critical factor at Bristol, with Goodyear tires wearing out after just 45-50 laps during green-flag runs in previous races. The track’s concrete surface has also proven unpredictable, with marbles from worn tires accumulating in the corners and making higher lanes treacherous. Despite these obstacles, Hamlin’s tire management skills have historically set him apart from competitors.

A Shot at History

A win at Bristol would not only mark Hamlin’s 57th Cup Series victory but also make him the all-time winningest driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, surpassing Kyle Busch’s record of 56 wins. This achievement would elevate Hamlin into an elite category within NASCAR history.

Beyond individual accolades, Hamlin’s potential three-peat underscores his enduring competitiveness at age 44. As he approaches his 400th consecutive Cup Series start, Hamlin remains focused on maximizing opportunities: “It’s another great opportunity to win another race. If it just so happens that it is three in a row, that would be awesome and certainly a very proud moment in my career”.

Competition to Watch

While Hamlin is the favorite heading into the Food City 500, he faces stiff competition from drivers like Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, and Kyle Busch—each capable of challenging for victory. Larson and Martin Truex Jr., who are tied for the series lead after Bristol practice sessions, are particularly formidable opponents.

Conclusion

Denny Hamlin’s pursuit of a historic three-peat at Bristol represents more than just another race—it’s a testament to his skill, resilience, and dedication to NASCAR over two decades. With favorable track conditions predicted and his expertise in tire management well-documented, all eyes will be on Hamlin as he attempts to etch his name deeper into NASCAR lore. Whether he succeeds or not, this weekend promises to deliver thrilling action at one of NASCAR’s most storied venues.