Denny Hamlin’s victory at Chicagoland in 2015 is still a highlight for many fans. As NASCAR prepares to return to the Illinois track this July, Hamlin shared his thoughts on what to expect from the race and the upcoming tire test.
Before the actual competition, Hamlin will take part in a Goodyear tire test on April 21. This event was planned with the knowledge that the sport hasn’t held a race at Chicagoland since 2019. Over the years, significant changes have occurred, including the introduction of the NextGen car in 2022. However, Hamlin doesn’t believe these changes will give any driver a major advantage.
“A third of the field hasn’t seen it. I don’t know if it’s an advantage. The advantage comes from having the track time,” said Hamlin. “We’re going to be going out there, probably blowing dust off the thing for a few days.”
The Chicagoland track has been out of use for a long time, which means it will likely be dirty and lack grip. In such conditions, real-time practice becomes more important than past experience.
Hamlin isn’t the only one preparing for the test. Kyle Larson from HMS and Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney will also participate, giving three of the top five-ranked drivers some track time ahead of the race.
Despite the uncertainty, Hamlin believes the test will provide valuable insights. He mentioned that the teams representing other manufacturers will be competitors, and he expects to face them on race day.
While Hamlin is focused on the present and the results of the test, his past success at Chicagoland continues to build excitement among fans.
Denny Hamlin’s Chicagoland Track Record
In terms of race starts at Chicagoland, Hamlin and his former teammate, Kyle Busch, hold the record with 13 starts each. Although the two have had their share of rivalry off the track, Hamlin maintains a strong position over the rest of the grid.
Even though he acknowledges that there may not be a significant advantage, Hamlin is confident in his track record.
“There is some sort of advantage knowing that I have run well there, have won there, and know what a car needs to feel like at that track,” he said.
Currently, Busch is struggling, having not won a race in the last three years. Meanwhile, Hamlin remains in good form, with a win this season and six consecutive finishes within the top 11.
His performance at Chicagoland is also impressive. In 13 starts, he has four top-ten finishes, including two top-five finishes. One of those wins came in a dramatic race where he started 29th, spun on lap 2, and still managed to win in 2015.
What Lies Ahead?
As the racing community looks forward to the return of NASCAR to Chicagoland, the question remains: Will Denny Hamlin be able to recreate his golden moments at the speedway? Fans are eager to see how the new cars and track conditions will affect the competition.
