Dale Earnhardt Jr. has noticed significant change in Denny Hamlin's approach to racing
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been noticing a significant change in Denny Hamlin’s racing style, and he thinks he knows what’s causing it.
As Hamlin gets up there in age, he’s dangerously close to passing Mark Martin as the greatest NASCAR driver who’s never won a championship. Earnhardt believes that will to win is driving Hamlin to drive more aggressively than ever, leading to altercations like he’s had this season with Chase Elliott during the Coke 600, and Kyle Larson last Sunday at Pocono.
“For the last two and a half years or however long Denny’s been getting run over and crying about it, and not doing nothing, it’s sort of changed a little bit,” explained the NASCAR Hall of Famer, via the Dale Jr. Download. “Seems like he’s doing something, right? My question is, is that the difference maker in Denny becoming a champion or not? Him changing that mentality in his head, and saying, ‘Instead of being run over, I’m going to do the running over. Instead of being everybody’s punching bag, I’m going to — I’m going to be the one swinging.’
“Is that change in mentality, which is certainly a different style than we usually see from Denny, is that going to, will that make a difference for him this year? Because that’s everybody’s — when you go on Twitter, that’s everything you read. ‘Guy ain’t never won a championship, guy ain’t never won a championship.’”
Alas, Hamlin’s done just about everything you can do in NASCAR, aside from standing tall at the end of the season. He’s come close in multiple playoff formats, and has been part of the final four during NASCAR’s final weekend multiple times, but he’s never been able to bring home the bacon.
At 42-years-old, Hamlin’s chances to capture the long elusive title are slipping away with each failed season. He’s not making any new fans due to his racing style, but it’d likely all be worth it if he’s finally able to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
Regardless, Hamlin isn’t going anywhere, as he’s entered the ownership game with 23XI Racing. While his driving record speaks for itself, Hamlin could go from great to legendary if he adds a title to his collection.
Sometimes one championship is all the difference. Hamlin is likely already a NASCAR Hall of Famer, with his 50 victories, but hoisting that trophy at the end of the season would put the perfect cap on his career. Time will tell if his new driving styles gets him there, but it’s worth a shot.