Denny Hamlin, Cup Series drivers struggle with grip at Bristol: 'I think someone pee-peed in the Goodyear rubber mixture'

Denny Hamlin and the rest of the Cup Series had quite a time getting used to the grip levels at Bristol during qualifying. However, Hamlin gave us a quote that will go down in NASCAR history.

When it comes to strange quotes and sayings, Denny Hamlin has had his fair share. In fact, he’s had good quotes in the past. Today at Bristol, was questionable. Funny, but questionable.

While everyone complained about the grip at Bristol, the rubber marbles and resin providing little help on qualifying laps, Hamlin was asked about it. The veteran driver gave an answer that was definitely not expected.

Who had this on their Bingo card? Who did Denny Hamlin lose a bet to? I just hope he gets asked about it later.

“I think someone pee-peed in the Goodyear rubber mixture I’m not really sure, but it’s definitely really different,” Hamlin told Jamie Little on FS1. “It’s kind of enjoyable because everyone is so out in left field right now. This is certainly different, to be the same tire. I’m not sure if the mixture of the resin or [inaudible], it’s thrown all of us for a loop here in the short-term.”

Denny Hamlin gave that puzzling answer and then laid down a quick lap. He locked into the final round to put himself at least in the top-10 for tomorrow’s Food City 500. Let’s just not ask him about the tires or anything anymore.

Denny Hamlin not the only driver with issues

It would honestly be easy to tell you which drivers didn’t get a little loose on the track in qualifying today. Everyone who tried to put down a second qualifying lap, with the exception of Kyle Larson, found themselves wiggling and losing grip.

Drivers were heard on the radio talking about how different the track was than in the fall.

“It’s a fine line,” another was heard by Davey Segal of SiriusXM.

“All of us feel out of control,” “Really weird conditions,” “If you slip just a little bit, you’re done.”

Quotes from various drivers from @PRNlive on the treacherous conditions in qualifying at Bristol:

"It's a lot different than last year"
"It's a fine line"
“All of us feel out of control.”
"Really weird conditions"
“If you slip just a little bit, you’re done"

— Davey Segal (@DaveyCenter) March 16, 2024

You could see it in Truck Series practice and qualifying a little bit. When those Cup cars hit the track though it was every man for themselves. If you didn’t stay stuck to that lower groove on the resin, say goodbye to your fast lap and maybe even your car.

This track is under the shade of a somewhat cloudy day in Bristol. Final round of qualifying will determine the pole winner and starting lineup for tomorrow’s Food City 500.