Denny Hamlin dedicates ‘Flying 11’ car to Roy Hendrick at Darlington
This weekend at Darlington, Denny Hamlin is honoring one of his childhood heroes and a racing icon, Roy Hendrick. Hendrick was a Virginia racer who dominated over the years at tracks like Southside Speedway, where Hamlin grew up before he was a NASCAR driver.
Of course, the Hendricks were famous for their Flying 11. Their No. 11 numeral was surrounded by a circle with a wing coming off the back. It became an unmistakable part of Roy Hendrick and his persona.
Denny Hamlin has had a Flying 11 scheme in the past. He brings it back this week after the passing of Roy Hendrick. There are legends like Roy at short tracks all over the country. It’s nice to see Hamlin honoring the late racer.
“The Flying 11 returns. This one’s for Roy Hendrick. We miss you.”
Denny Hamlin, like him or hate him, is a historian of the sport. When it comes to his home state, he understands how important figures like Roy Hendrick were. That entire family, starting with Roy’s father, dedicated their lives to racing.
Hamlin is going into Darlington with hopes of winning. Practice times tell us that he is going to be in contention if there are lots of green flag runs. But it won’t be so easy. In fact, Hamlin is likely going to have to beat his own two drivers if he wants to walk away with the checkered flag on Sunday.
Denny Hamlin has work to do on Sunday
So, the good news for Denny Hamlin is that his practice times were solid. His times showed that he was one of the best cars in multi-lap runs. The bad news is that the Flying 11 is going to start from Row 7.
While P14 isn’t the worst starting position ever, it’s not ideal. Hamlin could easily find himself in an early wreck if he’s in that position for too long. It also just makes it that much more difficult to get stage points and get track position for Stage 2 and Stage 3.
Hamlin’s 23XI Racing teams are in great position. Bubba Wallace, who might have to win to make the NASCAR Playoffs, is on the pole. Tyler Reddick is going to start P6 on Sunday. He is in position to clinch the regular season championship.
Denny Hamlin wants to win another Southern 500. He has three already, his last coming in 2021 before the Next Gen car. If he wants to get the Flying 11 in Victory Lane, then he will more than likely have to take down his own drivers to do it. Lots of drama in the Cup Series for tomorrow.