Denny Hamlin illustrates challenge Iowa re-pave presents after practice session

Denny Hamlin is looking to bounce back in a big way this weekend, with the NASCAR Cup Series headed to Iowa Speedway on Sunday.

Last weekend, engine failure ruined Hamlin’s afternoon at Sonoma Raceway before it could truly ever begin. Now, with the Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol on the docket, the veteran wheelman is looking for his fourth win of the 2024 campaign.

However, the storylines out of Iowa Speedway haven’t exactly been all positive, as much has been made about the re-pave the track underwent ahead of NASCAR’s arrival. Speaking with FOX’s Bob Pockrass, Hamlin gave his thoughts on the matter, and how it could affect Sunday’s race.

“Yeah, you know, we didn’t do any mock research or anything like that, so I don’t know how the gearing necessarily is. That’s a big factor, if you’re going to have wheel spin, on this type of track. My guess is you probably will, so certainly, there’s going to be a few rows that’ll have an advantage, being on the top,” Hamlin responded. “… There’s a balance to it, right? I think that the bottom lane is the preferred lane, but the top lane will be the good launch, so I think it’s going to be a mixed bag, of what works for you.”

Evidently, Hamlin still has his fans for this weekend, even if there’s much uncertainty regarding Iowa Speedway. Kevin Harvick actually predicted the No. 11 to find victory lane on Sunday evening, amid his recent struggles.

Alas, time will tell if Denny Hamlin can brave the re-pave, and get the win in Iowa. It’ll certainly be a memorable weekend regardless though.

Elton Sawyer, NASCAR on how Iowa repave will affect weekend

Moreover, heading into the first NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway ever, fans and drivers are concerned with the new repave. Only a portion of the track received new pavement and it has been controversial, to say the least. 

NASCAR going back to Iowa Speedway is a win for everyone. This is not going to be the largest crowd that has ever been to a race. However, you will have a sellout and enthusiasm unlike many tracks on the schedule today. 

Evidently, NASCAR is claiming that there were weather issues that wouldn’t allow them to repave the entire track. They couldn’t do it back in February and March because of the cold weather. Then there wasn’t enough time once it thawed to do an entire repave. 

Instead, there is this “Frankenstein” looking patchwork. It’s more than patchwork but short of a full repave. 

“The one thing that over time with this facility — obviously the winters are hard in Iowa,” Senior Vice President of Competition Elton Sawyer said, via NASCAR.com. “It took a toll on the surface. Our goal all along, as we announced this race back in October of last year, was to not repave. 

“As we started scheduling events, whether it be a tire test and looking at the facility, once we got into the early part of the calendar this year, it was apparent there were some areas we were going to have to take a look at and do some repaving.”

Since being built in 2006, Iowa Speedway had not been repaved. Now it has this strange thing going on. Regardless, NASCAR still hopes to put on a good show at Iowa. We’ll see if they’re able to get the job done.

On3’s Jonathan Howard contributed to this article.