NASCAR Cup

Darlington: Denny Hamlin preview

Denny Hamlin: Darlington: "Darlington is definitely worthy of its place among the more difficult tracks we go to. It's a bit of throwback track and I think that's why it's respected so much. A lot of great drivers -- the legends in this sport - ...

Published: Jun 19, 2009, 7:53 PM

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Denny Hamlin:

Darlington: "Darlington is definitely worthy of its place among the more difficult tracks we go to. It's a bit of throwback track and I think that's why it's respected so much. A lot of great drivers -- the legends in this sport - raced and won here. It stands out as being really unique and probably seems more and more unique each year because so many of the tracks we go to share a lot of characteristics.

Not to mention, it's a tough track -- a demanding track, so you need to have a great car but you need to have a ton of focus there as well because it's so easy to get in trouble. The new surface changes things a little but it's still the same old Darlington."

The Famous Darlington Stripe: "That stripe is so easy to get. I guess it can be avoided but that's a big ask over 500 miles and then you start taking into account traffic, tire wear and anything else that can affect you. Darlington really rewards consistency.

If you can be consistent, and you have a fast car this can be a really fun place to race. We use to talk about not trying to beat the track at Darlington. You need to worry about getting your car right and beating the other cars -- you take what a track like Darlington gives you and go from there."

Expectations: "I really do look forward to going to Darlington. It's a track that I like and a track where we've run very well in the past. We've had a good season so far, so we're going to every track believing we can run well and that's know different this week. Darlington holds a special place in this sport and I have been fortunate to win poles and races there in the Nationwide Series. To have those memories at Darlington means a lot to me and I would really like to take this #11 Cup car to Victory Lane.

Also, Farm Bureau Insurance is a good partner of JGR and this weekend will be their first time on a Cup car. I had a great Farm Bureau Insurance Nationwide car last year that would have been tough to beat had we made the race, so it's great to have them onboard this weekend -- it would be nice to make that one up to them."

Mothers Day: "My mom was probably the biggest supporter of my career growing up. She was always behind me and willing to do whatever it took to help me keep growing as a driving. From the financial side of things -- which was huge -- to the driving here and there and spending long days and nights at the track. I know I wouldn't be here racing today if she hadn't been behind me 100%. And even today she's involved with the fan club and coming to as many races as she can. I am not sure I could ever thank her enough but I am pretty sure she knows how much I appreciate her."

Farm Bureau Insurance Racing:

Quick Facts:

* Denny Hamlin has seven starts at Darlington Raceway, three in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and four in the NASCAR Nationwide Series

* In his career, Denny Hamlin has collected three top-five and seven top-ten finishes at Darlington Raceway

* Denny Hamlin has two wins at Darlington Raceway, both in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (2006 & 2007)

* Denny Hamlin has two Coors Pole Awards, both in the NASCAR Nationwide Series at Darlington Raceway (2006 & 2007)

* Denny Hamlin's best career finish at Darlington Raceway in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series was 2nd in 2007

* Darlington Raceway: Career Starting Avg. 11.2 -- Career Finishing Avg. 5.2

* Denny Hamlin is currently 4th in the NSCS Standings

Chassis: No. 220

*Best Finish of 2009 was 6th at California; finished 3rd at Indianapolis and Richmond in 2008 (Fall Race)

-credit: jgr

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