Denny Hamlin doing his homework to stay on top of NASCAR heading into Coca-Cola 600

Denny Hamlin was so bothered by his middling performance at Dover Motor Speedway 12 years ago that he saw a sports psychologist to restore his faith. After winning the NASCAR All-Star Race for his third consecutive victory at the 1-mile track, he spoke with the confidence to conquer any oval in the Cup Series. “It’s very weird and unique at this point in my career that I’m in this place,” the 45-year-old Hamlin said.

“But if we’re going to a track that turns left, I expect to win every single week. ” Next up for the 21-year veteran is the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and the oldest driver on the circuit will be among the favorites for the longest race in NASCAR. Points leader Tyler Reddick and Chase Elliott also are expected to be strong in the 600-mile event, but their combined total of 21 Cup starts at the track in Concord, North Carolina, is dwarfed by Hamlin’s career total of 34.

“I think my experience is carrying me more now than ever,” the Joe Gibbs Racing driver said. Coming off his second All-Star Race victory, Hamlin seems primed for a second Coke 600 win at Charlotte, which is one of seven 1. 5-mile tracks that play host to a combined 11 races this season.

In the past three races on 1. 5-mile speedways, Hamlin has a win (at Las Vegas Motor Speedway ), a second (behind Elliott at Texas Motor Speedway) and a fourth (Kansas Speedway, where he dominated until a late caution allowed Reddick to snatch an overtime win). The marathon race at Charlotte will be more consequential as a 2026 title predictor.