Denny Hamlin is a three-time Daytona 500 winner, a driver widely regarded as one of NASCAR’s greatest superspeedway racers. But according to Hamlin himself, that reputation isn’t as deserved as many think—at least in the Next-Gen era.
Ahead of the 2025 Daytona 500, the Joe Gibbs Racing veteran didn’t sugarcoat the reality of his superspeedway struggles.
“I’ve run here 40 times, and I’ve won three. Yet they’re like, ‘Man, you’re so good at this track.’ I’ve lost like 37 times!”
Despite a stellar record at Daytona and Talladega in previous generations of NASCAR stock cars, Hamlin admits that since the introduction of Next-Gen cars in 2022, his performances have taken a nosedive.
🚨 His brutal assessment?
“The stats don’t lie. In the Next-Gen era, it’s been horrendous. The finishes have been really, really bad.”
What’s Wrong with Hamlin’s Superspeedway Racing in Next-Gen Cars?
Hamlin built his superspeedway success on a hard-charging, aggressive strategy—never lifting, always making moves, and keeping the pack on edge. But that approach no longer works in the Next-Gen car era.
🚨 What changed?
🔹 Fuel-saving is now a critical factor—forcing drivers to be patient and conserve, rather than go all-out for track position.
🔹 Drafting dynamics are different, making aggressive moves riskier and less effective.
🔹 The pack now forms differently, requiring a more calculated approach to advancing through the field.
Hamlin openly admitted that he has struggled to adapt:
“What I’ve been good at in the previous generation cars—going all out, wide open—that’s not working anymore. When they start forming at the top, I’m going to the bottom. I want to keep this thing going. But now, with fuel saving and all this stuff… that’s not my forte.”
Can Hamlin Fix His Superspeedway Struggles in Time for the 2025 Daytona 500?
Hamlin knows what’s wrong—but he’s still searching for the solution.
“I’m learning, I have to be better at it. But I haven’t figured it out yet.”
With Daytona just around the corner, the big question remains: Can he adjust his driving style and break his Next-Gen superspeedway slump?
One thing is certain—if Hamlin figures it out, the No. 11 Toyota will be a major threat on Sunday.
