NASCAR superstar Denny Hamlin has never been shy about his love for short-track racing. Hamlin’s commitment to the grassroots level of the sport was evident when he launched his charity event, the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown in 2008. The event was a melting pot of NASCAR’s most prominent names and local short-track racers, working together to raise funds for the Denny Hamlin Cystic Fibrosis Research Lab at VCU’s Children’s Hospital.
The event found its roots at Southside Speedway, a track that holds sentimental value for Hamlin as it’s located in his hometown. Although the race shifted to different tracks over the years and eventually ceased in 2018 due to rising costs and logistical issues, the spirit of short-track racing at Southside Speedway is set to return.
The revival of Southside Speedway is being led by Competitive Racing Investments (CRI), spearheaded by Lin O’Neill and Jeff Oakley. While Hamlin wasn’t directly involved in the project, he expressed his excitement for the track’s revival, despite rumors of fallout.
Hamlin was candid about his disappointment regarding his non-involvement in the project. Yet, he maintained an optimistic outlook, lauding O’Neill and his team’s efforts. He expressed his eagerness to witness the revival of the track he once dominated, even though he had previously stated he would not be investing in the project.
Hamlin’s association with Southside Speedway is more than just a professional one. It’s on this 0.33-mile short oval where Hamlin honed his racing skills, eventually catching the eye of NASCAR scouts. He voiced his excitement to race again at the iconic track once he retires from NASCAR.
The revival of Southside Speedway is not just about restoring a track, but reviving a legacy. The track, once known as the “Toughest Short Track in the South,” is set to undergo significant renovations, with plans to transform it into a multi-purpose venue for weekly races, concerts, and other events.
The news of Southside Speedway’s revival marks a triumphant return for O’Neill, who had previously been banned from the track in 2013 due to a dispute with the previous owner.
As for Hamlin, his focus remains on the current NASCAR Cup Series, where he races under Joe Gibbs Racing. The team recently secured a major sponsorship deal with Progressive Insurance for 18 races in 2025, filling the void left by FedEx’s departure at the end of the 2024 season.
The partnership with Progressive Insurance comes at a crucial time for Hamlin, following the loss of FedEx’s sponsorship. However, with the new sponsorship and a successful track record at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Hamlin seems poised for a strong season.
As the season unfolds, Hamlin will undoubtedly be looking to add to his impressive tally of three wins and three pole awards at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. However, he will have to contend with teammate Christopher Bell, who has already secured three wins in just five races this season.
While Hamlin’s plans for Southside Speedway remain uncertain, his love for short-track racing and his eagerness to return to the sport after retirement are clear. Whether this will transpire in a return to his beloved Southside Speedway, only time will tell.
