In the high-octane world of motorsports, every minute detail can be the deciding factor between victory and defeat. NASCAR Cup Series veteran, Denny Hamlin, understands this better than most. Despite a career glistening with accolades and a wealth of experience, he is not one to rest on his laurels, always on the lookout for innovative strategies to gain an edge over his competitors.
One such strategy caught Hamlin’s eye during the 2025 Straight Talk Wireless 400, where he was left in the dust by Ross Chastain at Martinsville, costing him a coveted Championship 4 spot. The incident served as a stark reminder of the crucial yet often overlooked skills that can make or break a race.
Interestingly, Hamlin found inspiration from an unlikely source, Carson Hocevar, a young and somewhat controversial figure on the NASCAR grid. Hocevar has recently been under the spotlight for his aggressive driving style, causing a stir with seasoned drivers like Ryan Blaney, Ross Chastain, and Kyle Busch. Yet, despite his contentious reputation, Hamlin observed that Hocevar’s unique approach to racing is something that his peers on the Cup Series grid could learn from.
Hamlin’s admiration for Hocevar’s strategy was on full display at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. Despite starting the race in 23rd place, Hamlin found himself in awe of Hocevar’s ability to make the most of a tricky situation. The young driver began the race in 15th place, and while neither driver managed to crack the top 10 in the initial stage, Hocevar’s strategy quickly turned heads.
According to Hamlin, Hocevar’s genius lay in his decision to pit and then deliberately drive at a slower pace to avoid getting lapped before a caution. This strategy, while simple, was effective in gaining track positions, something that Hocevar, and he alone, seemed to exploit during the race.
This strategy bore fruit when Carson Hocevar secured the ninth spot by the end of Stage 2, resulting in a gain of 2 points. Hamlin was impressed, questioning why more drivers don’t employ this method. Unfortunately, Hocevar’s run was cut short due to mechanical issues, leading to an early retirement and a P37 finish.
Hamlin himself had a roller coaster of a race at Homestead-Miami. Despite a 31-race winless streak, he showcased his mettle by battling it out with the likes of Alex Bowman and Kyle Larson for the lead. However, a tactical error during a pit stop saw Larson take the lead, and despite Hamlin’s best efforts, he ended the race in fifth place.
In retrospect, Hamlin acknowledged his error during the closing laps of the race but also took solace from his performance. Starting from the 23rd position and finishing in the top five is no small feat. And although he missed out on a potential victory, Hamlin and his Joe Gibbs Racing team walked away with valuable insights and a renewed determination for future races.
With the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville on the horizon, Hamlin is hopeful. He has a strong track record at Martinsville, with five Cup Series victories to his name. Will this be the race where Hamlin breaks his winless streak? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, it’s clear that Hamlin’s appetite for learning and his ability to draw inspiration from unexpected sources are what make him a formidable contender on the NASCAR grid. As the veteran driver continues to navigate the competitive world of motorsports, he serves as a reminder that the road to success often involves stepping out of one’s comfort zone and embracing new strategies.