Denny Hamlin’s success at Kansas Speedway in the Next Gen era is nothing short of remarkable. Consistency is a rare achievement in NASCAR, especially with the unpredictability of race conditions, competition, and mechanical factors. Yet, Hamlin has managed to carve out a streak at Kansas that rivals some of the most dominant performances in the sport’s history. Since the Next Gen car was introduced in 2022, Hamlin has competed in five races at Kansas, finishing in the top 5 every single time. His results speak volumes about his mastery of the track, with finishes of 5th, 2nd, 1st, 2nd, and 4th. Such consistency at one track is no small feat, especially in the modern era of NASCAR, where parity has been emphasized and no team or driver can take anything for granted.
As Hamlin heads into the first race of the Round of 12 playoffs this weekend, it’s hard to overlook his stellar track record at Kansas. Naturally, this has led to questions about what exactly makes Kansas such a perfect fit for Hamlin’s driving style. When asked to explain his success, Hamlin pointed to his ability to adapt and be versatile on a track that allows for multiple racing lines. One of the keys, according to Hamlin, is the ability to maintain speed in different lanes, not just running fast near the wall but being able to pass cars while running low.
“Certainly, everyone can run fast when they go up by the wall, but can you run fast when you actually have to pass someone and have to go down low?” Hamlin stated, acknowledging the importance of versatility in his success. He credited both his skillset and the capability of his car in adapting to the unique challenges presented by Kansas. “The versatility of our car over the last few years is really what’s made us excel, and just the momentum-based type of racing that we have on these mile-and-a-halves. It seems like I’ve adapted to that type of style,” Hamlin said. This speaks to a deeper understanding of the track, where drivers need not just speed, but the ability to switch strategies and execute clean passes.
Hamlin’s praise of Kansas Speedway goes beyond his personal success at the track. When asked about the possibility of Kansas replacing Phoenix Raceway as the venue for the NASCAR Championship finale, Hamlin didn’t hesitate to express his thoughts. The NASCAR championship race, traditionally held at Homestead Miami from 2004 to 2019, shifted to Phoenix Raceway in 2020. Since then, Phoenix has hosted the season finale for five consecutive years. However, the decision to place the sport’s most important race at Phoenix hasn’t exactly won over the hearts of all fans or drivers. There’s been a steady rumble of dissatisfaction surrounding Phoenix’s suitability to decide a champion, with some questioning whether the track truly delivers a championship-worthy performance.
Earlier this year, Hamlin added fuel to the fire of this debate. On his podcast Actions Detrimental, Hamlin hinted at his skepticism regarding Phoenix’s hold on the championship race. He suggested that financial incentives, rather than the quality of racing, may play a role in Phoenix continuing to host the season finale. Hamlin speculated, “It sounds like, to me, that Phoenix is paying NASCAR.” His comment echoed sentiments from both drivers and fans that Phoenix, a short track, doesn’t necessarily showcase the kind of dramatic racing that should befit a championship-deciding race.
As the playoffs now head into Kansas for another critical race, Hamlin was once again asked if Kansas could be a better option than Phoenix for the championship finale. In typical Hamlin fashion, he gave a thoughtful answer. “Yeah, it certainly, from a driver’s standpoint, from a competition standpoint, it seems like it puts on some of the best racing that we have,” Hamlin said, acknowledging the competitive nature of Kansas. He further added that while mile-and-a-half tracks have been producing some great races in the Next Gen era, Kansas still manages to stand out among the rest. The track’s unique characteristics, including its multi-lane racing, offer a dynamic challenge that many drivers appreciate.
But Hamlin also tempered his endorsement of Kansas, acknowledging that the NASCAR championship format, with its “one race winner-take-all” structure, adds a different kind of pressure. Hamlin joked that his preference for Kansas might be biased, given his own success there. Even so, he pointed out that there are numerous factors that go into deciding the host track for the championship finale, and while Kansas may be a great track for competition, other considerations—such as location, fan turnout, and corporate interests—also play a part.
In the end, while Hamlin may not have the final say in where NASCAR crowns its champion, his dominance at Kansas certainly makes a strong case for the track. As he looks to continue his incredible streak at Kansas and push deeper into the playoffs, Hamlin’s performance on Sunday could further underscore why Kansas deserves more recognition as one of the sport’s premier tracks. Whether or not it ever replaces Phoenix as the championship venue remains to be seen, but Hamlin’s consistency there is a reminder of how crucial this track is to the current landscape of NASCAR.
