Denny Hamlin Reveals the Key to Cup Success As the “Cars Are Closer Than They’ve Ever Been”

Since the introduction of the Next-Gen cars, the competition among the Cup teams have become closer than ever. While some veterans found it hard to earn wins after losing pace advantage, JGR’s Denny Hamlin is dominating alongside the young guns of the sport. He has won 15 races since 2022 and at the age 45 is still among the favorite to win the title.

After his most recent win, last Sunday at Nashville, the veteran was asked about his performance and the support pace advantage the Toyota’s has in the 2026 season. He admitted that the competition is closer than ever, but TRD cars does have small pace advantage, but it isn’t enough to outpace the rivals unlike in the past.

The cars are closer than they’ve ever been. Now, no doubt that the Toyotas in general have a little more speed. When I say a little, it’s nothing like the gap that it used to be when you could build your own cars and you had a new chassis every six weeks. I mean, you could outpace someone with your car speed.

Denny Hamlin said after Nashville race.

Well Denny Hamlin it has to do with the difference drivers make on the track. Later talking about his No:11 team, the veteran pointed out that their solid set-up and ability to adjust to situation during the race makes them front runners consistently.

So, I don’t know, the drivers play more of a factor now…Certainly, the process that we have on our 11 cars, I think, sets us apart from others. Then just I think it’s our ability to keep learning. This was a great example of it.

Denny Hamlin added via motorsport.com.

Further talking about the point, the Joe Gibbs Racing explained how he is approaching race week at the age of 45 and how he still runs upfront. He asserted that every week is the same process for him, as they play a key role in his success.

I don’t know why I still have the speed that I have but I just approach every weekend the same as I always have. I keep a large notebook every week, and I just go through it and I jot things down that I think are important that are going to make me win next time if I fail this time. I don’t know, I still — I love the process more than I love winning, truthfully.

Denny Hamlin asserted.

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Talking to Amazon Prime after the race, the veteran was asked about how he still performing on the same elite level as he was in his 20’s. He asserted that he is winning because he is one of the most studious racers out there, learning new things every time.

Um, you know, I just keep learning. I mean, you know, this is one. It’s been a while since I won a shootout like this, where I wasn’t leading. I don’t know when the last one was, but it’s been a while.

Denny Hamlin said.

The comments from the veteran racer are on point and shows how the extra effort behind the regarding learning about the track helps the racers to have an advantage in the Next-Gen era. It is something the young racers needs to learn from the veteran, if they want to have a Hall of Fame Cup career.

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