Denny Hamlin candidly admits he isn’t at the same level as Kyle Larson in running the high line

Racing close to the wall in ovals is necessary to dominate races in NASCAR.

Denny Hamlin candidly admits he isn’t at the same level as Kyle Larson in running the high line

Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson (Via IMAGO)

Denny Hamlin has admitted that he doesn’t rate him as a driver on the same level as Kyle Larson in running the high line. Hamlin is one of the most senior drivers on the grid and is the non-championship-winning driver with the most race wins. Larson, on the other hand, is one of the most dominant champions of the sport, who proved his worth in 2021, winning the title in his HMs debut year.

Hamlin and Larson share a fear rivalry on the track and are close friends. They both have always been apperceive of each other’s talent and skill. Before the Homestead Cup race, he was asked if he was on the same level as Larson in running the high line in ovals. A strong game while riding close to the wall is important in NASCAR.

YouTube video

The three times Daytona 500 winners claimed he is better than the average regarding tracks like Darlington, where running close to the wall is necessary. But he confirmed that some drivers like Larson are on another level. He highlighted their risk-taking mentality as the reason for their excellence.

FS Video
I’ve had some wins here, Darlington, and other tracks where you run the wall. I think I’m better than average, but not at the level that Kyle (Larson) and those guys are. They’re willing to take a level of risk than I am.
Hamlin said, as reported by Speedway Media.

Denny Hamlin explains his approach to running close to the wall

Hamlin pointed out that the risk-taking mentality often depends on the scenarios. The will to push more is a factor as well. The JGR driver pointed out that in his case, he manages risk differently and, most often, isn’t willing to fight for that extra inch.

kyle hamlin
Kyle Larson (Credits: IMAGO) and Denny Hamlin (Credits: trendradars.com)
It depends on the scenario as well. When you’re going down to the end of the race and need some spots, you’re willing to push it a little bit more. I just manage risk a little differently. I’m not willing to fight for that little extra inch there to gain a small bit more lap time. If I can gain that somewhere else, I’ll do that.

Going into Homestead this week, Larson secured his spot in the finale by winning last Sunday at Las Vegas. Hamlin is five points from the cut-off and needs either a win or back-to-back front raw finishes to secure his spot in the Phoenix finale race.

Discover: