The sheer adrenaline of NASCAR – high-speed chases, heart-pounding overtakes, and relentless competition – has fans on the edge of their seats every race weekend. But this season, Denny Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing are not just participating; they're absolutely crushing it, setting records that make you wonder if anyone can catch up. Buckle up, because we're diving into some eye-opening stats that prove why Hamlin might just be the unstoppable force of the track right now.
NASCAR thrives on raw speed and hard data, and in the opening 33 races, Hamlin and his Joe Gibbs Racing squad have consistently ranked among the elite in nearly every category you can measure. Statistician Daniel Cespedes recently shared a treasure trove of insights that highlight just how Hamlin has owned the season so far. To help beginner fans grasp this, let's break it down: these metrics often look at how drivers perform when paired up on the track, measuring things like laps led in specific positions – essentially, how much time they spend dominating at the front.
For instance, consider the pairings where two drivers are frequently running in the top two spots together. When Hamlin teams up with Kyle Larson, it's Larson who edges out with 299 laps led in first place, while Hamlin clocks in at just 61 laps, adding up to a combined 360 laps of intense racing. It's a classic showdown, but the numbers tell a story of Larson taking the lead more often.
Now, switch gears to Hamlin's teammate at Joe Gibbs Racing, Christopher Bell, and the picture shifts dramatically. Here, Hamlin shines as the clear leader in those 1-2 finishes, racking up 237 laps in the pole position compared to Bell's 98, totaling 335 laps. This isn't just about speed; it's about strategic driving and team synergy that keeps Hamlin ahead. And for a quick primer for newcomers: these 'laps led' count the moments a driver is out front, dictating the pace and forcing others to chase.
But here's where it gets controversial – is Hamlin's edge purely talent, or does having such a powerhouse team like Joe Gibbs Racing give him an unfair advantage over rivals? Some fans argue it's pure skill, while others point to the backing of a top outfit. What do you think? Does this make the sport more exciting or less fair?
We’re far from finished with Hamlin’s highlights. Pair him with another Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Chase Briscoe, and Briscoe takes the top spot for 214 laps when Hamlin is close behind in second (Hamlin himself led for 67 laps), culminating in 281 total laps of head-to-head action. It’s a testament to the team's depth and how they push each other to the limit.
Hamlin doesn't back down against top competition either. Against Hendrick Motorsports rival Chase Elliott, Hamlin dominates the 1-2 order, leading 131 laps in first while Elliott follows in second for 104 laps, for a grand total of 235 laps. Throw in another Hendrick driver, William Byron, and Hamlin still claims the lead with 57 laps in first as Byron trails in second, totaling 206 laps. For racing rookies, understanding these pairings means recognizing how drivers interact on the track – it's like chess on wheels, where positioning can make or break a race.
And this is the part most people miss – let’s zoom in on intermediate tracks, those thrilling circuits between one and two miles in length. Here, Hamlin sweeps the board with unmatched consistency. He's the standout leader in terms of percentage of laps run in the top 3, the only driver surpassing 40% of his laps led while holding those elite positions. Picture this: while others struggle to stay competitive, Hamlin is consistently at the front, setting a blistering pace that leaves competitors scrambling.
Climbing higher, in the top 5, Hamlin joins William Byron as one of just two drivers exceeding 50% laps led. In the top 10, it's again Hamlin and Byron leading the pack, each surpassing 70% of laps in that range. And in the top 20, Hamlin stands alone, logging over 90% of his laps within that group. This dominance on intermediate tracks isn't accidental – it showcases Hamlin's adaptability and precision, making it a hot topic: could this be a blueprint for future champions, or is it just a fluke of the season?
The final metric dives into the sheer volume of laps held in key positions across the board. Hamlin claims the most laps in second place with an impressive 1,009 laps and third place with 811 laps, proving he's not just a leader but a relentless competitor. Meanwhile, Kyle Larson leads the field in total laps in first place with 1,100 laps, highlighting how different strengths can define a driver's legacy.
For deeper dives into these fascinating stats – even if Hamlin isn't your go-to driver – check out the embedded links from Daniel Cespedes. They'll give you more context and perhaps change your perspective on the numbers game in NASCAR.
About the author
Jerry Bonkowski
Jerry Bonkowski brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned sportswriter, having dedicated his career to some of the world's premier media platforms, including a 15-year stint at USA Today, over four years at ESPN.com, nearly five years at Yahoo Sports, and eight years at NBCSports.com, among others. His coverage spans nearly every major professional and collegiate sport, from the Chicago Bulls' historic six NBA titles (with a special emphasis on Michael Jordan's era-defining performances) to the Chicago Bears' triumphant Super Bowl XX run, the World Series victories of the Chicago White Sox and Cubs, two of the Chicago Blackhawks' NHL championships, and Tiger Woods' groundbreaking PGA Tour debut. Plus, he spent years as a beat reporter for the NFL, MLB, NHL, and NBA at USA Today.
Yet, Jerry's true passion lies in motorsports, where he's extensively covered NASCAR, IndyCar, NHRA drag racing, and Formula One. His love affair with racing began as a young fan watching drag races at the legendary U.S. 30 Dragstrip in Hobart, Indiana – fondly known as 'Where the Great Ones Run!' Over the decades, he's reported on countless races and title chases in these thrilling series. Jerry even authored a book in 2010, 'Trading Paint: 101 Great NASCAR Debates,' and he's eager to embark on his next writing adventure soon.
Beyond journalism, Jerry served as a sworn part-time police officer for two decades, and he finds joy in reading, listening to 'hair band' music from the 1980s and 1990s, playing his electric keyboard, enjoying spirited drives, and cherishing time with his wife Cyndee (married for nearly 40 years), their three grown children, and three grandchildren – with more little ones on the way! He also dotes on his three dogs, including two German Shepherds and an Olde English Bulldog who fancies himself a Shepherd.
Jerry still gets that same rush from seeing his name in print as he did back when he started in journalism at age 15. He's thrilled to craft countless more stories for TheSportsRush.com and engage with readers like you.
So, with such jaw-dropping dominance, is Denny Hamlin's run sustainable, or will rivals close the gap? Does his success highlight the magic of teamwork, or is there something more divisive at play? Share your opinions in the comments – do you agree Hamlin is untouchable, or disagree? Let's debate!
